HIGH SCHOOL GOVERNORS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22136, 14 December 1933, Page 15

HIGH SCHOOL GOVERNORS

; MONTHLY MEETING The monthly meeting of the Otago High Schools Board of Governors was held yesterday. Professor G. 1 E, Thompson occupied the chair, and there were also present the Mayor (the Rev. B. T. Cox), Professor R. Lawson, Mr J. J. Mallard, Archdeacon W. Pitchett, and Mrs S. M. Park.

It was decided to send a letter of congratulation to. the rector of . the boys’ school, Mr R. Fraser, officer in charge of. musketry, and the school team on winning the Earl Roberts Imperial Trophy. It was also decided to extend_ the board’s congratulations to N. Davis on gaining a Rhodes Scholarship. It was mentioned that Davis was an old boy of the school. .

Dates of terpis for 1934. were fixed as follow: —First term, February 5 to May 4; second term, May 22 to August 17; thirdierm, September 11 to December 14. A letter was received from the secretary of the Seddon Memorial" Technical College, Auckland, regarding the position accorded to the subject agriculture in the public examinations conducted by the Education Department and the New. Zealand University.—lt was decided that the board was in favour of greater attention being given to agriculture in the schools and in public examinations. The rector and Miss King recommended the award of Baxter oursaries of £4 4s each to Frank Kenneth M'Farlane and Meryl Oaten respectively.— Approved. ■ - ■ { The tenders of the 'following for supnlies for 1934 were accepted:—Bread, A. Minn; butter and milk, Taieri and Peninsula Milk Supply Company; meat. Barton’s Ltd.; coal, J. Jackson Purdie, Ltd.; wood, G. and F. Agnew. The General Harry Fulton Memorial Scholarship of £l6 per annum, tenable for three years at any college of the New Zealand University or at any school of professional education approved by the Board of Governors of the Otago Boys High. School was awarded to Ernest R. Duncan. . ‘ Consideration of the applications for the, position of assistant to the physical instructress at the Otago Girls’ Hign School was deferred till next meeting. RECTOR’S REPORT.

.The rector, of the boys’ school (Mr W. J. Morrell) submitted the following report on the year’s activities:— The numbers at the opening of the session were about 30 short of those in February, 1932. The drop was smaller than I had anticipated, after so many boys leaving during the course of last year. It was satisfactory to find that parents generally saw the advantage of sending boys who had been unable to secure employment back to continue their education and share in the ordered life of school. The total number leaving during'the session has again been large—--88 exclusive of transfers. All but four, of these went to employment, permanent ,or temporary. Of the 143'boys who left at the end of last year 30 were reported in March to be seeking work, besides seven unknown —some of these _ also have no doubt since obtained positions. The Dunedin Vocational Guidance Committee and their zealous and energetic officer, Mr T. have done valuable work in this '‘connection, but the general problem of finding employment for our youth in these difficult times is still one demanding the most careful attention. The average length of stay in secondary schools for pupils leaving in 1932 is stated in the Minister’s report as two years 11 months. In our own' school the average for boys leaving at the end of 1932 or during the current year was three years 18 weeks. In 1923 it was two years 27 weeks; in 1908 two years eight weeks. The average' agfi at leaving was in 1908 15 years 11 months. After allowing for the influence of the present depression, it is clear that there has been a steady improvement. During the past 25 years parents generally have come, to realist) better the advantages of a longer school period, and the boys themselves now have a stronger wish to stay on. It is also far more usual for boys when leaving to signify their intention of carrying on their studies in evening classes. These facts are matters for very real gratification. . The seven candidates sent ,up.for university scholarships 'last December did very creditably. N. G. • Robertson, dux, gained a Junior University scholarship; three gained University national scholarships, one of them (A. A. Rayner) bejrig still under 16; : and the remaining three obtained credit. The ndtaber of passes for University entrance was considerably smaller than in the previous year—os against 83. The fall was undoubtedly due in the main to the decision of the University to raise the somewhat, a decision for which there "is much to be'said; The results in some classes; however, accorded less closely ;with those of' the school class work than for several years past, one paper * seeming to be marked with special and perhaps excessive severity. The number of candidates entered prematurely by parents, after warning that they must fail, is still much too large. The possibilities of luck for candidates weak all round are absurdly over estimated, and puzzlement is Wrongly thought to be valuable experience. The department’s decision to make all candidates for senior free places sit for examination last year resulted unexpectedly in the passing of a larger proportion. Out of 219 sitting"l72 were successful besides four who were awarded senior free places by the department. The total number of senior free places gained in 1931 was 168 (out of' a larger number eligible), in 1930 135, and in 1929 142. Higher leaving certificates (nb longer carrying with them university bursaries) were awarded at the end of 1932 to 43 boys, of whom, however, 17 returned in February, though 10 have since left for employment. \ Messrs E. J. Parr and J. B. Mawson, secondary inspectors, visited the school from July .18 to 24 in connection with' the award of senior free places and lenvr ing certificates and with the grading of teachers. As a result 135 boys were provisionally accepted for senior free places and 42 for higher leaving certificates. As we were one below the regulation number of assistants last year, the decrease in our roll simply had the effect of lessening the difficulties as' regards accommodation. We have, fortunately, had no change upon the staff, and the general health of the boys has been good. The work consequently has proceeded with great smoothness, and the spirit ,shown both in the classroom and outside has been excellent.

