EDUCATION IN OTAGO

Evening Star, Issue 25593, 20 September 1945, Page 10

EDUCATION IN OTAGO

MEETING OF BOARD i . I The'monthly meeting of the Otago Education Board held yesterday was attended by Messrs James Wallace (chairman), N. H. Colquhoun, W. M. Cooper, H. A. Brough, W. Jacobsen, J. I. Fraser, O. E. Richards and R. Flett. The deputy chairman (Mr Colquhoun) expressed the pleasure of the board at Mr Wallace's re-appearance in the chair after his absence through indisposition. TEACHERS TN FORCES. It was reported that on July 16 the department had been furnished with a list of 17 teachers _ in the Air Force with permanent positions to return to. So far four had been released, three were not regarded as in release categories, one was in release category but overseas, while decisions regarding the remaining nine had still to be made. In addition to the above, there were 28 Otago teachers in the Air Force in New Zealand and 18 overseas. In the Navy, there were seven in New Zealand and eight overseas. In the Army there were 11 in New Zealand and a considerable number overseas who probably were on their way back now. Most of the 28 in the Air Force in New Zealand were 1 Training College students, and so far 11 had been released. Of the 15 in the Navy, only one had been released. It was resolved to press for the release of those remaining with the TERMS AND HOLIDAYS. In regard to the Education Department's suggested dates for terms and holidays for 1946, it was stated that if the first term was opened on Monday, and the two other terms on Tuesday, and the closing date was Thursday, December 19, there would be 201 school days, so that one school day would be available for special local purposes.— Noted, Schools Committees to be advised. OPOHO SCHOOL. The Education Department wrote stating that it approved of the establishment of Opoho as a contributing school to the Dunedin North Intermediate School.—Noted. NORTH-EAST VALLEY SCHOOL. Among the recommendations of the architect (Mr C. Muir) was one that the existing flushing system at the North-east Valley School be dispensed with, and a modern system installed at a cost of £412; the board's share being £206. The Education Department had intimated that it was finding only half of the cost of this work.— The architect's recommendation was approved. LONG SERVICE. The secretary (Mr G. W. Carrington) stated that:—The board's attention having been drawn to the fact that Mr John Nicolson had been an active member of the Oturehua School Committee for 46 years, for most of the time as clerk, he had forwarded a letter of appreciation to be given to Mr Nicolson at a function held in his honour.—Secretary's action approved. NEW SCHOOL DESIRED. A deputation waited upon the board to stress the necessity for a new school at Wedderburn. Mr L. L. Smith, who led the deputation, said that the present school was 60 years old and had been removed to the site it now occupied 40 years ago. With regard to the suggested consolidation at Ranfurly, 85 per cent, of the residents of Wedderburn were against the proposal, said Mr Smith. At present there were 28 pupils attending the school, and this number would, he thought, be at least maintained in the future. The speaker described the unsatisfactory heating conditions at the school. Mr J. Mawhinney supported Mr Smith's statements, and mentioned the difficulties which would arrise in connection with the transport of children to Ranfurly. The board, after considering the matter, decided to place the new school on the urgent list and to empower the architect to act in respect of the heating of the present school. ATTENDANCE RETURNS. The secretary reported that attendance returns for the second term ended August 17 showed that, at the end of the term, there were 197 schools in operation in this district. This was two less than at the end of last term, Glenomaru and Matakanui Schools being closed. The figures for the term in comparison with the figures for the second term of 1944 are as follows: Roll number at the end of term, 17,085 (16,945) ; average weekly roll number, 16,963 (16,839) ; average attendance, 15,093 (14,881) ; .percentage of attendance, 88.99 (88.37). RESIGNATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS. The following resignations were accepted:—Samuel M. Barclay, head master, Owaka D.H.; Grace E. Harvie, infant mistress, Green Island; Mrs Marjory A. Webb, Warepa; James A. Curtis, Livingstone; Bernard J. Jefferson, Otekaike; Natalie S. Smith, Otokia; Eric L. Charteris, Taieri Beach; and David G. Hudson, Paerau (sole teachers) ; Hester F. Young, Green Island; M. Alexandrina Mackenzie, Maori Hill; Mrs Eileen M. Orchard, Strath Taieri D.H.; Vera Brown, Totara; Mrs Esther M. Wybrow; Awamoko; and Molly N. Roy, Oa'maru North (assistants); Hugh L. McKinnon. Kurow D.H., secondary assistant.

The follownig appointments were confirmed:—Special positions: Assistant mistress, Caversham (special class), Mary Johnson; assistant mistress, M.acandrew Intermediate, Mona L. King; infant mistress, Mosgiel l£H., Grace B. Harvie; infant mistress, Kurow D.H., Vera Brown; secondary assistant, Omakau, John S. Mehaffey. General positions: Head master, Pine Hill, David J. C. Pringle; assistants— Musselburgh, David G. Hudson; Green Island, Margaret A. Mackenzie; Caversham. Ngaire E. M. Monro; Palmerston D.H.. Jessie M. Mar Lean : Kelso, Elizabeth K. D Bmin : Ravensbourne. Erie L. Charteris War appointments:' Sole teacher. Glenkenich, Verona M. .TrHr; assistant. Waknri, Annie Blackledge.