MANGAPAPA SCHOOL

Gisborne Times, Volume LXVII, Issue 10566, 20 April 1928, Page 8

MANGAPAPA SCHOOL

ANNUAL REPORT. The following is the annual report of the Mangapapa school committee, to be presented at the annual meeting of householders on Mondav events During the year several, changes took place on the staff of the school, the most important being that of the first assistant, Mr. 0. R. Olsen, who, after being with the school for sixteen years, left to take charge of the newly opened school at Awapuni. The attendance for the past year has averaged 536.2, and the present roll number is 545. Owing to 'epidemics of mumps and measles which affected the attendance for several months, fewer ■ attendance certificates than usual were given. Altogether, 7(1 pupils missed not more than five half days and secured certificates. Tlfe committee again thank Mr. J. v McLeod, headmaster of the Gisborne Central School, for the use of the baths. Two; afternoons a week were given to Mangapapa tone lor the buys and the other for the girls. Sixty-four pupils were taught to swim a lid gamed swimming certificates. Over 200 new books were added to the school library, which contains over 800 good hooks. It is hoped to add a further supply shortly. In addition, two cupboards wore made by the boys at their wood-work classes. These are for the use of the various classes, and it is hoped in the course of time to equip each class with its separate library and cupboard. Additional purchases of gramophone records brought the total to 78 records suitable for all classes. A sale of work was held in the school towards the end of the year, the net proceeds of which amounted to £l4 7s Id. Last year a concrete tennis court was laid down in the infant school grounds at a cost of £l2O. Later a lawn was planted round it and a fence erected on two sides. Over 400 feet of' seating has also been provided in both playgrounds. Two sand pits have been installed for the use of the infant classes. During the year the school premises were linked up with the borough sewerage, which has been of vast benefit to the school, and has removed a long-standing menace to the health of. the pupils attending the school. The school medical officer. Dr. E. Gurr, examined the whole school during the year, and Sister Cox, schools’ nurse, has paid regular visits since. Piipfis from the lower classes still continue to be attended to at the dental clime. The school was Avell represented, by both girls and boys in the various games and competitions arranged among the schools of the district. Inspectors’ visits were paid by all the inspectors. Sandard \l. pupiilis gained 70 proficiency certificates and eight competency certificates. 'The gold medals presented by Mr. John Walsh were won bv Margaret Forbes (dux of girls) and David Corstorphme (dux of boys). The committee desires to place on record its thanks. to Messrs. J. El. Gardner and V\ . fetuobings for their invaluable. help: duipast year in the interest of the school. 111 conclusion, the committee wishes to thank the heedmaster (Mr. Colo) and staff for. the assistance which has at- all times been freely given and for the personal interest one and all have taken m the welfare of the school.