BISHOPS SCHOOL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 17 December 1936, Page 3

BISHOPS SCHOOL

ANNUAL PRIZE-GIVING PRINCIPAL’S REPORT OF YEAR DEAN PRESENTS PRIZES Though arranged somewhat hurriedly, owing to the health restrictions, the annual prize-giving at Bishop’s School passed off very pleasantly. After a few carols by the children, Miss J. Glendinning, Principal, read her report for the year, as follows: “May I begin the annual report by quoting the remarks of the Inspector after his recent visit to Bishop’s School: ‘The children have all made very good progress. This is a very haopy little school.’ In particular the Inspector spoke highly to me of the reading and arithmetic and was much pleased with some of the written work. Recitation also received his approval, even the tiny ones doing their bit creditably. “No doubt the fact that our numbers are smaller than usual has enabled us to give more individual attention, but it has always been tbe aim in this school to give individual teaching and let each child develop at his own pace. The Inspector s com mendation is. however the more welcome as it comes at the cl ° se °J year which has been more difficult than usual. The wet weather, the freouent variations of tempeiature, the'prevalence of cold winds, have all combined against the children who are susceptible to cold and cumatic changes, and the mothers have had no choice other than to keep those children at home in Unfavourable weather conditions. So, though we have had no epidemics other than one or iwo cases of chicken-pox the attendance during certain months has been below the average. The children, therefore, are to be con gratulated that on the whole their progress has been so satisfactory. “During the year that is so rapidly drawing to a close two outstanding historical events have been impressed by pictures and discussions on the minds of the children—the death of our good King George V and the Accession of Edward VIII. The a dication of the latter is so recent and so painful a subject that I have not felt able to say much about it, but we have loyally welcomed the newly proclaimed King and hope to learn more of him and Queen Elizabeth next year. “We always remember and prepare for Anzac Day, and the two, minutes silence on Armistice Day is faithfully kept, even by the tiniest ones. “Among our school events I would mention our little annual harvest festival last March, and thank the parents who sent fruit, flowers, toys and clothing. All these were, ns usual, arranged as tastefully as we could manage, offered as a thank-offering to the Giver of all good things, and then carefully distributed among the poor, the best of the fruit and flowers going to sick people. Some of the things were taken by Miss Baker, the Child Welfare worker, to families in the backblocks.

“Towards the end of the term we had our tittle plays. At the close of the second term we had a little afternoon gathering for mothers to see the progress of the dancing class and meet over a friendly cup of tea. This term our little plays were later than usual, so we are not having Christmas tableaux. The plays went off very well, and I was able to hand £5 to the Building Fund. I want to thank the parents, especially the mothers who helped at these functions, and to tell Mrs Smith and Mrs Vining how much we appreciate their kindness in playing for us. I would also thank Miss Preece for the pains and patience she expends upon the dancing class which the children enjoy so much, and Mrs Craighead for the use of her gramophone for the dancing lessons. Nor must we omit to thank our new friend the Rev. Ross Dalby, who often looks in for a word with the children, for the interest he has taken and the help he has given in preparing the room for our entertainments, and also for having taken some excellent photogranhs of the children which I should like you to see this afternoon.

“To Miss' Howard I am indebted for a year cf 3oyal and hearty support. Miss Howard has entered into every phase of the life of the school. She has won the confidence and affection of the children, and they have made good progress under her guidance. I am sure you will be glad to hear that she hopes to be with us next year. AIMS OF SCHOOL “Before concluding, may I say one word about the aims of the Bishop’s School. They appear in the prospectus, as follows:—The teaching in the standards is designed, not only to give the child a thorough grounding and preparation for the higher classes, but also aims at character building and all-round development, especially the cultivation of self-reliance, self-con-trol and general intelligence. The children are encouraged to observe and to read for themselves. The work in the kindergarten is based on recent research in childrpsychology and special attention is given to sense training. In each division individual attention is given so that each child may develop without hindrance and without forcing. The principle of individualism is not unduly stressed, as the children carry out group work and class work and so learn to be co-operative and companionable. “I would try to correct the misapprehension that abstract work such as reading and writing is forced upon the tiny ones. This is not so. Froebel said, ‘Play is the work of childhood’ and if suitable playthings and the right environment arc provided the child will exert the concentration and effort in his play which will develop his personality and his powers. Never do for the child what he can learn to do for himself’ is the golden rule, for it is only by using powers that we can develop personality. '‘ln conclusion I should like to thank the Dean for distributing the prizes. and for his many kindnesses to the school in the past. Also I thank nil of you who have come this after-

noon for your attendance at this busy time of year. I trust you will all have a bright and happy Christmas, and will remind your children Whose birthday we are keeping. May the New Year bring health and happiness to all of you, and success to the children who will re-assemble here as well as to those who pass on to other schools.”

PRIZES PRESENTED Some dances followed, and then the Dean of Nelson, the Very Rev. P. B. Haggit.t distributed the prizes. He addressed the children, reminding them of the story of “Dummling or the Three Feathers” which they recently acted, and showing them how, in that story and all through life the best things are only achieved by those who make the necessary effort. Dummling, striving to fulfil his father’s commands, attained the best things, whilst his brothers through indifference and laziness, lost them. The Dean asked the children to remember the lesson, and to put it into practice in their homes and in school life.

The proceedings were brought to a happy conclusion by the presentation of a little Christmas gift to Miss Glendinning by her pupils. The following is the list of prizewinners: Standard I: Form prize, Don Hall; 2nd prize, Sonia Challies. Primer IVA: Form prize, divided between Ross Ford and Bernard Coleman. , _ T . . . Primer IVB (given by Mrs Vming). Alan Taylor. _ ... . Primer III: Form prize, Betty Smith, 2nd prize, Suzanne Fitzpatrick. Primer II: Form prize, Rohm Cary Kindergarten: Ist prize, Margaret Toomer; for good progress, Peter Vining, Marion Russel. Howard Pulley, Richard Everett. Special prizes: Scripture prize, Dewy\l Craighead. Handwork pi izc, Patricia Grant.