MUCH ACHIEVED

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 55, Issue 32705, 26 April 1946, Page 7

MUCH ACHIEVED

WORK OF COMMITTEE REVIEW BY THE CHAIRMAN PAEROA DISTRICT HIGH “It is again my privilege to present to you a report of the activities of the retiring committee during its term of office,” said the report of the chairman of the Paeroa District. High School Committee, 'Mr C. C. Webb, to the meeting of householders held recently. The report continued : —

“Of the nine members elected two years ago, six held office at the close of the term. Messrs Oliver and Allison have left Paeroa, and Mr Roberts was called into the armed forces. Messrs P. Williams- and R. J. W. Clark have filled two vacancies, but as- Mi* Allison went away only in February last, his seat has not been filled. We extend our thanks to those who have served and were unable to complete the full term. “The past year was marked by the cessation of* hostilities in all theatres of war. It is our earnest wish that the transition period from war to peace may be a short one, and that we can look forward to a resumption, of normal peace time activities at an early date. “Despite everything, this committee has had a busy and interesting time during its term of office. Many improvements have been effected at the schools. “The two new classrooms at the High .School have been completed, and are now occupied l . “The Technical School has been shifted from Millar avenue to the High S'chool grounds, and is a welcome addition to the buildings there. “A cinematograph machine has been purchased and is- installed at the High School. It is proving of great value in the visual education of the pupils. “The film strip projector is at the Primary S'chool and will be brought into use as soon as the necessary electrical installation is completed. “The rifle range has been completed in the high- school grounds and 1 has been used a lot. “A telephone has been installed at the high school, the cost of this being borne by the committee from its own funds. “Arrangements have been made for the installation of an electrical hot-water system at the Primary ■School. Hot cocoa will be furnished to the children this winter. The cost of this installation is also being borne by the committee. , •'•■■j'Pe Primary S'chool has been painted, and the playgrounds have been resealed. “The calf club scheme has received the enthusiastic support ,of teachers and scholars alike. The field day held at the the school was well attended, and proved very popular. 4ia For the first time for a number of years a school picnic was held, and was a great success. ■“An innovation last year was the presentation of a cup to the pupil who had displayed the best influence for good- in the high school, and the award of Dux Cups for the high school and primary school. An honours board was also presented, and the names of dux winners are inscribed thereon. To the donors of these trophies we ■extend our sincere appreciation.

"Mr A. E. Day, headmaster, retired at the end of 1944 and' a function was held in the Regent Theatre when a presentation, was- made to Mr and- Mrs Day. This marked not only Mr Day’s retirement from the Paeroa School but his retirement from the profession. "'Our new headmaster, Mr G. Ruscoe, assumed office at the commencement of the first term in 194’5. To Mr Ruscoe and his- staff we extend our thanks and appreciation for the good work done at the school. Excellent results were obtained at the examinations, and the schools and' the pupils are a credit to the staff. "To the Education Board and its officials we extend our thanks' and appreciation for the consideration shown to our requests, and the help given the committee. “‘To Mr J. Thorn, M.P., we tender our sincere thanks for his efforts on our behalf. ’He has r at all times been most sympathetic and' helpful to tiny request we have made. “To the borough council we express our appreciation of their willing cooperation. and the assistance given us. "'Our thanks are due to the press for the publicity given, and the interest shown, in the activities of the committee and the schools. "And last but by no means least may we express our appreciation of the efforts of the Parent-Teacher Association. The members of this association have done a great job. They lave not only a vital link in the chain

of school activities, 'but they have always been on hand at any- function and. have assisted in ways too numerous to mention.

“I have omitted' to mention the matter of housing for teachers. The committee consistently requested that housing should be provided for teachers, and it is pleasing to see that its efforts have been rewarded. The board has now agreed to provide houses for some, of its teachers. Authority has bcc-i given for the erection of one house i’ eroa.

.“In condu.-rtm. may I as chairman, tender to the members of the committee my sincere thanks for the cooperation and assistance given me at all times'. All have been imbued with the desire to serve, and the result has been an excellent team spirit. The harmonious relations which exist between the committee and the teaching staff, have gone a long way towards achieving the results obtained. “To all who have served on the committee I extend sincere thanks. To those who have gone away and to those not seeking re-election I say “good luck,” with the wish that your interest in school affairs may not cease. To the new members 1 I trust that you may find your term of office as interesting and worthwhile as I have found mine. citizens of tomorrow, and the little “Our children of today are our that we do for them now is only our contribution towards 1 the building of that brighter and 1 better new world to which we all look and for which we all hope.”