ANDERSON’S BAY SCHOOL

Evening Star, Issue 21077, 14 April 1932, Page 12

ANDERSON’S BAY SCHOOL

COMMITTEE'S WORK DURING YEAR In the annual report the Anderson's Bay School Committee states that the year just completed had been one of the most successful from every point of view, despite the abnormal economic Conditions prevailing throughout New Zealand. It was quite possible that further economies might Oo instituted by the Department of Education, such as 10 per cent, reduction in capitation allowance, the raising of the school entry age to six years, and perhaps the most disastrous of all, the closing of the Dunedin Training College, all of which would give the ingoing committee much room for thought. During the year Mr Parr, head master, and Miss Green head mistress, both resigned, being appointed to George Street and Arthur Street respectively, ■ ajad a social evening was held at which presentations were made,to both teachers and eulogistic references made to their popularity and efficiency. Mr G. Luke was appointed head master, and at once established himself as a hard worker, thorough in every detail, and a decided acquisition to the school; and, being an old Bay boy, his appointment was most popular. Miss Kidd was appointed head mistress, and was doing very good work. Miss Pearce, Miss Lorimer, and Messrs Booth and O’Regan were all newly appointed to the staff, and parents were to be congratulated on having such ah efficient staff in the school. Mr Harre resigned on, account of ill-health, Mr Walker taking his place; while Miss Pullar, Miss Wheeler, and Mr Bardsley left to resume their studies at the Training College.' A new innovation of Mr Luke’s was the supervision of the children at play hours and lunch times, each teacher taking a turn, and the idea being to keep the children playing and also fo have them under control.

It was very pleasing to report that the attendance had increased considerably during tho year. At the end of last year the roll number was 270 pupils, and this had increased to 337 'this year, which was highly gratifying indeed, and it had been necessary to procure more teaching assistance. The proficiency results this year were truly wonderful, only one pupil failing, and the school had the highest percentage of passes in Otago. This reflected great credit indeed on the teaching ability of both Mr Walker and Mr Luke, and it was hoped that this fact would bo appreciated by parents. Mr Luke had also reorganised the working of tho school, whereby every class had one teacher, t'ria certainly being in the best interests for the efficiency of the pupils and staff. The sporting activities of the school had been well catered for, both the girls and the boys showing more than average ability in their respective games. Two boys, Masters Graham and Logan, were selected to represent the Otago Rugby team against Southland, Logan being appointed captain, and both scoring trios in tho match, while four boys, Masters Douglas, Houghton, Ryan, and Swanncrton —were selected for tho Soccer rep. team, and two girls—Misses Jensen and Davie—were picked for the rep. basketball team. This must be considered excellent considering tho size of tho

school, and showed that the sport of the school was in capable hands. The school grounds had been improved out of sight, this having been possible by the employment of the men under No. 5 scheme, and the finishing touches were now being effected which will make it the most picturesque school in Dunedin. Thanks were due to Messrs Luke .and Walker, and more so to Mr Geo. Pearce for tho time and trouble lie had devoted to this work. The school library, which was supplied by the City Council in accordance with its library scheme, was eagerly availed of by the children, and a choice selection of books was at their command. Notwithstanding the continuous demand on tho limited resources of tho committee, the finances were in a most satisfactory, condition. The proposed economies as laid down by the Economic Commission, if given effect to, would give the ingoing committee considerable difficulty and thought, as even now the capitation allowance was totally inadequate for administering the affairs of the school as thev should be.