PRIMARY SCHOOL AFFAIRS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 1 June 1928, Page 10

PRIMARY SCHOOL AFFAIRS.

HA WEI! A COMM ITTEE. MONTHLY MEETING. Members present at the ordinary niontiiiy meeting of the Hawera Scliool Committee, held last night, were: Messrs. J. W. Harding (chair), L. H. Carrel, F. Foden, T. J. Salmon, P. O. v'eale. G. H Westwood, and Mr. F. A. Bates (headmaster). An apology was received from Mr. Entwistle. At the first meeting of the new committee Dr. Thomson was appointed chairman of the grounds committee. Referring to the preparations made for the opening of the new infants’ ».c.<ool, the chairman said it had' been a very happy function, and had passed off exceedingly well. He added that the collection - made at the opening was £T 3s 6d. which would carry a subsidy of £ for £'.

GOVERNOR-GENERAL’S VISIT. The chairman said the GovernorGeneral (Sir Charles Fergusson) would .he in, Hawera on June 15, and desired to see the schools. He suggested that the pupils of other schools be invited to assemble on the Hawera, grounds, which would be large enough for the purpose of an inspection. A sub-committee, consisting of Mr. Carrel, the treasurer, and the chairman was appointed to go into the question of re-erecting a flagpole. It was agreed that the flag must be' flown on an important occasion, such as the coming of the Governor-General. DENTAL CLINIC.' The chairman reported that excellent work was being done at the dental clinic, pupils from the main schools and those in the vicinity of Hawera attending. The nurse took a- great, interest in the children. It was suggested that the schools round the district —Normanby. Tokaora, Okaia.wa — should come into the scheme and that they were ready to do so. It was a matte i' fo r earnest con side ration. HEADMASTER’S REPORT.

Mr. F. A. Bates, headmaster, reported a roll number of 614. and an average attendance of 562. The roll number was practically the same as at the end of April, while the average was a little higher. Miss O. Gray was transferred before the holidays, ' Miss Trewin being appointed temporarily: There were at present five -teachers in the infant department for 194 children, leaving fewer teachers for the standard - lasses, most of which were very large. GENERAL. Reference was made to the need of smaller classes in schools, the chairman remarking that some years ago it was definitely stated that this- would be done, hut it had not been carried out. and now many certificated teachers yere out of employment.. Messrs. Jones and Salmon were appointed a visiting committee for the month of June. The matter of insurances, fire and accident, was- left to the cuairman. Mr. P. 0. Yeale was elected secretary, Air. Carrel to carry on for one month during which Air. Veale would he away. Dr. Thomson reported he had crlanged to have the macrocarpas lopped and a pine tree to be taken out. The headmaster said the improvement in lighting was remarkable and quite pronounced, and he believed that wren the other tree was removed the morning sunlight would come into some of the rooms. The caretaker had applied, the chairman said, to have his schedule of duties revised and for an increase in salary. His work, said the chairman, had been largely increased on the institution of the new school. It was agreed that the chairman- and treasurer be a committee- to go into the whole matter. It was agreed to allow the use of the main hall once a week to the High School Old Boys’ Association at a , charge of 2s fid per month. . A tribute- was. "aid to the ladies- who so satisfactorily carried out the afternoon tea arrangements- at the opening of the new school, and a hearty vote of thanks was carried by acclamation.