A CENTRAL SCHOOL.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 2 March 1926, Page 4

A CENTRAL SCHOOL.

ESTABLISHMENT AT PIO PIO

AUCKLAND BOARD’S EXPERIMENT.

During the Taranaki Education Board’s tour of inspection of country schools last week a visit was paid to the central school established at Pio Pio by the Auckland Board. Members of the party were keenly interested in the school, and closely investigated the scheme of working and the buildings. This school was established after five sma'l surrounding schools had been closed, and the pupils are conveyed by motor lorries to the 1 larger. central school, which has an attendance of 250 (of which 120 children are conveyed), and provides for both primary and secondary education. There is a staff of seven teachers, two of whom conduct the secondary department. Th e board members arrived early, in order to be present when the children arrived. The children are brought in four worries, of which three are the property of the school, ana one is lured by contract. Two of the conveyances are driven by teachers and' one by the mechanic in charge of the vehicles. Children are brought from as far distant as ten miles, and arrangements have been made to ensure that all the children shall be home from school by five o’clock.

The school buildings are of the latest type, providing the maximum lighting and ventilation. Built so as to face the morning’s sun, all the rooms secure as much warmth as possible. The headmaster, Mr "Webster, conducted the party through the school, and the children were later assembled, when addresses were given by the members of the board. It is interesting to note that Mr J. S. McKenzie, who was at one time in charge of the secondarv department of the Hawera District High School and an assistant at the present Hawera High School, is first assistant at Pio Pio.