SCHOOL YEAR OPENS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20172, 5 February 1929, Page 12

SCHOOL YEAR OPENS.

ROLLS QUICKLY FILL.

ACCOMMODATION QUESTION.

NEED OF MORE BUILDINGS.

801 l numbers approximating those at the end of last, year were recorded when the city and suburban primary schools reopened yesterday. At present oveicrowding of pupils is not prevalent, but the schools bare not yet completed enrolling and numbers will continue to come forward during this week and next. 'lhe first few weeks arc recognised to be (lie leanest of the whole school year. Comfortably filled at present, several suburban schools will feel the need of increased accommodation before long. Definite evidence of overcrowding is not wanting at the Avondalo School, which is in the centre of a steadily-growing district. The school closed last year with a roll-number of 800, arul already ne*v pupils have taken the available space. There are 16 classes, and only 13 rooms in which to accommodata them. The mzc of the rooms does not allow of more than one class in each, although iri the infant department two teachers arc endeavouring to work together in ono loom. In the words of the headmaster, "every holo and corner" is being used for teaching purposes. This means the pressing into use of ■shelter-sheds, porches Mid seats under trees. There arc three separate buildings in tho school ground itself, while a church hall, used last year, is also housing pupils. Further congestion is expected, and it is considered imperative that a temporary building should le erected.

Proposed Open-Air School, Tho New Lynn School is also full and tho need of another school between tho two is apparent. Accommodation at the Avondalo South School is supplemented by a hall, but bore the completion of negotiations for an open-air school is expected shortly. It is not considered advisable the Avondalo School should be enlarged, as tho roll-num.ber is considerably in advance of 500, which is reckoned to be the limit for any school.

The Otahuhu School ranks with Avondale in point of size, tho two being the largest in tho Auckland district. The operations at tho Railway Workshops have caused the growth of the Otahuhu School. At present tlie roll-number approaches 800, which is equal to that at the end oE last year. These can be comfortably taught—three portable rooms being in use—but congestion is bound to follow should very many more pupils be enrolled.

Between 20 arid 30 pupils were turned away from the Newton Central school yesterday morning, and a black-board posted at the entrance notified parents there were no vacancies for pupils in Primer 3 and Standards 1. 2, 3, 4, Standard 5 boys, and Standard 6 girls. Pupils are being' sent to Newton West, Grafton and Beresford Street schools. At present a teachers' common loom is being used as a classroom. The roll closed last year at 709, and about the same number will be taught this year. Tin Shed at Grey Lynn.

The lower classes at the Grey Lynn school are over-crowded, but it is expected all requirements can be met. Fortunately, the school possesses a temporary building —a tin shed which has been lined and made permanent. This is stated to make one of the best classrooms.

Yesterday morning the Richmond West school had already admitted as many new pupils as there wero vacancies. A larger roll than last year is expected, but there is still one classroom in a temporary building not used to nnv extent. Closing last year with a roll of 610, the Point Chevalier school enrolled over 600 pupils yesterday. Congestion is being experienced in the infant department, additions already being required to the new infant school opened last year. An application for the necessary additions will shortly go forward to the Education Board.

About 750 pupils, the same number as last year, will be attending the Gladstone Road school. Although there will be decided inconvenience, the headmaster states he can carry on until the opening of tho new school at tho corner of Vincent and Richardson Roads.

Mount Roskill District. The needs of Mount Bosk ill, a growing suburb, are being served by the opening of two new schools. One at the corner of May Boad and Bichardsou Road opened yesterday, with an attendance of 70. Another will be opened next week at the corner of Dominion and Mount Albert Roads, as a side-school to Mount Boskill. These schools will relieve existing schools in the district.

Belmont, Takapuna and Milford schools opened with full rolls. Over-crowding has recently been acute at Takapuna. but relief should be afforded when the new temporary building, which has been authorised, is erected.

Secondary schools in flic Auckland district will open to-day. The opening dates of schools in Auckland arc as follows: King's College, Monday, February 11; Diocesan High School. Tuesday. February 12: St. Cuthbert's College, Wednesday, February 13.