Hastings School Committee.

Hastings Standard, Issue 31, 2 June 1896, Page 2

Hastings School Committee.

MONTHLY MEETING. Monday, June 1. The usual monthly meeting of the Hastings School Committee was held last evening. Present: —Messrs Maddison (chair) Goldsmith, McQuillan, Tong, Fritchley, George and Morgan. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The Head Master's report was read as follows : I have the honour to submit my report for the month ending June Ist. Attendance.—The attendance has been generally satisfactory. Inspection.—The Inspector visited the school during the month. His inspection report is in the hands of the secretary. Repairs, &c.—There are numerous small repairs wanted. A visiting committee could make a list. The sewer outlet is continually blocking through a bend in the connection. The bend is unnecessary, and should be done away with, a straight pipe to the manhole being substituted. The pipe blocked and was cleared last week; today I noticed it is blocking again, though the water drains away in the interval of flushing. A few loads of shingle on the playground will be needed before the winter rains come on. Stationery Fees.—l enclose £5 9s, this being the amount collected in stationery fees during the month. Proposed by Mr McQuillan seconded by Mr Tong that the visiting committee attend to pipes, <fcc. in the school yard. The Inspector's report was read as follows The Hastings school was inspected on March 16th and May 6th. 1. Room 2.—Standard VI: Mr J. A. Smith li.A., head master : Standard V, Mr J. Bower, second assistant master. Room 1. —Standard IV, Mr Martin, first assistant master ; Standard I, Miss Robertson, third year pupil teacher. Room 4. —Standard 111 : Miss Disher, third mistress : Miss Hartshorn, first year pupil teacher. Room 5. —Standard 11. Miss Newton, second mistress. Room 3. —I'rep. I and II: Miss Percy, mistress ; Misses Roach, George and Pickering, pupil teachers. 2. Organisation satisfactory. 3. The time-tables have been withdrawn and adapted to the present organisation. The time given to the teaching of the several subjects, with few exceptions, is satisfactory. 4 and The additional teaching staff at this school lias enabled the master to bring the classes under good working conditions, and there is every promise of improved results. The writing lias undergone a great change for the better, and the exercise books pleased me very much. Generally the teaching is sound, but " reasons why "' should bo given by pupils in Standard II in the arithmetical process. Pupils should clearly understand why by the addition of a nought to the right hand of a nun ber increases its value 10 times and when by a number like 80, the eight represents eight tens. I was pleased with the standard in other respects, as the mechanical processes were well known. Standard V. showed signs of weakness in elementary processes. The exercise in proportion should have been illustrated by a simple example, and pupils should be required to give reasons fully. A strong pupil rather than a weak one might be used to develop the points of a question. Li other respects tire class management was good. Throughout the classes good order and discipline were maintained, and the pupils were diligent; and obedient in their class duties.

6. Supervision in recess.—l did not see any arrangements made for supervision during recess. A rota should be prepared, and all teachers should take yard supervision under this arrangement. 8. Manners and general behavior of pupils.—lmproving, but more attention might be given to this important aspect of school training. 9. All the rooms are filled, but the accommodation is sufficient for the present wants of the school. 10. The buildings arc in good order and repair. The fences are fair, but improvements are desirable in the school ground. Much better arrangements might be made in the mutter of drainage, and more attention should be given to the offices. If possible, improved arrangements should be made for the girls, by the erection of oiiiers away from the boys. The rooms throughout are clean and tidy, but the walls should be swept and freed from dust. A similar remark applies to maps and diagrams. General.—The school, as a whole, is in good working order, and a healthy tone pervades the management. H. Hill, Inspector of Schools. The following letter was received from Mr David Greves I beg to draw your attention to the 83rd lesson in " The Graphic Header No. 1," which teaches religion contrary to the Education Act, which specifies that no religion shall be taught in the public schools. lam teaching my children that Saturday is the Sabbath of the Lord, but I find that the children are being taught that Sunday is the. day of rest, for which there is no Scriptural authority. This places me in a false position with my children. For this reason I must respectfully object to my son being taught what is not in accordance with the Word of God. Resolved to forward letter to the Education Board. | Messrs Maddison and Goldsmith were appointed visiting committee for the month. The sum of £1 16s Gd was passed for payment. I This concluded the business.