ELTHAM SCHOOL.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 12 March 1927, Page 6

ELTHAM SCHOOL.

MEETING QF COAIAIITTEE

The monthly meeting of the Eltham School Committee was held last evening, when there were present: Alessrs W. Ricketts (chairman), R. Kemp, J. Phillips, C. Horrocks, F. Vincent, and A. C Sorenson. HEADAIASTER’S REPORT.

The headmaster (Air. E. Bary) reported that since the opening of the school the following averages had been maintained: 375.5, 380.2, 379, 380.6, 372. During that time 56 pupils had been admitted and 53 (including 32 oi last year’s standard 6) had been withdrawn. The present roll was 413. He suggested that the committee should mafie formal application to the Education Board for modern furniture for standard 1 room and for primer 3 room, and also asked the board to replace those desks in the school which were beyond use. The shortage of satisfactory seating accommodation in the standards was interfering with the efficiency of the teaching. He also suggested that application be made to the board for a cupboard for the caretaker, one for the teachers’ room, and furniture for the teachers’ room. Pictures ’were being framed, and would absorb the balance of the money to be speTit on pictures. Airs. Pepperell, senr., had kindly donated to the school a framed picture of the King. The subject of swimming bad received a greqt deal of attention thi s year, replacing physical drill. During the season the children had been successful in gaining six proficiency certificates (880 yards), 27 intermediate certificates (220 yards), and 52 learners’ certificates. Besides these, life-saving classes had been held, and five proficiency and 13 elementary certificates had been gained. In this connection one pupil, Edna Cooper, had established a good record, having this season learned to swim, gained tier 220 yards intermediate and life-saving proficiency certificates, and won the learners’ race in the Taranaki schools’ swimming championships. Following are the pupils who gained their intermediate and proficiency certificates (220 and 880 yards respectively) : Intermediate.—G-. Ware, W., Weir, V. Davis, F. Johnson, Al. Rowe, AI. Young, B. Cooper, R. Salter, A. Jenkins, G. Alitchell, G. Field, S. Cross, Stewart Jenkins, S. Williams, N. Taylor, H. Ryburn, E. Cooke, C. Ricketts, C. Wylds, J. Horrocks, M. Hillmer, A. Clement, K. Smith, F Bluett, R. Barv, L. Gibson. Proficiency.—N. Crozier, L. Potts, S. Dive, F. Alaslin, H. A Iyer, Jos. Wylds. J The headmaster continued that he would like to s ee the school possess its own swimming certificates, to be issued to each puipl on learning to swim. If the weather continued warm it was tlie intention of the school to hold, a children’s swimming carnival before the end of the season, and the staff would welcome the sympathy and co-opera-tion of the committee in the matter. Tlhe headmaster’s recommendations were discussed, and it was decided l to procure a grass catcher for the lawn mower; to leave the question of furniture and improved seating in the hands of the chairman and secretary, and to ask the secretary and headmaster to confer on the provision of school swimming certificatesIn regard to holding a swimming ''ftrliival at an early date for the purpose of raising funds for the purchase of requisites for school winter sports, it was resolved that the baths committee (Messrs Kemp. Ware and Sorenson"). in ron junction with the' school staff, consider the advisability of holding same, with power to act. Alessrs A. Ware and W. W. Avery were appointed a visiting committee for the ensuing month. A deputation, of which ATr T. B. Cmmn was spokesman, waited on the committee in support- of an application from the Eltham Amateur Operatic Society for thp use of portion of the old school for practice purposes. The application was granted. ’ AI FETING OF HOUSEHOLDERS. A circular letter was received from the Taranaki Education Board notifying that Monday, May 2, .has been decided upon as the date of the annual meetings of householders in each school district. FINANCIAL POSITION. The acting-secretary reported a credit balance of £l4 13s 4d, and that the sum of £7O for subsidies was due to the committee. Accounts amounting to £l4 10s lid were passed for payment.