Only Nine Attend Householders’ Meeting

Franklin Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 43, 19 April 1940, Page 4

Only Nine Attend Householders’ Meeting

THE PUKEKOHE SCHOOL UNACCOUNTABLY APATHETIC WHAT JS THE REASON “Why is it that the householders of Pukekohe are so apathetic concerning the welfare of their school?” was a question asked at the bi-ennial meeting held on Wednesday. Nearly 400 circulars inviting parents of sciiool children to attend the meeting were sent out but only nine look the trouble to be present; some of these were householders whose children have left school. However, a committee, ttie personnel of which was announced on Wednesday, was elected. , Air .T. Patterson was re-elected chairman, and Mr A. M. Rose was appointed secretary. Headmaster's Report The headmaster, Mr F. McGrath, in a. review of activities covering the past two years, stated: — “The roll number in April, 1938. was 393, and jl now stands at 419. The roll of this sciiool fluctuates very considerably, and since April. 1938, no less than 328 children have been admitted and 302 have left so that about one-third of our school population is a moving one.

“The school has been visited regularly by the inspectors and their reports classify the efficiency of the school as very good. \

“The changes in the staff of the school were too many to enumerate here, hut, other than myself, two teachers remain who were here in 1938.

“Early this year, Miss Campbell, who had given excellent service as infant mistress for a number of years, resigned, and her place was taken by Miss Savident. I would like to pay a tribute to the work done by Miss Campbell during the years she was here. She "worked efficiently for the welfare of the school and was a great help in all school activities. “At the present time there are ten assistants on the staff and as accommodation is inadequate a composite class is being taught in the Methodist hall. The classes here at present are not unduly large and are as follows; P. I and 11, 38. Miss Savident (infant mistress) ; P. 3, 43, Miss Hepburn: P. 4, 28, Miss Gordon; S. I, 43, Miss Richardson: S. I and 11, 33, Mr Grant: S. 11, 32, Mr Revell; S. 111, 47, Mrs Winter; S. IV, 52, Miss Connor (senior lady) ; F. I, 52. Mr Metge (senior man) ; F. 11, 44. Mr Searson. These teachers are keen on their work and are loyal and efficient.

School Reunion

“Towards the end of 1939 a successful school re-union was held to celebrate the 71st anniversary of the opening of a school in this district. A band of enthusiastic old pupils worked very hard to make this reunion a worthy one and were well repaid when they heard the happy greetings of schoolmates who were meeting again after the lapse of many years. On the financial side'also the reunion was a success, and £26 is being held for the benefit, of the school. 1* has been decided to purchase a moving picture projector to enable the school to enjoy the benefits of visual education. The amount named above, supplemented by a donation of £5 from the Franklin. Primary Schools’ Association, will be sufficient to purchase the projector which has already been ordered. We are very grateful t.* the reunion, committee for their assistance and-interest. ■ “The,teachers i on tile staff .are versed in modern technique of class management and class control and the policy of the school is to develop in the children the ability to take a positive rather than a negative part in the school work. They are encouraged in the habits of investigation, selfcriticism, and self-correction. They search out information on varioussubjects required by the class and then by lectures and demonstration expound to the class the information gained. This necessitates a good reference library and a reading room where these books could be used. The small storeroom, if properly fitted up, would make a suitable library room. Our education system 'should be a preparation for life and all through their period of schooling the children should be led to regard the school and its work as their allies in their efforts after self-discovery.”