NEW PARNELL SCHOOL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21498, 23 May 1933, Page 10

NEW PARNELL SCHOOL

FIRST USE BY PUPILS ■ > MODERN ACCOMMODATION INCREASE 'IN ENROLMENTS The new primary school at Parnell was occupied for the first time yesterday, when the second term began. The school is on the site formerly occupied by St. Stephen's College, on the corner of St. Stephen's Avenue and Gladstone Road, and replaces the old building in Alpha Road, at the top of Parnell Rise. The official opening will take place later in the year.

The new school has a roll of over 400. There was an air of eager anticipation among the children when they assembled on the asphalt areas' at tho front and back of tho new building yesterday. The pupils needed no second bidding to enter tho school, and poured in through five doors to inspect the modern building, which is in marked contrast to the old school. Tho new desks, as yet free from ink spots and laboriously-carved initials, were a source of delight, as were the spacious playing fields. The eight classrooms provide accommodation for about 450 children. Tho roll number is already over 400, about SO new pupils being enrolled yesterday by tho headmaster, Mr. J. McGechie.

Light and Ventilation A special motor-bus, run 'from tho city through Parnell and down St. Stephen's Avenue, was commenced yesterday by the Auckland Transport Board. The bus caters particularly for pupils who lived near the old school, but now have some distance to travel. Modern ideas of hygiene and convenience in accommodation havo been followed in the new building, which has sliding windows 011 the side facing the harbour, and windows which pivot vertically to allow the free circulation of fresh air. In addition, there are largo windows which drop into tho walls on the side of the classrooms next to the corridors. Wash-basins are provided convenient to the various recesses, whilo there are facilities for making the coco<a enjoyed by each pupil at noon throughout tho winter term. Bookshelves have been built into the ""partitions, being concealed by blinds when not in use. Swing doors in the corridors aro designed to prevent draughts.

Areas for Recreation A room for the uso of the staff is located upstairs. Sport and recreation have also been considered. Work is in progress on a large asphalt area that will >provide three basketball courts in winter and four hard tennis courts in summer. Plans are also in hand for the construction of a wall round the whole area of four acres, and for tho provision of a full-sized tennis court. A playground is being formed on the hariiom side of tho school, while a grass area for the usd of girls and infants is provided at the back of the build ing. Pupils of other primary schools in the Auckland Education Board's district also resumed work yesterday aftej tho first term holidays. The majority of secondary schools will reopen to-day.