WOODVILLE & DISTRICT

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 18, 17 December 1938, Page 10

WOODVILLE & DISTRICT

DUX OF THE SCHOOL. CEREMONY AT WOODVILLE. At intervals yesterday afternoon the headmaster’s room at the Woodville District High School resounded with much mirth, applause, and cheers. It was “breaking-up” day (a very inclement one), with its customary ceremonies. The headmaster (Mr J. S. McBean), after reminding the children that they had come to the end of another school year, referred to the present road safety campaign and counselled them during their holidays, wherever they might wander, especially in the busy centres, to watch their step. He alluded to the fact that the school was several of the staff, and he extended to the departing teachers good wishes for every happiness in their new sphere of labour. He wished the scholars u Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and the greeting was instantly and-loudly re-echoed by the crowded classroom.

Mr Mcßean then introduced the Mayor (Mr R. R. Johnston), who is also chairman of the school committee), and Mrs Johnston. The Mayor commended the headmaster for reminding the children of the road safety campaign. He conveyed the best wishes of the committee to the staff and pupils for a very enjoyable vacation, and also urged the children, to be considerate of their parents, especially mother, in easing their burden, during the holidays. Old pupils of the school were now acquitting themselves very well in public life, and who knew but among the children present that afternoon there would be those who would attain prominent positions, perhaps become a future Mayor and Mayoress. He felt sure that they would worthily maintain all the traditions of the school. In regard to the future, it was proposed to introduce a picture projector in the school, and he stressed the educational value of the cinema. Another feature the speaker suggested, was that Parents’ Day should be substituted for “breaking-up” day, as it would give the parents an opportunity of inspecting the work of the school. Mr J. Sullivan (the donor of the cup to the winner of the annual school road race) and Mrs Sullivan were present, and it was proposed to present the trophy to the winner Colin Bei'kahn, at the annual picnic. The dux prize, the gift of Mr and Mrs Johnston, was then presented by tlie latter to Edna Olsson, whose brother, it was mentioned, had also gained a similar distinction at the school a few years ago. The committee’s prize to the runner-up was piesented by Mrs Johnston to Maurice Munro. A cup donated by Mr H. E. Russell for the best all-roynd girl athlete was handed over by Mrs Sullivan (on behalf of Mr Russell) to Phyllis Carrington and Eileen Hayes, who shared equal honours.

Primary school certificates were then presented by Mr Johnston to the folloiwng pupils:—Alfred Bryston, Bryant Curry, Arnold Harding, George Hardy, “James Hartridge, Alan Kcay, Eric Leslie, Lyall Middleton, Maurice Munro, Colin Philips, Tom Smith, Peter Stanborough, Herbert Stubbings, Robert Waugh, Trevor Watkins, Charles Nicholson, Daphne Kee Sue, Edna Olsson, Dorothy Pilcher, June Schaw, Jean Smith, Patricia Smith.

The function was brought to a conclusion with cheers for the successful students, the donors of prizes. Mr and Mrs Johnston, and also for the whole of tlie staff.