VALEDICTORY

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 148, 19 December 1931, Page 13

VALEDICTORY

FAREWELL TO TEACHERS

On. the eve of his retirement after thirty-one years' service as headmaster of the Brooklyn School, Mr. J. B. Hopkirk, with Mrs. Hopkirk ana Miss G. Hopkirk, was entertained by members of his staff. The common room was attractively decorated with a colour schemo of orange and yello^yr, vases of iceland poppies adorning the many small tables from which tea was aerved. Elocutionary .items were given by Misses Keddell and Bede. After tea, on beihalf of the staff, Mr. Ward, first assistant, expressed the very keen regret fihat was felt at Mr. Hopkirk's departure, and the very real loss that would be sustained by the staff and school alike. Mr. Hopkirk's qualities of fairness and consideration^ had caused him to be held in esteen| and affection by all, and it was as a reminder of many days spent in loyal service and pleasant companionship that ho asked iim to accept an oak writing desk, with the very best wishes of tho staff for many years of well-earned leisure. Miss Thompson, who had also been associated with the_ school for many years, then spoke in appreciation of tho unfailing kindness which had always been shown by Mr. and Mrs. Hopkirk to all members of tho staff, and with the very best wishes of the staff presented to Mrs. Hopkirk a crystal rose bowl. Mr. Hopkirk suitably replied. With tho most sincere wishes of all that many years of happiness remained for them, and the singing of "Auld Lang Syne," a very happy afternoon was brought to a close. Appreciation of the work done by Mr. James Donald and Miss Whitcombo, who are retiring on superannuation from the positions of headmaster and infant mistress respectively of the Miramar South School, was expressed by Mr. P. P. Gainos, chairman of the School Committee; Mr.I','T. Forsyth, chairman of the Wellington Education Board, and Mr. R. Semple, M.P., at the annual breaking-up ceremony of the school. Mr. Donald is retiring after four years' service, and Miss Whitcombe after ten years, t3io whole of tho school life. As a mark of appreciation from the pupils and the School Committee, Mr. Gaincs presented Mr. Donald witli an armchair, and Jean Young handed an antique jardiniere to Miss Whitcombe. Mr. Donald and Miss Whitcombe were the guests of the teaching staff at a social function the following day, when Mr. Donald was presented with a Bmoker's outfit,, and Miss Whilcombo with a number of books.