PRIMARY SCHOOLS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 237, 4 September 1933, Page 2

PRIMARY SCHOOLS

THIRD TERM OPENS. BEAUTIFUL ENVHt ONMENTS.

Tho local primary schools entered upon their third terms for the current scholastic year to-day and in the majority there were substantial increases in strength as a result of the admission of six-year-old children and of those who will attain that age during the term. A number of transfers from other schools were also registered.

The children must have been impressed by tho environments of the schools they were joining, for all seven local schools have their grounds looking wonderfully well, even the two youngest schools, Russell Street and Milson, having boon beautified to a remarkable degree in the past year or two.

The system of the Education Department in rationing the work available among tho younger teachers has had tho natural effect of creating one or inore changes in the staff composition. The West End School received 12 additional pupils on reopening, and, with another former pupil returning, it has built the roll number up to 364. So far as could be ascertained to-day, there have been no withdrawals. One change has been made in tho staff, Miss E. M. Louisson, probationary assistant, having succeeded Miss V. Redin.

An earlier canvass at College Street to determine the number of possible inclusions of children who would attain their sixth birthday- during the term now entered upon disclosed that there would be at least 23 available. Of the number admitted this morning, 16, half we're children who were commencing their education, so it is reasonable to expect that others will follow in the course of the next day- or two. It is not, however, possible to determine the number of withdrawals till the weekend and meantime the roil stands at 518. Miss C. M. Gunter, relieving probationer, succeeds Miss M. M. Thompson, who acted in that capacity during the first term, while Miss C. M. Laurenson, relieving probationary assistant, who was on the staff for the first term, has been reappointed for another, term. The Hokowhitu School received 10 new pupils, while there have been two transfers, leaving the roll number at 330. Miss K. 1. Park, relieving probationer, has succeeded Mrs M. Howell on the staff of the school.

While there were a number of absentees among the younger pupils _ at Terrace End, it is not anticipated that there will be more than three or four actual withdrawals. There were 13 pupils admitted and the roll now stands in the neighbourhood of 645. Miss N. E. Dunealf, relieving probationary assistant, completed her period on the staff and she has been succeeded by Mr E. M. Ducker, while Miss K. L. Cutler will continue to act as a relieving probationer.

No staff changes have been effected at either Russell Street or Milson. The suburban school received' four admissions this morning and its roll now stands at 104, while Russell Street received eight new pupils, thereby building its roll strength up to 224. The active committee at the latter school lias embarked upon another programme of beautification of the grounds and a gang of men is engaged in levelling the back area to bring it in unison with the lawns in the front. In connection with the work at least a foot of soil will have to bo removed from the upper levels and transferred to the lower portion prior to the whole area being sown in grass. Another pleasing picture is unfolded at the Central School where the condition of the grounds is a credit to the committee and the workmen. As was anticipated, the city’s main school registered the largest number of admissions, 36 children being enrolled this morning, but it will not be till the week end that the defections can be determined. Although the roll strength varies considerably, it is estimated that, after allowing for 12 defections, the roll will stand in the region of 777. Two changes have been effected in the staff, Miss Z. H. Heatley replacing Miss D. E. Tunnicliife as relieving probationer, while Miss E. McOonnon succeeds Miss A. M. Whitehead as relieving assistant.

A wonderful transformation has been effected in the Central School baths, the scheme which is being rapidly advanced being one which will considerably improve the environments of the school. The old front lias been replaced and a large quantity of stone which was available has been made good use of by- the construction of a new front with a central pavilion on concrete pillars. From the street front low walls circle to the wings of the building with 10 steps leading to the entrance doors. The rear portion of the building lias also been reconstructed, being now of two storeys, with dressing rooms for girls and boys on the lower floor and 28 cubicles for adults above. They are divided into two distinct areas. The cubicles which ran along the side walls have been dismantled and staging" for the accommodaticfi of spectators at swimming carnivals substituted. When complete, the building will mark a vast improvement on the old one and be a great asset to the swimming baths of the city.