EDUCATION BOARD

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 128, 1 June 1935, Page 6

EDUCATION BOARD

WELLINGTON DISTRIGI

COMPREHENSIVE REPORT.

EFFECT. OF, SICKNESS

A comprehensive report on the work of the Wellington Education Board during 1934 has been submitted to the Minister of Education (the Hon. S. G. Smith). On the subject of schools and attendance the report gives figures showing that the year started exceedingly •well in regard to the average daily attendance, but outbreaks of sickness of an epidemic nature affected the position to a serious extent during both, the second and third terms. In this connection the board draws ■ the Minister's attention to the paragraph in its previous report dealing with the effect of epidemics on its general fund, and suggests the introduction of legislation next session to amend the Act so as to remove the present disability. "The decision to allow schools to have the right to substitute 95 per cent, of the average roll number for the actual average daily attendance, when the latter has been adversely affected by epidemics, has been much appreciated," states the report, "and the board contends that in all fairness the amended figures should form the basis of the board's grant for general purposes in addition to the calculation of teachers' salaries, school staffing, and grants to school committees." OTHER MATTERS. Other extracts from the report are as follows:— "No national scholarships were current during the year 1934 owing to the fact that all awards expired at the end of 1933. The Heckler Memorial Scholarship awarded on January 1, 1933, expired in December, 1934, and as the fund is now exhausted, no further awards can be made. "The report of the supervisor indicates that a very satisfactory year's work has been accomplished, and this opinion was fully confirmed by the excellence of the exhibit from the manual classes displayed at the Easter ■'.•'■,■'. ■' . ' .'; : : "The supervisor's report oh nature study and elementary science shows that this section of the work is being developed along sound lines; also that both boys and girls are .being encouraged in their agricultural club activities and in their calf-rearing and home garden competitions. An excellent exhibit was also displayed at the Easter Show. . "Classes for the instruction of backward children are established at the " Blenheim; Masterton Central, Miramar Central,'Newtown (2), Thorndon, and Petone schools. The results obtained at these classes are very good indeed, and fully justify the department's policy. Much of the work recently exhibited was excellent, reflecting great credit on the specialist teachers in charge." SCHOOL LD3RARIES. "The Wellington Libraries Depart-! ment has ■ again been responsible for the distribution of the books, and many supplementary readers and also general books have been rebound. Old books have been withdrawn and re-i placed by more up-to-date issues,, and* the stock nas been enlarged, the cost being borne throughout by the Wellington Libraries Department, assisted by the Education Board, and with ,the support of the Wellington School Committees' and Educational Federation. This scheme provides a wond< rful amount of reading for the pupizs of the city and suburban schools, fai.in excess of that obtainable from an indi-. vidual school library, and should be availed of to the fullest possible extent. "As f at as possible the board continued to subsidise .the efforts of school committees' in connection with improvements to the school premises and . the enlargement of . school. libraries. Owing: to the effect of legislation passed during last session, however, very little assistance will be ■ available in future unless the , Government accedes to'the board's request for the restoration of the subsidies scheme which ■was,-, in force prior to the de-, pression. •: ■ : "These „ services have been fully maintained Jand are now; regarded as part of the national system. Their benefits to 'the children in particular are now fully realised, and it is with pleasure that the board records its appreciation of the successful efforts of school committees and teachers in raising the required quotas for the maintenance of the dental clinics. ADMINISTRATION. "Theiboard has been.seyerely handicapped by the continuance of the cuts in its grant for general purposes, and it is hoped that you. .will. recommend the reversion to the previous rate at the earliest possible date." Details are given of maintenance work and 'improvements throughout the district, and it is stated that it is hoped during the coming' year to carry out strengthening • work at schools requiring such attention, as grants by the Department become available. • BOARD'S GRATITUDE. The report concludes:—"The board expresses its gratitude to you and your predecessor in' office for the consideration given to matters placed before you both, and it trusts that the very harmonious relations which have obtained will continue in the future. The board hopes that with improving financial conditions you will shortly be in a position to substantially increase the grants for the maintenance of school buildings, and also provide adequately for new works and rebuilding, where necessary. "The board has pleasure in once again placing on record its apprecia- ' tion of the manner in which your departmental officers and the inspectors attached to this district have assisted the board and its staff. "To the school committees, instructors, and teaching staffs also, the board extends its thanks for the able manner in which their respective duties have been performed, and congratulates them on the successful results obtained."