THE SHANNON SCHOOL.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 21 December 1926, Page 7

THE SHANNON SCHOOL.

CLOSING CEREMONY AND PRIZEGIVING |t (From “Shannon News.”) S A ’.pleasing function held on Friday Ivas the breaking-up of the Shannon Se.lioOl for the Christmas vacation, iliefe was a good attendance of parents and friends, several members of the Committee also being present. The gathering was presided over by the chairman of the Committee (Mr It. L. Tippler). The afternoon was devoted to songs by the senior pupils, presentation of prizes and addresses by the headmaster and members of the committee. The singing of the pupils was accompanied by Miss Dwyer (piano) and Mr White '(cornet). The chairmanY in addressing those present, said it was pleasing to see such a good attendance of parents. He complimented the scholars on the improvement in' their work for the past year and expressed the hope that at the end of the next year a further improvement would be shown. He wished them all an enjoyable time during the vacation. The attendance and proficiency certificates were then presented, after which Mr Blackucod, a member of the School Committee, in a short, address, complimented the teachers and scholars on the success of the recent conceit. He also referred to the progress made in the school work during the past year, which reflected credit on both teachers and scholars. In making eulogistic reference to the good work carried out in beautifying the school grounds, he trusted this work would continue and that the school would retain the McNicol Shield, won last year for the most improved school garden in the Manawatu. Messrs Butt and Bowler, members of the Committee, endorsed the remarks of the previous speakers. The prizes, which had been donated by Mr J. V. Burns and the committee, were then handed to the respective winners by the chairman (the list of whichwe published last week). . Mr A, E. Hyde, president of the Shannon, Chamber of Commerce, presented the gold medal donated by the Chamber to the dux of the school, Sylvia Cane. In congratulating the recipient on her success, he expressed the hope that her example would be an incentive to other scholars to gain the coveted position of dux of the school. He then called for cheers for the recipient, which were heartily given. The headmaster (Mr White) said he had been extremely pleased with those pupils who had passed. He thought those who had not been so successful, could attribute it to effort being lacking on their part. He drew the attention of parents to the necessity of regular attendance of children at school. The attendance had not been satisfactory this year. A great number of senior scholars had stayed away on account of rain. He expected the attendance of small children to be affected on this account, but there, was no excuse for senior scholars to stay away. A system of monitors had been inaugurated to see that the dinner papers and waste food about the ground were collected. This was part of the school discipline. It taught the children to be tidy, both at home and at school. Still there was a number who did not obey. He asked for the co-operation of parents. He thanked parents for the liberal assistance they had given financially towards the school funds. It had been said that in Shannon the people always gave liberally towards , anything for the school. He was satisfied this statement was correct. They would all be sorry to hear that Miss Huft'am was retiring from the teaching profession at the end of the year,, owing to ill-health. Miss Ward, relieving teacher, will also be going away. Miss Dwyer, who had done exceptionally well as a probationer, will join the Training College in the New Year. He thanked the staff as n whole for their liberal support and effort during the year, and the Committee for their hearty co-operation. Referring to the recent concert, he said parents had heard of the success it was, but probably they were more interested in the financial side. He was able t) state that a profit of £34 Is was shown. Half, of this sum "would be spent on pictures, books and gramophone records, and the remaining half would be handed to the Committee to use as they thought best, knowing full well that it will be used in the best interests of the school. He drove special attention to the fact that the attendance of the senior scholars at the woodwork and cookery classes was very unsatisfactory. He asked parents to make a special effort to see that the children attended these classes.

In conclusion the headmaster specially thanked the following:—Mr C. C. Franks, for free conveyance of children to their homes by motor car in case of sickness; Mr Dickhoff, for doing repairs about school gratis; Mr J. V. Burns, donation of prizes; Mrs Eawlinson, booking seats for concert free of charge; Mr J. Better, carting piano to and from hall; Hyde and Wilkinson, substantia] reduction of hire of theatre; also Shannon “News,” and any others not mentioned. A very happy gathering was brought to a close by cheers for. the teaching staff, school committee and scholars, the chairman wishing them all a Merry Christmas and a Happy Now Year*