SCHOOL COMMITTEES

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 293, 8 November 1934, Page 4

SCHOOL COMMITTEES

WEST END SCHOOL

The committee of the West Enel School met last evening, those present being Messrs G. Tremaine, A'. Penketh, L. Hogg, J. Dalziell, A. E. Penfold, A. C. McLean, W. Collins, and W. Oliver (secretary). The headmaster (Mr 11. W. Jackson) reported that the roll number was now 355, while the average attendance was 1303.75 for the past week. There had been a steady fall in the average attendance since the beginning of the term owing to the prevalence of influenza. On the present figures it would be difficult for the school to retain its sub-grade. In the course of the month the school had been visited by Mr H. H. Lock, of the Royal Life-Saving Society. The usual two halt-holidays had been observed for the Spring Show. The proficiency examination would be held on Wednesday, November 28. The services of) Miss Arlidge had been withdrawn from the school as from Monday last and she was now acting as relieving teacher at Rangiwahia. Her services could ill be spared as this j left the infant mistress with the impossible task of teaching 62 small children without assistance. Fasteners were required for the gate leading into the new playing area.—The report was adopted, it being decided to provide the fasteners for the gate as requested. The secretary of the Manawatu Centenary Air Pace Committee wrote suggesting that the children be allowed a lialf-lioliday on the occasion of the return, of Squadron-Leader McGregor and Mr H. C. Walker.—lt was deckled to approach the Education Board asking for permission to grant the children a half-holiday as requested, as the three days holidays which the committee could grant had already been allocated.

It was decided that the agreement with the West End Tennis Club be tho same as that of last year. The headmaster commented that there had been serious absences caused by influenza. Recently, in one class there had been 27 pupils away out of 58.

Mr Penketh said the method of grading of primary schools was unfair. The secondary schools had their grade fixed at one point in the year whereas the primary schools had to retain their average grade all the year. Tho exclusion of the five-year-olds had been the biggest factor in bringing down the grading of many schools, said tlie headmaster. The system was undoubtedly unfair, said the chairman. The capitation grant decreased, but there was just the same upkeep to maintain. On the motion of the chairman, it was decided to have the matter ’ of grading and capitation brought up at tlie next meeting of the Manawatu and Oroua School Committees’ Association.

The chairman reported that the hard tennis court was now being rolled and that about four and a half inches of shingle had been laid down. Mr Penketh reported that the school baths were now open, the headmaster saving that he had not encouraged swimming so far in view of the prevalence of colds.

RUSSELL STREET SCHOOL. The monthly meeting of the Russell Street School Committee was held last evening, Mr C. N. Rabone presiding.

Others present were Messrs T. Simpson, W. H. Brown,,o. S. Trask, M. J- McArtney, G. W. Coppell, J. A. Grant and F. W. Coombs. The headmaster (Mr F. C. Campbell) reported that the roll number was 209. The average weekly attendances had been 193.2, 198.5, 198.0 and 200. The school was closed lor two half-days for the Spring Show. Litesaving certificates had been presented to pupils who had qualified. The school savings hank scheme had been instituted by Messrs Fisher and Schlater. Mr E. H. Lange, agricultural instructor for the Wanganui Education Board, bad officially visited the school. Two sums amounting to 25s had been contributed towards the committee’s funds. The proficiency examinations would be held on November 29. Directions were sought by the headmaster as to the closing of tile school on the occasion of the welcome home to the Manawatu airmen.—The report was adopted and the matter of the holiday mentioned was left in the hands of the chairman to decide whatever action was necessary in that direction. Advice was received from the Wanganui Education Board, in reply to an application by the committee, that no funds were available at present towards the purchase of a garden fork, a wheelbarrow and an 18 inch lawnmower. The matter had been referred to the agricultural instructor for a report.—The letter was received. Messrs Grant and Brown were appointed the visiting committee for next month.