FREE KINDERGARTEN ASSOCIATION

Evening Star, Issue 21090, 30 April 1932, Page 3

FREE KINDERGARTEN ASSOCIATION

REPORTS FOR THE YEAR The annual report of the Dunedin Free Kindergarten Association, to be presented at the meeting on May 3, states: — For forty-three years the work of the association has been carried on in this city. During that time there lias been many changes, the work of the association gradually increasing and enlarging, mainly because of the very generous sympa thy and support received from the citizens of Dunedin. This increased support from the public meant increased financial aid from the Education Department, and so it was with dismay and very deep concern that the members of the council received the intimation of the withdrawal of all Government grants. The commencement of the school year in February saw drastic curtailments in the work, three kindergartens being closed, the number on the staff being reduced, and the salaries being considerably lowered. Since then, through the generosity of the Kaikorai local committee and the pupils of Archorfield School, two more kindergartens have been opened, but there is still one kindergarten closed, and the number of teachers on the staff still below normal, no assistants having been appointed. The council takes this opportunity of expressing its admiration of and gratitude for the loyalty and co-operation displayed by every member of the staff in these most difficult days. The staff and _ students, under Miss Dutton as principal, have worked devotedly for the welfare of the children in their care. The local committees at the various kindergartens have again worked loyally and well in the interests of the children. The council congratulates them on the work they have accomplished, and thanks them for their financial help and continued interest in all matters connected with their respective kindergartens. The Mothers and Fathers’ Clubs have also done very lino work, helping in every way possible to further the work among the children. During the year the Frog Kindergarten- Union of New Zealand decided to adopt a badge to be worn by all graduates from the various training centres, each centre to have its own distinctive colours. The council now has a supply of badges on hand. The council is deeply indebted to the pupils of Archerfield School, Columba College, Girls’ High School, St. Dominic’s Convent, and St. Hilda’s Collegiate School, who gave a very fine entertainment in aid of the funds of the association, £72 being handed in; also to the Archerfield School Service Society for a donation of £l2 15s towards St. Kilda Kindergarten. The council earnestly hopes that the public sympathy and support received in past years will, if possible, increase this year. The work undertaken by the association is philanthropic as well as educational, and the council feels that a large numb6r of homes benefit by being connected with the kindergartens, and so stress the importance of this work and urge the claim of the children on the public-minded citizens of Dunedin.

The principal’s report states that jrood work was done in the. kindergartens in 1931. Roll numbers were large, and the welfare and general development of the children once again testified to the value of*kindergarten training for the pre-school child. Under the influence of those in charge the kindergartens were scenes of joyous life, where upwards of 300 little ones were happily employed in interesting and truly educational activities. Thanks to the faithfulness and enthusiasm of the directors, the good work still goes on, but, unfortunately, the number of children who share the benefit of it must needs be fewer. Since the withdrawal of the Government grant it was necessary to close the Northeast Valley School, and to limit all other roll numbers. The Mowing students were awarded the Dunedin Free Kindergarten diploma:—Misses Chryst.il], Cousins, Frapwell, Fraser, and M‘Keever, the latter also gained the New Zealand Kintergarten certificate. Twelve students are in training —Misses Burnside, Fish, Hay, M'Lean, Siedeberg (seniors), M'Kiunon, Reily, Seddcn, Stewart, Williamson, and Wilson (juniors). Their training consists of two years’ practical experience in kindergarten, and classes and lectures in modern kindergarten principles, practice and history, child psychology, child hygiene, Nature study, speech training, and children’s literature, music, art, handwork. The members of the local committee oi the Kelsey-Yaralla Kindergarten, in presenting the annual report, express pleasure in the year’s work and appreciation of Miss Macdonald’s willing hell on all occasions. Early in the yeai the Mothers’ Club voted £lO from the funds for school apparatus, and amongst other things an excellent carpenter’s bench was provided. One of the fathers calsomined the kindergarten and the parents hud thoroughly cleaneo the building. To raise funds for the working expenses in April a cake aid produce sale was held, and in October the chairwoman, Mrs F. W. Dunlop, held a very -successful “at home.” li June tho children were medically exanined by tho State school doctor. Excursions with tho children had been madi to the Botanical Gardens and St. Klda Beach. Every morning the childra had been given apples and milk at the kindergarten, and help had been gvon to any family in need. It was grativing to know that so many children hadhad the use of tho kindergarten and tie training given therein, and that tin parents, realising the benefits to bo derived therefrom, were only too anxiois to enrol their children whenever a vacancy occurred. Tho report d : the Richard Hudson Local Comrnitte state that during the past year ten ractings were held, tho attendance bein; good. Tho Fathers’ and Mtohers’ Cllbs meetings were also largely attended and proved successful functions. Tirough the generosity of some friends nilk was supplied during the winter rouths to a number of children, this proving very beneficial to them. he committee congratulates tho studnts who successfully passed their exarai.ations. _ The report of bo Kaikorai Free .kindergarten Local Committee states that the year on tfc whole had been a satisfactory one, .nd there was balnco of £BS 3s Cd. l\o mothers’ meetings have been holdregularly during the year, when subjects connected with child welfare were dicussed.

The St Hilda Kin'ergartcn report stales that the year vis one of quiet progress ar I faithful wrk. Miss Hancock and her staff hart-given devoted service to the little clldren in their care, and the commitjo is grateful to them for their loyaty to kindergarten ideals. The Motors’ Club held very successful meetings,jnd the members at all time.! showd their appreciation of the work « the kinder•arten by'their will ingles to assist the committee in any effonto raise the necessary funds. The chu under the direction of Miss Haucocj held two most successful social the

proceeds of which were handed over to tho committee. Tho reports of the R. S. Reynolds Local Committee and the North-east Valley Free Kindergarten show that the year was a very successful one.