THREE GRADUATES

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 132, 1 December 1938, Page 18

THREE GRADUATES

KINDERGARTEN CEREMONY

DANCE AT ST. FRANCIS

Last night, a* St. Francis Hall, three young women were presented with medals and diplomas from the Wellington Free Kindergarten, marking their graduation from students to fully-trained teachers. The stage had been beautifully decorated and there was a very large attendance of parents and friends. The presentations were made by Mr. N. T. Lambourne, Director of Education. On the stage with him were Mrs. J. A. Doctor, president of the Free Kindergarten Association. Miss E. Wilson, principal of the Wellington Free Kindergartens, and Miss E. Scott, a director and acting principal during Miss Wilson's absence abroad this year.

Making an effective picture against a curtain of black satin the student teachers and graduates sat in a semicircle at the back of the stage, their long white frocks being thrown in strong relief against the dark background and giving a picturesque touch to the function. Particular attention had been paid to the floral decorations, •which were lovely. Masses of foxgloves were beautifully arranged in large bowls on the stage and raised proud spears of colour against a background of graceful palms. Palms were set in a row before the stage and flat bowls of fragrant roses were set between. Ewers of purple and pink fox: gloves gave a decorative finish on either side of the platform.

Mrs. Doctor, who wore a graceful trained frock of midnight blue brocaded in silver, and a squirrel shoul-der-length cape, explained in a, brief speech, that the function was being given, according to custom, solely in honour of the graduates. It was their night and she wanted them to enjoy themselves. But the party too gave the council an opportunity of entertaining friends of the Kindergarten Association, and on this occasion was also a welcome to Miss Wilson who had recently returned from England where, she took a refresher course in kindergarten work.

The association had been fortunate in having Miss Scott to carry on in Miss Wilson's absence, Mrs. Doctor stated, and she congratulated her on the efficient way in which she 'had carried out her duties. She took pleasure in taking the opportunity of bidding farewell to Miss Nancy Jones, a director of the kindergarten, who was leaving during December for an overseas trip. She had collaborated in the designing of the Wellington South branch's building and her services were very much valued. Miss Jones was presented with a dainty floral spray. Miss Ramsay, an assistant teacher who was leaving to take up Karitane work, was also presented with a posy. Miss Scott, in presenting her annual report, said that it had been a busy year for the students. Ways and means of developing the course had been carried out during the year, and they had studied, among other things, the history of education, Nature study, music, rhythm, children's diet, art, handwork, physical development, and child study.

Miss Wilson, who wore a frock of Kaffir ninon over satin, gave an interesting resume of the work which she had done in England and of her studies at the London University. Her trip had been for her a most profitable one, and she had brought back much that was new in training and teaching methods, which she hoped would prove valuable at the Wellington school. But, she added, that in welcoming her back they were also bidding farewell to Mrs. Doctor, who was leaving shortly for a world trip. She hoped that she would have a very pleasant rest, and added that Mrs. Doctor would be very much missed from kindergarten activities and her other manifold interests.

In presenting the certificates and badges to graduates, Mr. Lambourne wished them every success. The diplomas won were very highly prized, and in obtaining them the graduates had shown the natural aptitude they possessed for teaching. Their work was valuable to the community. He mentioned also the excellent work being done by the council of the Wellington Association, and said that the Education Department thoroughly appreciated its endeavours.

According to custom, each graduate was presented with a colourful posy.

During the evening a women's sextet sang some delightful numbers, both accompanied and, unaccompanied, which were very much enjoyed.

Supper was served downstairs, where bowls of roses were set on the whiteclothed tables. •;...

Dancing concluded a very enjoyable function.