School Affairs

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 6834, 15 April 1932, Page 5

School Affairs

WEST END SCHOOL. In the annual report to be presented to the meeting of householders in connection with the West End school, the committee, places'on record its appreciation of the work and efforts of the headmaster, Mr. 11. W. Jackson, and his staff in maintaining a high standard of efficiency on the scholastic side ox the school. .Reference is made to the teachers, who had left, Messrs. Watts and Attwood and Miss Lewin, whoso special qualifications made them valued members of the staff. Tho records disclose that the school gained tho highest percentage of proficiency certificates in tho district, 23 having gained that certificate while four passed with competency. Tho committee's congratulations are extended to the dux girl, Rosalie Eossin, and the dux boy, Arthur Hall, for their well-earned honours.

“The standard of swimming at the school has shown a remarkablo improvement," the report ados. “About one-half of the present 130 swimmers at tho school learned this season and the boy champion, Ross Carlson, is a very promising swimmer. At the recent life-saving examinations eight gained proficiency, 12 elementary and 12 primary certificates. The school provided the champion baseball rounders team lor the past season; the school is again regaining tho prestige it once held on the field of sport. The records would not be complete without reference to the meritorious performance of Margaret Beattie, who became an ex-pupil at the end of last year. Besides being champion athlete, swimmer and holder of three sports cups she was awarded a special certificate by the Education Board for an unbroken attendance of S years and 3 months—a unique record.

“It will bo remembered that at the last annual meeting the committee reported that it was undertaking a comprehensive scheme of landscape gardening work. With the advent of the No. 5 unemployment scheme this work (which otherwise would .have always been beyond the means of a school committee) was undertaken. The landscape effect is now one of unity. Included in the scheme of improvement was the relaying of the tennis courts. Provision has been made for four double courts. Several hundred ornamental shrubs were very generously donated by Messrs. B. M. and Arthur Just. In materials alone for the work the committee has expended over £IOO. During the year tho board acquired a further two acres of land for the school's use. This section adjoins our present southern boundary fence. The board is fencing it immediately and the section will then be ready for the attention of the incoming committee. ‘•'The school has not yet regained its grading, the average attendance being

still about 350, with a roll call of 375. Consequently tho capitation grant is still on tho reduced basis which is a considerable handicap to the committee. Tho difficulties of committees are further increased by tho department's imposition of further expenditure such as purchase of inks, chalk, stationery, etc., which were formerly provided by the department, whilo all subsidies havo now been withdrawn. Tho present position briefly is, that providing no further reduction is made in tile capitation grant received from tho department and without any further impositions, tho committee will have to find approximately 50 per cent, of bare expenditure necessary to carry on the school. Recent extra departmental charges on dental clinic committees made it necessary for tho local dental clinic to make an annual charge of 5s per child on those receiving treatment. However, in necessitous cases, the committee was obliged to assist with these payments and in this direction expended the sum of £6. Tho committee’s total contributions towards the dental clinic funds throughout the year amounted to £l6 9s lid. The swimming bath receipts amounted to £42, an increase of £4 on tho previous season. Tho efforts of tho ladies have profited to tho extent of over £IOO. Tho school ball was an outstanding success and tho committee cannot allow the occasion to pass without generously thanking the headmaster and his staff and tho ladies’ committco for their efforts. The school is also fortunate in having tho services of Mr. Stcvcnson as caretaker. Apart from the efficient manner in which lie carried out his duties as caretaker of the grounds, swimming bath and the school, his obliging assistanco at social functions lias been inestimable and has relieved tho committco of many of its burdens. Tho committee desires to record its appreciation of the services of the officials and. members of tho Education Board, to Mr. J. A. Nash, M.P., for his interest in tho school, particularly his assistanco in acquiring the additional land'for playing areas, and to the many friends and supporters who have assisted in carrying out tho committee’s obligations; also to tho honorary auditor, Mr. W. Hunter, and to tho Press for its continued interest in our affairs and the faithful reports of meetings.’’

MILSON SCHOOL. Reporting upon the year’s activities, tho Milson School Committee states that the year commenced with a credit balance of £3l) 13s 9d. Capitation amounted to £37 and £l2 4s 6d was raised by public effort. The expenditure amounted to £6O Ss 2d. “This is very satisfactory,’’ adds the report, “considering that tho school lias the required attendance since beginning of last year to receive increased captation of £l3, but which is not payable till the roll has been maintained at tho required strength tor 12 month'-., but should bo available next scnool year. Rents from tho previous school year amount'd to £IS 2s Gd, which sum has becu lost owing to the hall being built, and the school not now being used by churches for services. No subsidies on money raised locally during the year have been xcccivcd from the board, and this seriously affects the finances of this school, which commenced with a roll of 103, but has now dropped to 96, owing to children leaving tho district.

