TERRACE END SCHOOL

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 91, 15 March 1935, Page 11

TERRACE END SCHOOL

MEETING OF COMMITTEE. Tlio monthly meeting of the Terrace End School Committee was held last evening, Mr AV. B. Tennent presiding. Also present were Messrs C. R. Luke, J. K. Baton, E. G. Bennett, R. C. Donald, J. H. Nash and H. Blackwood (secretary). There was an apology for absenco from Mr AV. A. Peterson. A vote of appreciation was accorded Messrs G. H. Bennett and Co., but., tor tlie donation of a cricket bat. It was decided that the cricket match between tlio committee and the first eleven be an annual fixture, to bo played in December. Tne Wanganui Education Board advised that it had adopted the recommendation of the architect that a new pipe line bo provided from the city main to the out-offices. —Received, the work being in hand. The hoard advised that the Easter vacation would extend from Ainil 19 to April 28, inclusive. Tlio committee decided to forward to Miss P. M. Hastings, an assistant under the rationing scheme, who had been transferred to Aokautere, a letter of appreciation of her services. The headmaster (Mr A. AV. Thompson) reported that the roll stood at 583. Owing to a fair amount of sickness the daily attendances had been only fair, the averages for the past four weeks being 534.2, 516.9, 533.7 and 538.6. Scripture lessons had been resumed this week and in connection with these Air Thompson expressed his regret at the departure of Rev. C. S. Matthews, also the impending departure of Rev. D. J. Davies. Both these gentlemen deserved the thanks' of the school for their services and he wished to extend to them the school’s very, best wishes in their new sphere of activity. On March 6 the swimming sports were held, the new champions being Bob Edwards (senior boy), Rons. Hunter (senior girl), Colin Hardie (junior boy) and Nancy Randall (junior girl). It was pleasing to report that no tewer than six previous records were broken this year. Both Nurse Gray (school nurse) and Mr E. Hodge (architect) had visited the school during the week. Tlio committee decided to forward to Air Alatthews and to Air Davies letters expressing appreciation of the services they have rendered to the school in the sphere of Scripture instruction.

Accounts amounting to £2O 2s lOd were passed for payment. It wais decided to inquire into the cost of carrying an earthquake insurance policy on the baths. Consideration was given the Education Board’s circular requiring the cash book to accompany the ba.lanceslieet and for the audited statement to be prepared gratis. It was decided that no action be taken pending the deputation from the School Committees’ Association waiting on the hoard. Mr Bennett reported that he and Mr Donald had paid a visit of inspection and he enumerated several re*quirements. Messrs Davidson and Luke were appointed the visiting committee for the ensuing month. ANNUAL REPORT. Although the committee was elected for a two-year term, Mr Blackwood prepared a report of activities covering the first twelve months of its term. This report was adopted. It stated, inter alia:—“The progress of the school lias been well maintained. The inspectors’ report again classified the school as 'excellent,’ reflecting great credit on our headmaster, Mr A. W. Thompson, his staff, and the late caretaker, Mr J. M. Arthur. The number of the staff remained as in the previous year. As usual the proficiency results were very satisfactory, bearing eloquent testimony to the ability and efforts of Mr Thompson and his staff. The school commenced this year with a roll of 572, which is a considerable decrease compared with last year. However, the position will improve during tho year. The attendance has been affected by much sickness. Tho gardens surrounding the school have been well maintained ond in this connection the committee wishes to place on record its deep appreciation, of the voluntary work performed by Mr Pascoe. Although assistance was .not forthcoming from the Wanganui Education Board, the committee was able to complete the tarring of the drill area, the result being that the 6cliool is now surrounded with asphalt or concrete. It was considered expedient not to allow the children to uso the transformed pit until tho soil had consolidated. At no distant date, however, this fine area will ho made available to the scholars. It is the intention to have shrubs planted about the pit and any friends of the school who can see their way clear to donate a few shrubs will recoive the committee’s sincere thanks. “The financial statement discloses that wo have not lived within our income, hut this is mainly due to the expenditure on two items which will not be recurring; there is still a credit balance,” continued the report. “The sports side of tho school’s activities ' continued to receive every attention from the headmaster and liis staff and their efforts over the past year have been very gratifying. ■ “The roll call of the school on the dental clinic at the end of December was 187. Of this number 129 children through- their parents contributed the clinic’s fee of 4s eacli. In all, tlie

parents of 58 children were exempted from payment, the committee making a proportionate payment in the latter case. Messrs Paton and Bennett were thanked for their interest as representatives.

“Undoubtedly the outstanding event of tile year was the celebration of the jubilee of the school on November 16 to 18. In this connection the committee desires to place on record its deep appreciation of the enthusiasm shown by the members of the various committees. The concert was pronounced by all who were privileged to be present an excellent entertainment. Held in the Opera House, conditions for teachers, children, and audience were more pleasant and the result fully justified the change of location. The thanks of the committee are due to the headmaster and staff for their splendid effort. It was with deep regrot that we said farewell to Mr and Mrs J. M. Arthur, who left to return to their native land. During their eight years of service to the school they ' endeared themselves to both parents and children, while their work in looking after the school left nothing to be desired. During the year the secretary, Mr C. It. Luke, found it necessary to. relinquish the position and the committee places on record its thanks for the efficient manner in which he performed his duties. During the year the committee granted permission to the Council of Christian Congregations to conduct religious instruction, and there is ample evidence that the children appreciate and enjoy this period of 2v) minutes per week. The committee, with the idea of getting in touch with some of the senior hoys, played the Ist eleven at cricket. An enjoyable game resulted and it is hoped to make the match an annual fixture. Once again we must record our thanks for the splendid efforts of the ladies’ committee under the leadership of Mrs J. Barsanti. to Mr Thompson and his staff for their enthusiasm and co-operation, and to Mr H. S. Porteous for his services as honorary auditor,” concluded the report. The annual financial statement showed a total amount of £3B I9s lOd in hand.