ELTHAM PRIMARY SCHOOL

Hawera Star, Volume XLIX, 4 December 1929, Page 6

ELTHAM PRIMARY SCHOOL

MEETING- OF COMMITTEE. DIFFICULTY OVER BATHS. There were present at the monthly meeting of the Eltham School Committee last evening, Messrs W. Ricketts (chairman), J. C. Walsh, C. C. Stanners, C. A. Cooper, E. A. Walsh, A. R. Kemp, A. A. Stewdrt, Revs. J. A. Ry,bnr,n and W. W. Avery (secretary). The headmaster (Mr R. E. Thomas) Was also present and submitted his monthly report as follows 1 : ‘ ‘ The average attendance was 409. G (boys 231.5, Girls 178.1. _ The present roll number is 448 (hoys 254, girls 194). Most of those absent were'affected by influenza colds. On November - nspector J. A. Henry conducted the proficiency examination of most jof the Std. G pupils of this school. Those not examined are to attend the Eltham centre on Friday, December 6. Dr. R. P. R. Meoredy and Nurse Ingles have com--1 menced examination of the Std. 2 pupils of this school. The examination of the infant classes will proceed. Owing to; the absence of a caretaker, swimming has been delayed this season, but the committee and teachers are making arrangements for the school children. For the Dixon Banner primary school sports to be held at Hawera. on December 11, three Eltham School teams, each of 30 pupils, will compete. Parents of the infant school children are invited to be present on Thursday, December 19, at 1.30 p.m., when a musical programme will be given in the infant school. Also there will be_a display of school work of the lower classes. An instrumental and vocal recital by Mrs Blennerhassett’s pupils will be held in the Town Hall on Friday, December 13. The proceeds' areto procure books for the school library. 'Minor repairs to the baths are needed. The school will close for the Summer ’holidays on Friday, December 20, when the classification of the pupils for the next year will be announced and the ’certificates gained this _ year will be presented. ’ ’ ■ DENTAL CLINIC REPORT. Dental Nurse N. Kellow reported that work was carried on until Saturday, November 16, when the clinic was closed while necessary work was being done at the Mauaia sub-base. Up to the time of tire closure attendances numbered S 9 and the number of operations was 253. Messrs Ricketts and Kemp were appointed a visiting committee for the 1 ensuing month. Accounts amounting to £1 16s were passed for payment, which would leave a c-redit balance of £S 14s 9d. The secretary announced that subsidies totalling £l7 10s wore due 'during the current month. THE SCHOOL BATHS. The committee appointed to inquire into conditions governing the school baths reported a difficulty in connection with employment of a caretaker, the lack of funds being the principal obstacle. The secretary stated that an irregularity had occurred in his application to the Borough Council for the usual grant of £lO, and the matter was, in consequence, held up for the time being. Mr J. C. Ward suggested that an appeal bo made to parents of pupils for small contributions towards the cost of employment of a part-time caretaker. He" understood from the headmaster that in consequence of nonattendance of a caretaker at the baths there was a danger of the 'children falling behind in acquiring swimming certificates. It was decided that the baths committee should go further into the matter and evolve means of raising funds to cover engagement of a caretaker. The baths committee was authorised to carry into effect necessary repairs at the baths. GENERAL In view of the holiday season it was decided to dispense with the regular meeting in January. Should a meeting be necessary, members will be summoned by the secretary. The chairman referred to the excellent condition of the school grounds generally and complimented the headmaster, teaching staff and pupils on the first-class state of the lawns; they were, lie said, a credit, to the school. As the meeting was the last before the long vacation he took the opportunity of, on behalf of the committee, extending the compliments of the season and best wishes for an enjoyable vacation to the teaching staff and pupils. The headmaster suitably acknowledged the congratulatory reference and expression of good wishes.