HASTINGS HIGH SCHOOL

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXIII, Issue 71, 6 March 1933, Page 9

HASTINGS HIGH SCHOOL

REPORT OF PRINCIPAL, •SCHOOL SPORTS THIS MONTH. The following is the February report of the principal of the Hastings High School, Mr W. A. G. Penlington, M.A. :— Attendance: Further to my report of 9th inst.. 1 have to state that the roll number at the end of February was 459 (207 girls and 252 boys). This number is two less than the corresponding number for 1932. There is a noticeable falling off this year in the attendance at secondary schools in all parts of the Dominion, and the reason would appear to be found in the straitened financial circumstances of so many of the parents. We are fortunate. at this school, that our decrease is so small, and that we shall not suffer any reduction in teaching staff, although the enrolments are fewer than they were last year. The roll number during February averaged 456. and the daily attendance 420, or 92 per cent. Public examinations: Four additional pupils of this school have been awarded passes in last year’s University Entrance examination. Text Books: The prevailing shortage of money has made it very difficult for some of the pupils to buy text-books and, with a view to helping such cases, the Old Pupils’ Association advertised an appeal for used copies of books. About 70 have been received and arc being loaned to pupils requiring them. .Sports; The girls’ swimming sports will be held on Wednesday and Thursday, 30th March. Two pupils of the school, Rona Tong and P. F. Sharplev, distinguished themselves at the recent Wellington provincial athletic championships. The former won the 80 yards hurdles and was a member of the winning relay team, while Sharpley won the 120 yards hurdles. It is somewhat unusual for school pupils to win I events in a competition of this grade.