“The committee made very successful elf rts to secure an additional room, and a teacher, Miss C. Rowlands, for the school during the year. After several efforts had been made a teacher wa3 secured, but tho room was nor an established fact till the services of Mr. J. A. Nash, M.P., were enlisted. The new accommodation relieved the congestion .and improved conditions for both teachers and pupils. The committee dcsiro to express their thanks to Mr. J. A. Nash, M.P., and the members of tho board for securing the additional accommodation.

Tho pupils from standards three to six have gone each week during the summer to the Terrace End school baths for swimming practice, four children having gained life saving certificates, and It! certificates for over 50 yards. Owing to tho distance from school, younger children have been unable to go, but the results from children attending have been very good, and the committee sincerely thank the Terrace End School Committee for the use of the baths, and Mr. Arthur (tho caretaker) for his assistance at all times. Dealing with tho success of tho school ball, tho committee expresses thanks to Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Nash, to Mrs. Murphy, tho teachers and ladies' committee for their assistance. “Tho secretary (Mr. .Bulmcr) has represented this school on the dental clinic during the year, but so far efforts to have this school included in the

treatment have not been successful owing to work in schools already admitted being in arrears, and owing to the shortage of nurses, but as back work is practically overtaken, advice has been received that this school will be admitted at an early date. The foot'ball ground was in a very bad condition with wet weather and has nqw been all box drained and a good ground for football should be available during tho wet weather. Tho road leading to the school was. in a bad condition during winter and the committco were successful in getting the Railway Department to metal it. Full opportunity has been taken of the No. 5 scheme to improve the grounds and surroundings, men having been employed for G 1 days during the year. Cricket material which was being used by the Milson Cricket Club was offered to the committee at a very low cost, and was purchased by them for tho school. The committco thank the club for their very generous offer on behalf of the children. The committee express thanks to Messrs Malcon and Crocker for the good work done on behalf of tho school during their terms as chairmen. The committee express thanks to all those who have assisted with all functions in connection with the school, and would like to impress on all parents the need to take a keener interest in school affairs so that tho standard of education will not be lowered or affected as tho result of economy.’’

TERRACE END. The final monthly meeting of tnc present Terrace End School Committee before the householders’ meeting was held on Wednesday evening, Mr. W. B. Cameron presiding. Also present were Messrs Cate, Peterson, Macpherson, Smith, Nash and Luke (secretary). Apologies for absence were received from Messrs Davidson and Allan.

Correspondence. Mrs. M. I. Bredin wroto _ thanking tho committee and staff of tho school for their message of sympathy in her recent bereavement. Tho AiicJ:'and Primary School Committees' Association wrote asking support for its petition to Parliament requesting that tho printing of school books be by open tender to reduce the cost. —Mr. Cameron said he considered that support should bo given the movement. On his motion it was decided to place tho matter beforo me meeting of householders. The Central School Committee invited the Terraco End School Committee to tho official reopening of tho remodelled Central school.—Received.

Headmaster’s Report. Tho headmaster (Mr. A. W. Thompson) in his report stated that the roll number was 051, the daily attendances averaging G2O. Both cricket and swimming had been discontinued for the season and basketball and football were about to commence. Swimming in particular, had been a most successful subject, no fewer than 107 width certificates being issued to beginners. On April 11 the school was pleased to welcome back from an overseas tour Dr. Elizabeth Gunn. Assisted by the school nurse, she is carrying out a medical inspection of all classes, and it was gratifying to note the increasing number of parents who were attending the school to consult tho doctor regarding the health of tho pupils and to be present when the pupils were examined. On Tuesday, Inspector Merrington examined several classes. The usual Anzae Day service would be held on April 25 and Major Hardie would again address the school. Rev. Mr. Davies, vicar of St. Peter’s, would assist in the service. The amount collected during tho past month in connection with the Savings Bank scheme was £l2 0s ltd. Matters w T cre quite satisfactory at tho hospital class, thero being at present a roll of 13. The first term examinations

had begun and would extend until the end of tho term. The school would close for the first term holidays on May 6 and would resumo on May 23. “As this is the last meeting of your committee before the annual meeting of householders, may I extend to you, on behalf of the staff, our best thanks for tho interest taken by the members of your committee during the last year in the welfare of the school. It is pleasing to note that the old committee, with one exception, has been again nominated, for I am sure the next year or so will bo ones calling for additional effort on the part of all committees,’' concluded Mr. Thompson.— Adopted. Speaking to the report, Mr. Cameron said that matters in connection with swimming had been wonderfully advanced. The results showed tho intense interest of Messrs Thompson, Schwarz and Pryor. Mr. Cameron suggested that learners’ certificates could have spaces to record the increased distances swum as progress was made. This would save expense in providing certificates each year. Mr. Thompson said he greatly favoured the idea and it was decided to keep the matter in view. Mr. Cameron thanked Mr. Cate for his splendid services to the school and expressed regret that his duties precluded his nomination as a member.