Mr Campbell, as manager of the Rectory boarding house, reports as follows: '* The number of boys fenrolled during the year was 22, the totals for the three terms being 21, 20, and 19. This is a smaller number than there has been here for at least 20 years, and it is due entirely to the prevailing depression. It is to be hoped that, as prices for wool have gone up considerably, and the board has decided to reduce the boarding fee, we may have a large increase next year. The health of the boarders has been excellent all the year, and the services of the doctor have not been required at all.” The cadet battalion, under Major M. Watt, M.C., has worked well throughout the year. It performed creditably at the Anzao Day parade on April 25, and underwent an inspection on June 2 by Mr J. G. Cobbc, Minister of Defence, and the G.O.C. New Zealand Forces, Majorgeneral Sinclair-Burgesa. Both expressed great satisfaction at the general physique and demeanour of the b.oys. The artillery section was inspected at the Central Battery, its smartness and good work receiving high commendation. At the King’s Birthday parade on the following day the smart soldierly appearance of our cadets and their marked efficiency in drill and marching again elicited favourable comment from the Minister and the G.O.C. Our Rugby football this year reached a very high standard. The first fifteen won the Third Grade Championship for the third year in succession with the fine record of 12 wins out of 12 matches played. Of the four interschool matches played we won three and lost one. The Association Club has al,so done good work, giving valuable training during the winter to some 80 boys, mostly from third and fourth forms. The , senior eleven annexed the Fourth Grade Championship, after playing off a tie. A visit was received in the second term holidays of teams from_ the Greymouth secondary schools combined. The Cricket Club hag maintained 13 teams in various outside competitions throughout the year. The athletic sports were remarkable for the 'number of records broken —three senior and four junior, with another junior equalled. The general level of performance did credit to Mr Northey’s, careful training and Mr Betting’s organisation. Swimming classes were as usual held in the first and third terms for all

