"UNSPOILT MATERIAL"

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 134, 4 December 1930, Page 13

"UNSPOILT MATERIAL"

WORK AT KINDER GARTENS

Three students of Kindergarten work received their certificates', last evening at the annual graduation ceremony of the Wellington Kindergartens, which was held at the Masonic Hall. There were a large number of visitors. . Mrs. .W. E. president of the Free. Kindergarten Council,, who was in the chair, welcomed Mr. and Mrs. David Peacock, who have recently returned from a trip abroad. She congratulated the graduands, and encouraged others who have rot yet completed their course. The past year, she said, which had been a full one for the council and staff, had parked very successful progress, especially iv. the Education Department, which wa> under the directorship of Miss Enid Wilson. The council's responsibilities were increasing every year, so they hoped to get increased support from the public. -The gaining of the sympathy of public, and incidentally the finance 'to ciirry : on, was the most important objective of the council. A special tribute was due to the work of the secretary, Mrs. Dowsett. ' - Miss Enid Wilson, principal of the kindergartens, read the report of the year's work,.and said that the quality of' the .work was improving. Fourteen students had been in training, three of whom had now graduated, and nine had passed into 'their1 senior year. A thorough practical training was received by students, and a co'ursc of well-selected observation". visits had proved beneficial. Students wore now given, more . "responsible positions. Eurythmics . formed an additional sub:ject last year. ' Many trainees were promised for next year; and- there were several vacancies as'Miss-Lake, director of Berhampdre, and ■ Misses Logan and Petrie were-all-leaving this year. Miss,.Wilson, concluded by. congratulating'th'q students.,' .'.■'■';." ■'■ ■ Div Coj-kill spoke of the value of the Kindergarten's training of children from, a medical standpoint. He pointed out the country's interest in infant welfare and also in'the physical welfare of the school child, but stressed the necessity of' caring for the mental development ;of-the child from two 'to fivb: years'. . This gap was.filled by the Kindergarten teachings which brought out the individuality and allowed each child to express itself in an atmosphere of happiness and well-being. The growth of Kindergarten possibilities were by no means..exhausted. He felt that as a voluntary organisation it had achieved growth that could not .have been obtained..by a Government institution. He vouched-for the interest of the medical profession of Wellington in the work of the kindergartens. . ■ . ■ ■•■ . * - . Miss I. Wilson, principal of Queen Margaret's' College, who presented tho certificates, said that there was no more thrilling work than the ploughing of the furrows that some day were going to yield fruits. She thought that the Kindergarten teacher had really tho best time, as she worked with unspoilt material. She agreed with Miss Enid Wilson that, to be a good "Kindergartener" one needed almost superhuman powers, and also that the responsibilities were very great, as habits formed in early years were the most lasting. Miss Wilson then presented- certificates to Misses Mario Preshaw, Margaret Mo,ore, and Violet Wood,, each of whom also received a shoulder posy of roses. Bouquets were presented also to Mrs. Davidson, Miss Enid .Wilson, and Miss Irene Wilson. Mrs. Davidson, on Ijelialf of the council, presented Miss Lake with a teaset. Miss Wilso.n gave hei1 a pewter framed mirror from, tho teachers, and Miss Preshaw presented her with a brass bowl from tho students. Miss Lake thanked all.for their gifts. During the evening instrumental items were given by t!io Students' Orchestra, comprising Misses Moore, Wood, Hamilton, and Poison. The visitors were entertained at supper and were, shown, the handwork of the students. The rest of tho evening was occupied with dancing and Kindergarten games.