YEAR’S ACTIVITIES

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXVI, Issue 121, 6 May 1936, Page 3

YEAR’S ACTIVITIES

Intermediate School At Napier COMMITTEE’S REPORT Extensive work has been done during the past year at the grounds of the Napier Intermediate School, special attention having been given to the flower gardens. During the -past summer, many visitors to the school commented favourably of the splendid display of roses. The school committee gratefully acknowledges donations of plants from friends. Last Arbor Day the school’s collection of native trees were augmented, a number of trees having been planted by the Hon. W. E. Barnard and Mrs Barnard. Reference to the activities of the Napier Interediate School is made in the annual report of the chairman, which reads as follows:— It is with pleasure that your committee presents its third annual report covering the work of the school during the past twelve months. A highly successful period has brought strenuous times to all concerned, and to none more than our -principal, Mr H. G. Johnston, M.A., who, once again, has been an inspiration to the staff, your committee and the children of the school. The report of the Chief Inspector of Schools in Hawke’s Bay amply bears this out, and our congratulations are extended to the whole staff. Committee: Owing to pressure of business, Mr L. C. Rolls, a member of the committee found it necessary during the year to tender his resignation. To him and to Mr G. 11. Cooke, who is not seeking re-election, and who has been a committee member from the inception of the school, will go the thanks of all parents for good work well done. -The vacancy caused by Mr Rolls’? retirement has been ably filled by Mr Neil Gray. THE ♦SCHOOL HOLL. The school year opened with a roll of 380 which, with the addition of a number of Taradale and other outside pupils, is now close upon the 400 mark. A large -percentage of forms 1 and 2 from Port and Te Awa schools have entered the school this year, Third year course: The third form first established in 1935, continues to do useful service for those children whose parents rightly think it better for them to be at school than to be at a loose end at home whilo waiting for work. In December, 1935, Form 111. roll stood at four. This year the class opened, with 16, and now stands at 12, four boys having found work. Staff: The congratulations of the committee go out to Mr A. L. Wilson on his promotion to Grade 4 in the school. Mr N. D. Gilchrist comes to fill the vacancy brought about by Mi Wilson’s promotion. We take this opportunity to welcome him. Miss M. M. Hughes was transferred at the close of 1935, and we are now faced with the loss of our art master, Mr M. R. Smith, who is promoted to Wellington Technical College. While his promotion is a pleasure, his loss will be keenly felt. Proficiency: In the Proficiency examination excellent results were obtained, the advantage of proper classification of the pupils proving itself in a marked fashion.

SPORTING ACTIVITIES. In each department of sport school teams were successful in bringing home honours, Rugby, Soccer and basketball teams all putting up excellent performances, bringing trophies to the school. In swimming also teams were prominent and our house team lifted the McGhee Cup. The school swimming sports held on March 11 produced some keen contests. Pupils swam for certificates awarded by the Swimming Association and the members qualifying in the different grades were: Learners 30, proficiency 27, merit 19. Life-saving has been given much attention and some 34 pupils earned either the elementary or the intermediate certificate. One of our five teams of boys won the Vigor Brown Shield, while teams from the school competition eoccupied first and second positions in the Knapp Memorial Shield competition. Rona King won the Royal Life-Saving Society’s medal for the best individual award. School Concert. — This -was held on November 28 and was a success from every point of view; the wireless fund benefited considerably as a result. Great credit is due to the teachers for their untiring efforts, and to Madame Mercer, who trained the choir. To the .sa-me lady our thanks are due for the successes of the choir in the Wellington competition. Parents’ Day. — This took place at the close of the school year and proved an important event. The work of the pupils was placed on view during the afternoon and evening. The Chief Inspector, Mr Morland, presented the dux medal and prizes during the evening. Ground Improvements. — A largo amount of work has been done during the year in the grounds and gardens and the display of roses in the summer was greatly admired by visitors. A number of friends donated trees and plants which the committee gratefully acknowledge. ARBOR DAY. Occosaion was taken on Arbor Day to add to our collection of native trees, the Hon. W. E. Barnard and Mrs Barnard planting a number of these. An elocutionary competition for prizes donated by Mr Fred Cray on the s."«ae topic brought 39 entries in the school. Mr T. H. Ringland very kindly judged the competition. School Library. — The school has to thank Mrs Storkey for the present of a number of books for the library and funds have been made available in the special account for the purchase of further books at an early date. Wanganui Visit. — Wanganui Intermediate paid us a visit last July and the matches were closely contested in basketball, Rugby and Soccer. Honours were divided, with Wanganui slightly our superiors. A very enjoyable time was spent and the committee gratefully acknowledge the use eof cars from the Rotary Club and parents of the school. Additions: Three extra rooms nave been added to the school during the year and are now occupied. At the moment one does duty as a reading room. Finance. — The balance-sheet shows a small surplus on the year’s working. Only by strict economy and the willingness of parents snd pupils to give has

this been achieved. Funds, and more funds, will be needed during the coming yeear. Tennis Courts. — These have been top-dressed during the year and are now in good order. The fences also have been repaired. In conclusion, the thanks of the outgoing committee are extended to the i .aay kind friends who have co-operamd

with us for the good of the school. A committee “gives” its services for ths good of the children —sometimes even to receive hard knocks in a good cause — but many friends have lightened the task during tho past year, and at its conclusion this committee tenders its sincere thanks to parents, staff and last, but by no means least, our very excellent friend, Mr H. G. Johnston, M.A., principal of the school.