unable to swim and not medically exempted. The number oil the roll in February was 145, of whom over 80 can now swim. Allowing for leavings and exemptions, there will be a carry-over of about 50 for next year, but few will leave without learning. The swimming sports were notable for the breaking of two senior and five junior records. The Hockey Club entered three teams in local competitions, and line again had a v.ery successful -season; the first eleven winning the Third Grade Championship. The Lawn Tennis Club, with some 45 members, has. held several competitions. The competitions for the senior and junior gymnastic eights were, as usual, keenly contested, the senior cup tailing again to R. G. Gibbs and the junior to B. Mark. The boxing contests were fought out with great spirit. Mr R. G. Hudson’s medal for the School Championship fell to W. J. Jarvis, a powerful boxer of extraordinary reach. The Debating Society, with over 70 members, has again had a very active and successful season. In addition to the ordinary weekly meetings, debates have been held with Waitaki and M'Glashan College, and several afternoons have been devoted to the reading of one-act plays. The Camera Club, with a membership of 40, has held lectures, meetings, and demonstrations, and its facilities have been in constant use. The Field Club, with some 20 members, has made excursions as usual in the first and third terms, and held an indoor meeting in the second term. The Stamp Club, with 38 members, has held weekly meetings during most of the year, and members have attended the monthly meetings of the Dunedin Philatelic Club. In June the school club organised the annual' junior night for the senior club, providing display, lectures, competitions, and control in a manner which earned great credit. The Music Club, with over 30 members, held several meetings during the second term, and school sing-songs, varied by some gramophone records, were held on alternate Friday afternoons. The Model Aero Club, with 30 members, has served a useful purpose in enabling boys of a mechanical turn to exchange ideas and in enlarging interest in aeronautics. The most memorable feature of the school year has'been the striking success of the seventieth anniversary celebrations on August 3 (Foundation Day) and 4. The great gathering of old boys of all periods, the impressive service,, and the enthusiasm which prevailed throughout will live in the hearts of all. The school has reason to be deeply grateful to the president and executive of the seventieth Anniversary Association and to the committees who undertook the heavy work of organising* the various functions. Noteworthy, too, was the jubilee of the Christ’s College match. The college welcomed us with the most cordial hospitality, college and Otago old boys also foregathering in a .commemorative dinner, and the long-standing alliance Between the two schools received the fullest recognition. The school has this year suffered two very serious losses by the death on May 20 of Sir Thomas K. Sidey, one of our most distinguished and popular old boys, long a member and from 1914 to 1920 chairman of the board; and on August 25 of Mr G. M. Thomson, from 1873 to .1902 a master on the staff. Both retained a keen interest in the school's welfare and enjoyed the affectionate respect of the whole community; In this, my last report as rector, some pause for retrospect may be allowed. In the past 27 years the school • has seen many changes. The number of boys has been more than doubled, that of masters tripled. The personnel of my staff, in the natural course of events, has almost entirely changed. Some masters, have passed away, much lamented, some have achieved success in other professions, others have sought promotion elsewhere, and, Mr F. H. Campbell is the one link of continuity with the past. The Shand Building hag made ample provision for our science teaching, and the Fulton Block and the temporary annexe have given further accommodation. The desking, lighting, and ventilation of the .older classrooms have been improved. Good dressing rooms, shelter sheds, and armoury have been erected. The provision of better heating for the swimming bath, which was in process of erection when I took office, has enabled, it to be much more fully utilised. Tha cricket ground has been very greatly improved by better drainage and mowing, and but for its size will bear comparison with any here. /By arrangement with the City Council the facilities for use of the Littlebourne ground have been much extended and the ground itself improved! The appearance of the school grounds as a whole has been greatly smartened by the new lodge and flower beds, by the clearing of the elope beyond the cricket ground, and the filling up of,the old gully. The beauty of the main building itself, through the watchful care of the Board of Governors, him but lately been freshened and the'ffabric thoroughly restored. But these, after all, are but material things. The beautiful memorial arch and the brasses at the entrance gate and in the assembly hall, while reminding us of heavy losses suffered, bear witness that in the stern ordeal of war the soundness of our school training, in point of character and ready obedience to the .call of duty, was tested and approved. \ The record of our old boys in every profession and calling bears witness to their continued efficiency and public spirit in the normal ■ life of the community. In the school life itself the mere progress of time brings fresh demands, involving changes in method and outlook and fuller provision for .various abilities and aptitudes within ahd outside the classroom. More is done for boys than was thought necessary or advisable in former days, without, as I believe, any weakening of character or loss of independence. _ Discipline is not relaxed —rather it is strengthened —but there is more willing co-operation and a closer intimacy between boys‘ and masters. Many new activities have been started, and the interests of the boys have widened accordingly. These developments, here as elsewhere, make increased calls upon the time and energies of individual teachers. The way in which such calls have been met' by our masters, present and past, deserves the most grateful acknowledgIn conclusion, I wish most sincerely to thank all those with whom I have so long been associated in the service of the school. From the Board of Governors and its successive chairmen I have received the greatest consideration and courtesy, and have found them always anxious to foster the interests of the school. The secretary to the board (Mr C. R. M'Lean), like his predecessors, has always given most ready and willing assistance. The president (Mr W. R. Brugh) and executive of the Old Boys’ Society have shown a constant and practical interest in the school’s welfare, and I may add a special word of gratitude to Mr J. J. Mallard and Mr E. Webster, ■who have been ever in the forefront. The defence authorities and the Otago Rugby Union have always co-operated closely with the school, and their help has been greatly appreciated. To my staff, above all. I tender my heartiest thanks for their cheerfully-given and most loyal service. One and all have worked like a band of brothers for the good- of the school. No principal could wish for n better set of helpers and fellow workers, and, brought as they are into immediate relation with the boys, any success that may have been achieved is in large measure due to them. The boys as a whole have always been true to the traditions of the school. Really serious offences have been few. They have responded willingly and readily to the reliance placed upon them, and the tone of the school, led by the prefects and elder boys, has been thoroughly good. My work with the boys has been a pleasure, and I part from them, as from the staff, with the utmost regret. I have every confidence that my successor, Mr H. P. Kidson, will enjoy the same happy relations with both boys and masters. To him and to the school under him I wish all success and prosperity.

