TERRACE END SCHOOL

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 115, 11 April 1930, Page 2

TERRACE END SCHOOL

ACTIVITIES LAST YEAR. \ REPORT BY COMMITTEE. The report by the retiring committee to be submitted to the annual meeting of householders of the Terraco End School is as follows:—The committee desiro to express their gratification at the successful results which have been attained in every branch of the school’s activities. The success of the scholars in both their school and proficiency examinations, and their excellent conduct, bear eloquent testimony to the ability of the headmaster (Mr A. W. Thompson) and the staff and the personal interest which they took in their pupils. There can bo no doubt that the high moral influence which is so well inculated into the minds cf the children .who pass through our school must nave a highly beneficial effect on their life and character in later years. The committee feel sure that parents will join with them in again expressing to Mr Thompson their deep sense of gratitude for his excellent services as headmaster, and to the staff for their loyal co-operation in their instruction and interest in the scholars in their chargo. During the year, Mr F. C. Campbell, who had been a member of the staff for seven years, was appointed first headmaster of the Russell Street School. This appointment was well deserved, but the departure of Mr Campbell from this school was a matter for deep regret. The sentiments expressed at the farewell functions in his honour were evidence of the esteem in which Mr Campbell is held and of the school’s good-will. The position of first assistant was filled by Mr D. C. Pryor, whose work has already produced excellent results. Seventy-two scholars gained proficiency and eight competency certificates. The dux pupils were Phyllis Hebden and lan Thomson. Roll.—The number of pupils on the roll at the beginning of the year was 671, and at present is 682. About 100 pupils left the school to enter the Russell Street School, being within that school’s district.

Improvements.—Early in the year, the building which had been known as “the shack” was removed, and the classes which had been accommodated therein were removed to the main building. The ground thus left vacant has been laid down in grass and concrete, and provides an ornamental addition to the school environment, and will give increased ■ space for pupils between school hours. The thanks of the committee are due to Mr E. H. Lange, instructor in agriculture to the Wanganui Education Board, for preparing plans for the improvement, and to the Borough Engineer (Mr J. R. Hughes) for his co-operation. The Wanganui Education Board has provided during the year additional shelter and cycle accommodation, a tool shed, and improved drinking facilities. The committee desire to place on record the manner in which the board bus met requests for improvements and maintenance, and also the courtesy which has been shown to the committee 1 y Messrs W. H. Swanger and E. R. Hodge, the board’s secretary and architect respectively. The school was again awarded the board’s environment certificate. Anzao Commemoration.—The annual Anzac Day commemoration was observed in a fitting manner. Major R. D. Hardie, D.b.0., gave a most interesting address, and, after a short service conducted by ltev. J. H. Bredin, the scholars deposited their beautiful floral tokens of .remembrance at the Memorial Gates. Annual Ball.—This function again proved a great success, both socially and financially, and the committee desire to thank parents for the trouble taken in making fancy dresses for pupils, resulting in a brilliant spectacle, and also for their assistance with tho supper. Notwithstanding the success which has attended the ball in past yeai%, the outgoing committee feel that it would be prudent to restrict the function to an evening purely for tho children’s dances and to dispense with the adult dancing. A recommendation to the incoming committee is made accordingly. - Dance Recital.—The committee a’.o indebted to the Misses E. and C. Rush for organising a dance recital, half of the proceeds of which were handed 10 the committee. School Sports. —Resulting from the recommendation of |ast annual meeting, no school picnic was held during the past year, and a sports day was organised in its place. Complete arrangements for the sports had been made by the staff, and the ladies’ committee had gone to great amount cf trouble in organising stalls, the proceeds from which were to bo devoted to tho school library fund. Unfortunately, the afternoon was spoiled by rain, and tho sports had to be abandoned, although tho attendance of some of the supporters of the school resulted in about £lO being received. Children’s Concert.—Tho childrens Christmas concert was . again most successful, and the overcrowded hall has led to the opinion that the entertainment should be held in a larger hall in future. Tho children had undergone training for the various items at tho hands of the staff, who are to be complimented on the excellent results of their efforts, especially as these nre outside tho scop© of their ordinary duties. ... , , Dental Clinic.—A large number of pupils continue to attend the clinic at tho Central School for dental treatment, and the thanks of tho committee are accorded the clinic staff for their care of the children.. The committee has taken an active part in promoting the movement for establishing a central dental clinic in tho town. ... Health Camp.—The committee was, also largely instrumental in having the lroilth camp held at Awapum racecourse and members of fhe committee assisted in organising and conducting the camp, while the pupils and parents assisted very materially with donations of supplies. The committee take this opportunity of thanking Dr. Elizabeth Gunn and her staff for their work not only at the camp, but also in the course of their medical examinations throughout the year. Savings Bank—The Savings Bunk scheme is operating most successfully at the school, find the headmaster and staff must bo thanked for the encouragement which is given to children in the observance of thrift. Baths.— Although the weather has not been altogether favourable, the attendances at tho baths have been satisfactory. A Terrace End Swimming Club was formed during the season and this club has had, and will have, the effect of popularising the baths to a large degree. The committee has again granted the loan of the baths to schools which have not their own Committee.—The committee are under a deep debt of gratitude to those ladies who have again worked so hard in tho interests of the school. The ladies rendered outstanding service in assisting with the annual ball, in preparing for the sports day, and in other respects. Some of them

raised funds by private entertainments. Thanks.—Tho committee again desiro to express their appreciation cf the work of the caretaker - (Mr Arthur). The condition of tho school and its surroundings have been most favourably commented on by residents of and visitors to our town, and are evidence of the great interest which "Mr Arthur takes in them. His assistance at tho baths also is invaluable. The help of Mrs Arthur has also been willingly given at all times. The Press are also to bo thanked for their assistance during the year. Mr H. H. Porteous has acted as honorary auditor for many years, and lie is to be thanked again for his services. In conclusion, the committee wish to place on record tlieir s'incero appreciation. of the generous response by parents and other supporters of the school to the appeals for assistance in connection with functions in aid of the school funds. While it is a matter for regret that the School Committee is obliged to make such appeals for assistance —and your committee feel very strongly that increased financial assistance for primary schools should be forthcoming from the State—it is at tlio same time a matter for gratification that parents are so willing to help the committee in their desire to effect a continuous improvement in the efficiency and standard of the school. /