JOHNSONVILLE SCHOOL

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 129, 3 June 1935, Page 11

JOHNSONVILLE SCHOOL

RENOVATIONS CARRIED OUT

Some of the rooms of the Johnsonville School were recently remodelled, and on Saturday afternoon the Minister of Education (the Hon. S. G. Smith) declared the new portion open for use. There was a lar£e attendance of parents and others interested in the work of the school, including Mr. W. H. Field, the member for the district. The Minister was welcomed by Mr. S, H, Peryman, chairman of the school committee, who said that all were gratified that the improvements had been carried out. ,

Mr. P. Robertson, who represented the Wellington Education Board, in the unavoidable absence of the chairman, said that' the board had had the interests of the, Johnsonyille people at heart for some time, ;

In declaring the renovated rooms open, the Minister . expressed his pleasure at being present. He paid a tribute to the work of school committees, pointing out that they were performing a very valuable service. The remodelling that had been carried out and the additional accommodation that was provided should enable the children and teachers to work under improved conditions. There was a big difference in schools of the present day with those of some years ago, he said, and schools now were generally more hygienic and' attractive. The Johnsonville school now consisted of nine rooms, the accommodation totalling 5780 square feet. Those instrumental in obtaining the improvements had been Mr. Field, the members of the board, and the school committee. Mr. Smith said that it was his aim to follow a progressive policy in education, and that was one reason for the visit overseas of the Director of Education. It was essential that New Zealand should keep abreast of the times. Children were receiving much better attention in the public schools today than they did previously. The training of teachers had improved, medical and dental, services were provided, and physical training was carried out. All these combined to make the pupils strong andhealthy, and to fit them for the battle of life physically as well as mentally. The children had to remember, too, that they had many opportunities—more than the children of a generation ago enjoyed. In conclusion, the Minister congratulated the district on its progress, and asked the headmaster and board to arrange for the pupils to be given a half holiday to mark the occasion.

The visitors were later entertained at afternoon tea.