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT. The principal of the Girls’ School (Miss M. H. M. King) reported as follows; The numbers have been fairly well maintained, the roll number on March 1 being the same as last year, .although the number of entries was less than in 1932 and the withdrawals during the year more.

There are to be no probationers appointed, we are informed, for two more years at least. National scholarships and university bursaries awarded on higher leaving certificates are either _ abolished _ or in abeyance, and the accessible training colleges are closed. Not many can afford, even if they are fit for, university classes, unassisted. It is surprising under these circumstances how many strive to complete a liberal school course, and it is equally deplorable how many, when they cannot remain longer at school, must find themselves balked of the opportunities and facilities which their ambitions and desires prompt them to.

The numbers being maintained, _no necessity arose to decrease the full-time staff. Miss Rainforth, who left to be married at the end of the second term, was succeeded by Miss E. M. Henderson, an ex-girl of the school, who has found it quite easy successfully to adopt a new status in it. She has taken over the work assigned to her with vigour and enthusiasm, and is deservedly popular both in the classroom and among her fellow teachers. Excellent work has been done officially by Miss Lawson and Miss Aitken, unofficially by Mrs Kerr and Miss Morton, as heads of department, and we 'are grateful to the authorities of the Education Department for permission. to continue our arrangement of alternating this office. As in previous years, the members of the staff have been not only conscientious and enthusiastic in the discharge of their regular duties, but have also willingly assisted in the sports and general activities of the_ school, and I here express my appreciation of their efforts and the spirit in which they are made. There has been no alteration in the genera! curriculum, except an extension of the teaching of botany as a form of observational’ Nature study, among those who do not take languages. The classes in drill and dancing have been more than usually successful, and there is a noticeable improvement, both in posture and in the exercises themselves. During the first term remedial classes were held for flat feet and spinal curvature. The interform contests took place in November, the finals being judged by Mr Renfrew White and Mies Peake, who also acted as judges in the Sidey Medal competition. A ballroom dancing class was held on Saturday mornings during the second term, and was attended by about 70 pupils. Swimming classes have been well attended, especially during the first term. There are now 56 non-swimmers in the school, as against 120 at the beginning of the year. Of these 56 19 are medically excused, and the rest have been hampered in their progress by absence from classes. Among the other pupils the swimming and diving is of a good standard. In life-saving 22 have gained proficiency certificates, 16 hold bronze medallions, and three have received the society’s award, of merit, the silver medallion. The school team won the Life-saving Shield for the first time this year, and was second for the Relay Shield. . . In the art department the provision of a convenient water supply in the studio has enabled the classes to attempt more work in water colour. Craft work iri the form of lino-cutting, stencilling, and de-, corative writing has been introduced into the scheme of work for senior classes. _ A Sketching ' Club,. formed in conjunction with the Ramblers’ Club, enlisted several enthusiastic members, and some promising sketches were made, but, /unfortunately, the weather interfered with the development of the project. We hope for better things next year. The Third Form ’craft classes have from their own choice specialised in needlework this year, and have completed some good examples of quilting, darning on Titian cloth, applique work, shadow work on organdie, and darning on huckaback. Second-year girls have made good use of the looms provided last year ny weaving scarves and purses, mainly based on tartans. _ This group has also done basket work, painted woodwork, and knitting. Lino-cuts in several colours have just been commenced, and these will be continued next year. • Several Fifth Form girls have been doing more involved needlework on linen. The annual athletic sports were' held on the University Ground, Logan Park, on October 27. The contests took the usual “tabloid” form, and the classes competed eagerly, for first place in their various One of the chief interests of this kind of sports contest is the evidence contributed as to_ the general coincidence of intelligence with physical attainment. Invariably the cleverer classes prove the best all-round on the sports field. The lawn tennis courts have been in constant use during the autumn and summer terms, and players show great promise. The school contests have been keenly played, and the school team has won the Shacklock Cup for the third time in succession. The Junior Lawn Tennis Association’s Championship Singles and Doubles and Handicap Singles and Doubles were all won by High School players. The covered pitch has been much appreciated by the cricket players, and the school team'has benefited greatly from the coachihg of Mr F. T. Badcock. Intertorm cricket matches in the first term were a