DUNEDIN NORTH SCHOOL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23687, 20 December 1938, Page 5

DUNEDIN NORTH SCHOOL

RETIREMENT OF PRINCIPAL The close of the year at the Dunedin North Intermediate School was marked by various functions in connection with the retirement of the principal'(Mr W. A. Sproat). On Wednesday afternoon the staff entertained Mr and Mrs Sproat at a tea party at the school, Miss E. Henderson acting as hostess. The spacious staff room was decorated with summer blooms, and the tables looked charming. There were present representatives from the School Committee and the Parents' Association, and Mr N. H. Colquhoun represented the Otago Education Board in the unavoidable absence of the chairman (Mr D. Wallace). Mr A. H. Robinson welcomed the visitors, and referred to the departure of Mr Sproat, who, he said, had always been a friend to both teachers and pupils. Mr Sproat was a man of high ideals, and by his enthusiasm for education and his tenacity of purpose had made the school one of the leading educational institutions of the province. On behalf of the staff, Mr Robinson asked Mr Sproat to accept a choice piece of pewter and enamelware, with the best wishes of the teachers. Miss E. Henderson then added a tribute to the retiring principal, making special reference to the kindly help so willingly given to the ladies by Mrs Sproat at the rfumerous school functions. Mr Colquhoun spoke of the long and honourable service of over 42 years given in the cause of education, and presented to Mr Sproat a copy of the minute expressing the Otago Education Board's appreciation of the valuable services rendered throughout his career. On behalf of the board, he wished Mr Sproat many years of happiness. Messrs Birchell, Lee, and Horman also spoke. At the morning assembly on Thursday Master Laurie Brighton and Miss Valmai Clarke, in a few well-chosen words, presented a clock of chaste design to Mr Sproat on behalf of the pupils of the Intermediate School. The presentation was accompanied by hearty cheers and musical honours. As a happy interlude in a busy morning, Mrs Sproat, assisted by Miss Sproat, entertained the staff at morning tea. At the conclusion of the break-up ceremonies in the afternoon, Mr Sproat was the recipient of other gifts. The chairman, Mr M. Campbell, on behalf of the school committee, spoke of the exceilent relations between the principal and committee and of the great work done for the school by Mr Sproat. He then asked Mr Sproat.to accept an electric reading lamp from the committee. Mr E. Lee, president of the Parents' Association, after referring to the sterling worth of the principal and his consideration for all that pertained to the welfare of the school, presented an electric jug for Mrs Sproat. Replying, Mr Sproat referred to the valuable assistance always rendered by the members of the School Committee and by the Parents' Association, speaking in eulogistic terms of the sacrifices so often made by the members of these bodies' in the interests of the school. A period of pleasant conversation followed, and the functions were ended by the singing of the National Anthem.