CENTRAL SCHOOL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 3 May 1938, Page 6

CENTRAL SCHOOL

OLD COMMITTEE RE-ELECTED

REVIEW OF YEAR’S ACTIVITIES The biennial meeting of householders held for the purpose of electing nine members to the Central School Committee took place at the school last evening. There was a moderate attendance. Mr G. C. Gordon was elected to the chair. Apologies were received from Messrs J. Hurrell, A. B. Walker, and S. Russell. The biennial report was read as follows : “During the last two years the school has maintained its standard of excellence in all branches of its activities. Roll Numbers “The present roll number is 527, the same as at the end of 1937. There are 370 at the main school and 157 at.the infants’ school. Staffing “There have been a number of transfers and new appointments to the school, including no less than four different headmasters. i.e., Mr Bilby (acunghead), Mr McClune, Mr Alloo, and our present headmaster. Mr J. Masefield. In view of these changes the present staff is to be congratulated on maintaining the high standard of efficiency. “Owing to the increased roll number over the 1936 figures, the school became entitled to an extra assistant. This position was filled by a specialist in drawing. The Education Board painted two rooms in the Brook street school and fitted them up as an art school. An exhibition of pupils’ work will be held once a term to enable parents and others interested to see the kind of work being done. The first exhibition will be held on Wednesday afternoon. 4th May.

Hounsell Bequest Library “About £4O has been spent on books for this library.

John Easdale Memorial Gift Books “To perpetuate the memory of the late Mr John Easdale, a member of the committee for many years, a special corner of the library has been set apart to contain the books which have been presented annually by Mrs Easdale

Parents’ Day "These days are still very popular and last year a large number of parents took the opportunity of seeing the pupils go through a series of massed drill and folk dancing. The music was amplified through an electric pick-up and amplifier. *

Sports "The children continue to take a very lively interest in their games. Last winter the girls entered six teams in the basketball competitions, and this year a start was made with inter-school tennis matches. Next summer it is hoped that regular tennis matches with the other schools will be arranged for the girls The most popular game with the boys is Rugby football. Four teams took part in Ihe Friday afternoon competitions. The senior fifteen had a gooo record, winning every game they played. Last winter the Rugby Union initiated games for boys on Saturday mornings. Besides Rugby the boys also played hockey and Association football on Saturdays. The school had three cricket teams taking part in the interschool games.

Swimming “The season was very suitable for swimming, and the teachers and pupils spent many profitable hours at the baths. A life-saving class was formed and sixteen of its members gained the Royal Life Saving Society’s intermediate Certificate, and three were awarded the Elementary Certificate. Twelve children also attained the society's Primary Schools Certificate. Of 215 children at present in the four upper classes of the school 195 are able to swim, this being slightly more than 90

per cent. Many boys and girls are greatly indebted to those responsible for the “Learn-to-Swim Week.” The school had a very successful swimming carnival in the evening of 22nd February. The pupils also competed most successfully in the combined schools swimming sports on 25th February. Ten children will obtain the certificate for swimming 880 yards, and 22 the certificate for 220 yards.

Dental Clinic “Two nurses are engaged full time at the clinic, attending pupils from the three city schools, together with Clifton Terrace, Linton, and the primers from the Convent School. Parents can assist the committee by being prompt in their payment of the 2s 6d fee. Central School’s quota for this year amounts to £36. which sum represents maintenance charges only, such as laundry, filling, caretaker, gas, rent, etc.

Medical Services “We are pleased to report that a resident medical officer has once more been appointed, the duties being ably carried out by Dr. E. G. Hcycock.

Milk Supply "More than 80 per cent, of the children avail themselves of the morning milk supplied by the Health Department.

Savings Bank Last year 2000 deposits were made and £l5O was banked by the children.

Wireless “During the year a wireless receiving set was installed and a plug-in point wired to each classroom. Three speakers are at present in use and by a system of amplification also installed, eight or nine speakers can be operated simultaneously. The extra speakers, costing £7 7s each will be procured when funds are available. Grounds “Owing to the large area in grass the committee were obliged to purchase a power-mower to keep this aio? in anything like good order. Buildings “All the buildings and surroundings reflect great credit on the caretaker. Mr C. Hansen, by the care and attention given them. Thanks "The committee wishes to place on record its appreciation of the excellent work of the headmaster and staff durnig the past two years. The amiable relationship that exists inside and outside the school, and the helpful spirit of co-operation, have made our work in connection with the school a very real pleasure. We also wish to thank the pupils for their very fine care of the grounds and buildings and their desire to do their best always for the school; the parents who have co-operated in all activities; and to the Education Board and staff for courtesy, consideration, and help, we extend our best thanks and appreciation.’ The balance sheet disclosed a very satisfactory financial position. Mr H. Barltrop stated that the report was most satisfactory. He said that in the report mention had been made of the condition of the grounds and the general appearance of the school, which would no doubt be widely advertised by Mr H. J. Thornton (secretary oi the Nelson Education Board), who haa taken on his tour abroad a photograph of the pupils of the Central School at drill on the school grounds. Mr E. A. Wood complimented the secretary (Mr R. Leaper) on his report, which ,he thought should have been listened to by a more representative meeting of householders. The chairman of the outgoing committee (Mr Arch. Smith) said that he could not wish for a better committee to work with, while he had received invaluable assistance from the staff and ! the headmaster (Mr J. Masefield). The report was excellent, while the ground improvements were up to standard. Mr Gordon said it was gratifying to know that the committee and staff were working together in unison for the benefit of the school. The report was a credit to the chairman and the committee. and he had much pleasure in moving its adoption, together with the balance sheet. Tfce motion was seconded by Mr U. R West and carried. Nominations for re-election to the committee were received from all of the previous members with no addition, so that the past committee was appointed for another term of office. The members of the committee are: Messrs Arthur Smith. H. Barltrop. D. E. Burton. Arch. Smith. E. A, Wood. S. L. Russell. J Hurrell. R. A. Leaper. and A B. Walker. At a meeting of the committee held later Messrs Arch. Smith and R. A > Leaper were re-elected to the positions ] of chairman and secretary respectively. ] On the motion of Mr Gordon a hearty * vote of thanks was accorded the com- | j mittee for their work over the past two ' years. The parents approved of their work, said Mr Gordon, and the fact that 1 r; uch a happy feeling existed between { the committee and the staff boded well 1 for the future of the school. ; Mr Masefield said he wished to ex- i press his appreciation of the work of [ the committee, the members of which had done all in their power to help the children and the teachers. He was ‘ pleased to see that the same committee 5 had been elected for the ensuing term. * Referring to improvements to the c grounds the speaker said that no men- \

.tion Jiad been made in the report of the laying down of the tennis courts at the Central School and concrete work done at Tasman Street School.

PURCHASE OF RENWICK ESTATE After a short discussion Mr Wood moved that the Minister of Education and Mr H. Atmore. M.P., be written to urging them to expedite the purchase of the Renwick estate, adjoining the school, for the purpose of extending the playing area. The motion was carried.

Mr Arch. Smith was re-elected chairman. and Mr R. A. Leaper secretary and treasurer. The works committee will be: Messrs J. Hurrell. D. Burton, Arthur Smith and Arch. Smith.