source of great interest, and a team, consisting of ex-girls and present pupils, is playing in the A Grade Saturday matches, and taking a very good place. The circles courts continue to attract players, and a tournament was originated this term under Miss Aitken. The winter aporfs include hockey, netball, and basket ball. Four school hockey teams played this year, and the first of them again won the inter-schools championship, while the second team was the runner-up. One school team also gave a good account of itself in the A Grade Saturday matches (Otago Ladies’ Hockey Association). The annual seven-a-side tournament was held on September 15. Seven netball teams competed in the inter-schools contests, the B team winning the trophy in its grade, while the A and C teams were runners-up. A basket ball match with a team from Waitaki Girls’ High School resulted in a win for Otago. Interest in the school choir has been well maintained during the whole year, a large number of girls assembling every Thursday for practice. In addition to the study of music for competitions, school entertainment, and break-up ceremony, a good deal of time was given to the preparation of the music for “ The Birds ” (Athenian comedy presented as part of the entertainment programme), and in this the choir had some difficult threepart choruses to sing, which they rendered in a most efficient manner. Mr Spackman has been untiring in his efforts to give members of the choir experience both as choristers and as accompanists, so that they may be of use to choirs and musical societies after leaving school, and have that interest in and capability in matters musical which is so great a personal asset. During the latter part of the third term combined practices of Christmas carols have been held. Despite the yearly loss of members due to girls leaving school, the numbers and efficiency of the school orchestra are well maintained. This year there has been a membership of 40, and the playing has beep even better than in previous years. The experience gained is already bearing fruit, and ex-members are beginning to fill the ranks of the orchestras in the city. As with the choir, the “Birds’” music gave those members of the orchestra who played the accompaniments and the ballet music a fine experience. _Mr Spackman is giving every girl who joins the orchestra a thorough training in' orchestral playing. Five members of the staff have also played in the orchestra during the year. Practices have been held on Tuesdays during lunch hour, and the attendances have been excellent. The music for morning assembly has been provided throughout the year by senior girls acting as pianists, with the assistance of members of the orchestra. This idea, commenced by Mr Spackman last year, has proved most successful, both as a good lead to the singing at assembly and as a means of promoting team work among the musicians of the school. The Musical and Dramatic Club continues to fill an important place in the school life. The most general interest has been shown in the original plays and class choir contests and in the Shakespearian reading festival. Early in the first term each form presented a play in costume, written by one of its members, and this year the standard readied was higher than in previous years. We feel this to be a most desirable outlet for the girls’ creative instinct and talents. In the choir contest, each class showed evidence of good work. Mr Johnstone, who kindly acted as judge, commended the singing and expressed special pleasure at the choice of the items. The interform Shakespearian reading was this year made the occasion of a special Shakespearian festival. All classes assembled in the hall, and an opening address was given by me on the theatre and acting of Shakespeare’s day. As each class gave its reading, 1 added comments on the scenes selected, opening up aspects of Shakespeare’s mind and work. The standard of reading was high, and the occasion wag voted the most successful of the year.

The school library continues to be well patronised, especially on rainy days. Miss Fotheringham, with the assistance of two senior - girls, has begun to classify the reference books on the Dewey system. The chief accessions during the year are “ Seven Roman Statesmen ” (Oman) and “ Folk Tales of all the Nations.” The French Club meets on Fridays for an hour after school and devotes itself chiefly to oral work—conversation, oral translation from English, vocabulary of everyday life, simple idiomatic expressions, and sometimes dictation. Madame Bellugue is very assiduous in attendance and takes a great interest in the girls. This year it was thought advisable not to hold the club in the third term, owing to the number of fixtures for Friday. A member of the club, Edna L. Lungley,

won the prize offered this year by the French Government for oral French, and open to competition in Otago and Southland. This is the second year in succession in which this honour has come to the school. The object of the Ramblers’ Club is to provide outdoor recreation for girls who do not take part in games. The financial membership of the club has been smaller this year, but the outings have been _ much enjoyed, three of the longest being those to Waitati, Black Head, and Flagstaff. Unfortunately a number of . outings had to be cancelled owing to bad weather. ■ Club badges, awarded to niembers after having attended six outings, two of them consecutive, have been won by four juniors.