MANGAPAPA SCHOOL.

Gisborne Times, Volume LII, Issue 5463, 26 April 1920, Page 2

MANGAPAPA SCHOOL.

ANNUAL REPORT,

The annual report of the Gisborne North (Mangapapa) School Committee, which will be presented by the chairman, Mr W. J. McCliskie, at the annual meeting of householders on Monday evening, states: — The attendance for the year ending December 31, 1919, was 432.3. This represented an increase of 21.1 over that of the preceding year. The percentage of attendance for the year was 93.3, which must be considered very creditable in the face of mild outbreaks of influenza. Since the beginning of the year the increase in attendance has been remarkable. The first quarter's average attendance was 470, and the present roll number 541, an increase of 80 since this time last year. It will readily be understood that the large growth in the attendance has caused us to become very pressed for accommodation. Every room except one is overcrowded. Allowing 12 square feet per pupil we have floor space for 432 pupils only instead of 541, which ■we have at present. At least two addil- - class rooms and a teachers’ room are urgently required. i The time is fast approaching when our present grounds will be -found to be far too small for the number of children attending the school. Every effort should be made now to acquire extra ground for the district. Endeavors might also be made to lay down a portion of the paths in concrete All our buildings are in first-class order. , i Dr Elizabeth Gunn visited the school in May, 1919, and examined the pupils of the' school. Last month Dr Clark also paid us a visit and examined the pupils in Standard VI. and P. classes. During the colder months last year (July and August) hot cocoa was given to those children who brought, their 1 (inches. * The benefit to the children was well worth the trouble and an effort will be made to continue the work this year. During the year the boys were successful in holding the Poverty Bay Cricket Association's Cup for 1919. and the girls won the Lawless Cup tor tlie basket ball competition. Swimming classes were regularly held 1 during the summer months for Standards V. and VI. pupils, and a great number of boys and girls were taught to swim. Our thanks are due to Mr Rowley for so kindly placing the baths at our disposal. . The school continues to maintain its high state of efficiency. Eighteen proficiency certificates and two competency certificates were gained last year and one hundred and four first-class cert.ficates were gained. The dux of the school for 1919 was Michael McMahon, while Ethel Gardner came top ot the girls. The former takes the headmaster’s gold medal and Mr J. Walsh has donated a gold medal to the latter. Bo Hi medals are ready for presentation.