COLUMBA COLLEGE BOARD

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21980, 15 June 1933, Page 14

COLUMBA COLLEGE BOARD

ANNUAL MEETING The annual meeting of the Board of Governors of CoJumba College was hold at ■ the college on Tuesday uight. There were present—the Kev. J. J. Cairney (president), Mr s R. A. Ewing, Dr W. H. Borrie, Professors J. R. Elder and J. Malcolm, the Rev. George Miller, Messrs S. I’. Cameron, H. C. Campbell, J. M. Eraser, James Hogg and P. M'Skimming. The first business before the meeting was the resignation of the principal, Miss Grace Mackintosh, M.A., who had been appointed principal of the Presbyterian Ladies’ College, Pyrnble, Sydney. This resignation was received with the greatest regret, and it was resolved that a special minute in recognition of Miss Mackintosh’s valuable services to the school be prepared by the president, Dr Elder, and Messrs Borrie and Hogg, conveners of committees.

It was reported that Miss E. L. M. Clark, who has held the post of matron for the past two and a-half years, had been appointed matron of the Wellington Boys’ College. Miss Clark’s resignation was received with great regret, the secretary being directed to convey to Miss Clark the board’s warmest appreciation of fier services to the college- Miss M, Miller, who had acted in the capacity of assistant matron for the past five years was appointed acting-matron, her duties to commence from Saturday, June 24. Miss Miller’s very willing and wholehearted services to the school were much appreciated by the principal, the staff, and the pupils. Following the adoption of the balance sheet, the president briefly reviewed the work of the year. Notwithstanding the difficulties presented by the prevailing economic conditions, good progress had been made, he said. The Education Department's inspector for secondary schools had visited the school during the year and had expressed appreciation of the standard of work done. In view of the fact that the university requirements for matriculation entrance were being increased, and that university bursaries were now available only for those who sat the Entrance Scholarship Examination, it was necessary if the school was to maintain its reputation for a high standard of scholarship to have a staff competent to teach the subjects required. A secondary school for girls snould provide, in addition to the ordinary school curriculum, courses in languages, art, music, domestic and commercial courses. The post matriculation course in the school-provided for instruction in English, French. Latin, mathematics, history, chemistry, drawing, and arts and crafts. The school staff was reorganised at the beginning of- the year and considerably strengthened because of these requirements.

Miss Jessie Comrie was appointed mistress of mathematics, Miss M. <B. Lane mistress of English and sports, and Miss Beryl Service teacher of dancing. During the middle of the first term Miss Kirby, teacher of commercial subjects, resigned her position owing to illhealth. These classe§ were carried on during the remainder of the year by Mrs Waters.

Miss A. J. Broadhead, resident mistress of Latin and French, resigned her position at the end of the year. Miss Broadhekd had rendered conscientious and willing services during the two years in which she had been connected with the school.

Miss I, M. Seoon continued to do good work in arts and crafts. The pupils were able to offer drawing as a matriculation subject. The School of Music still continued to make good progress under the able directress-ship of Miss Ida G. Whit 6. The school provided a very wide and thorough training in musical studies. While the percentage of examination passes was not quite so good as usual this year, the work done was satisfactory. Examination results,' both in proficiency and in the secondary school, were good, a very satisfactory percentage of passes being obtained. The annua] sports event was held in the playing fields on Friday, October 14. The events were all keenly contested, and the competitors gave a good account of themselves. The swimming sports were held during the first term. In the social activities of the school the most noteworthy functions were:—A Dramatic Club concert arranged by Mrs Williams and Miss V. F. Sheddan; a Schubert evening, and later, a song and pianoforte recital arranged by Miss White. On December 12 a garden party was held, together with- an interesting display of work by the home science and art students. Sports prizes were awarded, and the drill, competition was also held on this occasion.

Captain Leslie Brasch, with Miss Thelma Hudson as lieutenant; took charge of the Guide Company from the beginning of the year. The company had worthily upheld the school’s reputation, being the first company to win the Divisional Cup for swimming. Special attention had been given to religious instruction. The house girls continued to attend Maori Hill Church on Sunday mornings, and their own churches on Sunday evenings. The Rev. A. G. W. Standage’ had spoken to the girls in morning assembly once a month with appreciation and acceptance. During the year branches of the Old Girls’ Association were formed in Christchurch and Invercargill. These associations gave promise of great usefulness in fostering the best interests of the school. Miss Mackintosh, accompanied by Mi's Ewing, paid a visit to the Invercargill branch, and in the course of her address to the members told them something of what had been done for the school. • Acknowledgment was made of the devoted service of the principal to the school. She had succeeded to a marked degree in her efforts to interest the girls in’ cultural pursuits. Miss Mackintosh expressed deep regret at leaving the college. She had been very happy in her work at the school, and was glad that, at Pymble, she would be connected with a college which stood for the same ideals ns Columba. Miss Macintosh thanked the president, the vicepresident, the governors, and the secretary of the board for the help which had always been given her. Officers for the ensuing year were elected as follows:—President, the Rev. J. J. Cairney (re-elected); vice-president, Dr W H. Borrie; hon. auditor, Mr T. D. B. Paterson (re-elected). A hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr Paterson for his valued services in auditing the accounts of the college. Mrs I). B. Waters, on being reappointed as secretary and treasurer, intimated her willingness to act in this capacity until a suitable appointment could be made. An expression of thanks and appreciation was extended Mrs Waters for her services. The retiring members of- the board—the Rev. A. C. W Standage, Dr Borrie, Messrs J. C. Begg, J. M. Fraser, and J. Hogg—were re-elected. It was decided that the appointment of the Education, Finance, and House Committees be left in the hands of the president and vice-president.