Mr. Cate said that he regretted being unable to stand again and thanked Mr. Cameron and Mr. Thompson for their kindly remarks. It was decided that the caretaker (Mr. J. Arthur) bo granted a bonus from the baths account in recognition of his splendid service to tho school. Concerning dental clinic treatment, Mr. Thompson stated that of 33 new entrants only three would be unable to pay for treatment. —These pupils will be exempted and the amount of the levy paid by tho committee. It was decided to recommend to tho incoming committee that tho same system be employed as in tho past in connection with the payment for dental work. Mr. Macpherson moved a vote of thanks and appreciation to Mr. Cameron for tho manner in which he had managed the meetings. Tho committee looked forward to him occupying the same position next year when he would have the same warm support to assist the school.

Associating himself with the sentiments expressed, Mr. Thompson said that it had been a pleasure for him to

attend tho meetings and see the efficient way in which Mr. Cameron conducted tho meetings. On his visits to the school ho was always kind and tactful. “As a school we are very fortunate in having a man of Mr Cameron’s calibre as chairman," concluded Mr. Thompson. Returning thanks, Mr. Cameron referred to the fine co-operation rendered by Mr. Thompson who was high up in his profession. To tho secretary, Mr. Luke, and the treasurer, Mr. Macpherson, Mr. Cameron expressed his appreciation for their co-operation. The help of tho wives of tho committco members was a notable feature of the work at tho Terrace End school. Mr. Cameron suggested that Mr. Bruce Levy, of tho Agriculture Department, be invited to examine the lawns at tho school with tho view to improving them by scientific treatment. It was decided to take this step if possible.

Annual Report. The annual report of tho committee to be submitted to the householders’ meeting expresses gratification at the high standard of efficiency maintained, the inspector’s report reflecting great credit on Mr. Thompson and his staff. The committco expressed regret at the passing of Rev. J. H. Bredin, who for a considerable time held tho position of secretary. The attendances at the baths had been good and tho income derived from them had greatly assisted the committee. Dcspito the depression tho deposits in tho savings bank were slightly in excess of last year. With a debit balance of £290 19s 7d to start the year tho committco had to curtail expenditure, but the reduction to £26 18s Bd, less a credit of £lO Is 9d in the baths account, w r as most reassuring, and tho coming year should find the debit balance wiped off. The committee had continued their efforts to secure the old outstanding subsidy ou voluntary contributions without success, and the probability of securing payment was very remote. Concerning the dental clinic scheme, tho report stated that tho committee had paid for the treatment of 72 exempted children out of a total of 124. It might be a difficult matter this year to exempt pupils and meet the cost of dental treatment on tho lines of last year. Barents were urged to pay their dues promptly and to see their children kept their appointments.

The committee expressed their ttianks to the ladies’ committee, who again assisted in raising funds on gala day, resulting in a nett return of £53; to tho headmaster, Mr. A. W. Thompson, and his staff for staging a. school concert which netted £3l; to parents and friends of tho children for donations and general response in assisting tne committee; Mr. H. S. Portcous, Messrs W. H. Swanger and E. H. Hodge, secretary and architect respectively of the Wanganui Education Board; Mr. E. 11. Lange, agricultural instructor; Mr. J. M. Arthur, caretaker, and all who had helped the committee. In a supplementary report on the sports activities of tho school, Miss J. M. Chapman and Mr. D. C. Pryor, staff members,, stated that three teams uad been entered in the inter-school football competition and two in the midget grade. Thero were six Terrace End boys in the representative team which travelled to Masterton. Tho seven-asido competition was participated in by tne school. In the cricket competitions, both tho senior and junior teams were successful. The school had been included in the representative teams. Sixteen teams had participated in the in-

ter-house games. In the basketball competitions success had been attained, as had been the caso also in baseball rounders. Tho swimming season had been very successful, the certificates gained being 245 as against 129 in the previous year. Success had been obtained in the life saving competition. Last season, Mr. P. G. Blomfield, of Christchurch, presented a shield for competitions among all schools . and clubs in the Dominion to be won by tho school or club gaining tho highest number of awards. The Tesults were: Auckland Training College Swimming and Life Saving Club I, New Plymouth Girls’ High School .2, Terraco End School 3, Christchurch Technical College 4. Awards gained during the year were as follow, 1931 figures being given in parentheses: Teachers’ certificates, 0 (2); bronze medallions, 6 (0); proficiency, 31 (23); elementary, 55 (31); primary, 78 (66); total, 170 (116). The team, trained by Mr. W. Schwarz, again f, r on the Pat Cunningham Shield and a team of two girls won the Gretchen Sigley Memorial Cup. The girls gained second place and the boys fourth in the Weston J. Smith rose bowl competition. The annual road race and athletic sports had been conducted with success. Thanks were extended to all members of the staff for their loyal cooperation, and to Mr. Arthur for his assistance, particularly at tho baths. While the playground was under reconstruction tho City Council goncrously allowed the use of Terrace End park for sports activities and thanks were due to the council and to Air. Ivahle, the caretaker.