RUNANGA STATE SCHOOL

Greymouth Evening Star, 6 December 1940, Page 10

RUNANGA STATE SCHOOL

COMMITTEE’S MEETING. The monthly meeting of the Runanga State School Committee was held last evening, Mr. R. J. Armstrong presiding. Present were Mesdamss W. Wright and Barker, and Messrs F. Oakley, Paterson, C. Kennedy, R. McTaggart, W. Duggan, R. Ewan .(secretary) and the headmaster (Mr. J. A. McLeod). Canterbury Education Board advised that authority had now been received for 100 per cent, wages allocation for the men employed on the school grounds. The Board advised that authority had been given for the provision of five new blinds at the school residence,. an additional electric light, a new gate and a chain of fencing.

The Board advised that the school terms next year would be as follow: February 4 to May 9, May 27 to August 22, and from September 9 to December 19. The Board advised that authority had been received to pay the cost of living allowance to school caretakers from August 12, where such extra allowance was applicable. An account for £l/11/10 was passed for payment. It was decided to thank Messrs R. McTaggart and I. Mossop for their work in judging the schools garden competition, and to award prizes to a total value of 25/- to the winners. The chairman said that nothing had yet been done about the swimming baths. The Minister of Mines had promised to have them attended to, so they could be used this Summer. The water supply was available, and provided they were given a good clean out there was no reason why the school children should not make use of them. However, before they could be opened for public use, extensive improvements to the seating and buildings would be necessary. One important thing was to arrange for a caretaker. —It was decided to have the baths cleaned and filled as soon as possible for use by the pupils. • , Arrangements for care of the school lawns were left to the headmaster. . \ The headmaster, asked the chairman to convey the thanks of himself and the staff to Mrs. Armstrong for her assistance during the year. He said that she had obliged them in many ways, and her help was appreciated.

The headmaster reported as follows: The present roll number is 283 and the average attendance 267.5. The Home Garden Club, run in connection with the school nature science course has completed its work this year, the gardens being judged by Messrs I. Mossop and R. McTaggart on Monday last. There were 20 children in the Club, and this year the gardens and the note books showed a higher average standard than in the past. Mr.' J. Piner donated 40 marigold seedlings for planting out in the school garden. The gift of these flowers has been acknowledged. The annual sports and parents’ day will be held next Tuesday, and all parents are invited to attend. A social for senior pupils is to be held on the 13th. The term ends on December 18 and school resumes on February 4. The pupils and staff wish all members of the committee the compliments of the season.

The report was received as satisfactory, and the chairman reciprocated the Christmas greetings.

HEADMASTER RESIGNS. • • Mr. J. A. McLeod wrote, tendering his resignation as headmaster of the school, having accepted the posi-

lion of headmaster of the Musselburgh School, Dunedin.

The chairman said he was very sorry that Mr. McLeod was leaving. He had got along well with the staff all through, and had been a great help to the committee. His place ' would be hard to fill. The . school had advanced more than ever before under Mr. McLeod’s leadership. The annual report of the school inspectors, which unfortunately, was not available for publication, showed how highly the inspectors regarded Mr. McLeod, whose record at the school had never been equalled by any other head. With the pupils he was tactful, kind, and yet insisted on discipline. This was reflected in the school to-day, and his leadership was noticeable in the general behaviour of the pupils. His successor was not yet known, but his task would be comparatively easy. Mr. McLeod would hand it over well equipped. Mr. McLeod’s new school was a top grade school, and it was an advancement for him. On behalf of the committee he wished him and Mrs. McLeod well in their new home. Mr. R. McTaggart said that it was not uncommon with schools to have a certain amount of ill feeling between headmaster, staff, pupils,, parents and committees. In Runanga, however, there was perfect accord, and the credit was due to Mr. McLeod. The people of Runanga knew his worth as a teacher and as a citizen, and the school was a credit to him. Mrs. Barker said that, as a parent she could say that Mr. McLeood was well liked by the pupils, who spoke of him with respect. He had been particularly successful in fostering the social side of the school. Mr. Oakley said they were all a little selfish perhaps in not wanting to lose Mr. McLeod, but their loss would be someone else’s gain, and all would wish him' well in his new post. Mr. McLeod thanked the speakers for the complimentary remarks, and said he was sorry to leave Runanga, where he had spent over seven happy years. He did not look forward at the present time to having to make a fresh start in a strange locality, and he would often think of Runanga. He did appreciate the ready co-operation which had been given him, and said he had been happy and contented at the school.