OTAGO HIGH SCHOOLS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23866, 21 July 1939, Page 2

OTAGO HIGH SCHOOLS

MONTHLY MEETING OF BOARD REPORTS OF PRINCIPALS The monthly meeting of the Otago Boys’ and Girls’ High Schools Board of Governors was held yesterday afternoon, Mr J. C. H. Somerville presiding. There were also present Messrs J. Robertson, D. C. Cameron and F. H. Campbell and Mrs D. G. McMillan. Appointments The secretary reported that Messrs F. H. Campbell and J. C. H. Somerville had been re-elected unopposed as members of the board, representing the parents of pupils. Mr J. Robertson was appointed the board’s representative on the Dunedin Vocational Guidance Association. General A letter was received from the rector of the Boys’ High School asking that an application should be made for a grant for the provision of adequate apparatus for the electricity classes. The approximate cost of the apparatus would be £55 ss, but it was pointed out that this would be the English list price and about 60 per cent, would have to be added to it. —It was decided to apply for the grant. In answer to the board’s application for the supply of pasteurised milk for the Otago Boys’ and King’s High Schools, the Medical Officer of Health stated that nothing could be done until next term as the supply of milk to the schools was already rationed owing to a shortage. An alternative suggestion was made that malted milk should be supplied was not approved, and it was decided to leave the matter until there was a larger supply of milk available. The proposal that the old sewing room at the Girls’ High School should be turned into a geography and history room was approved. A letter was received from the town clerk stating that approval had been received from the Government for the formation of terraces at the Littlebourne Ground. Boys’ High School The rector of the Boys’ High School (Mr H. P. Kidson) reported that the total number on the roll was 403. The corresponding totals for July, 1934-38, were respectively 747, 690, 543, 432, and 388. There were 12 Rugby football teams, four in the Association, and four in the hockey competitions, comprising a far greater proportion of the boys than when the school was larger. The winter term was also the busiest term for some of the other clubs. The party of boys and masters who visited Wellington College reported that they had an interesting and enjoyable trip. They were entertained generously by the headmaster and boys of the college and by the High School Boys in Wellington. The first fifteen suffered a severe defeat, and the junior teams, playing a team of headers, just managed to win. It is intended to invite a party of Wellington College boys and masters down to Dunedin next year. The report was received. Girls’ High School The principal (Miss M. H. M. King) reported that the roll number at July 14 was 485. The roll at July. 1938, was 523; 1937, 545; 1936, 555; 1935, 538. The attendance, apart from absence lists of 72 and 97 on the stormy days of last week, has been good. The absence lists decreased to about 20 this week. On June 23, the staff entertained the mothers of girls in the fifth and sixth forms. The visitors expressed their gratification at their entertainment and at the opportunity afforded of discussing with the teachers questions concerning their daughters' progress and future. Next term it is proposed to entertain the mothers of the fourth forms, while retaining the reception to parents and friends, with display of school work, at the end of the year. On July 12, the special choir under Mr Spackman assisted at the Hitchie Hanna concert, and performed very acceptably. The new sewing room approaches completion, and promises to be' a helpful addition to the school accommodation. There had been a donation of a sum of three guineas by the Old Girls’ Club, for the purchase of a picture for the school. The report was received. King’s High School The rector of the King’s High School reported as follows under date July 17:— The present roll stands at 309. The corresponding numbers for 1936. 1937 . and 1938 were 193, 240 and 301 respectively Attendance has been satisfactory. Steady progress in school work has been maintained, and the term examinations will be held in the coming week. Mr Crimp will return to duty on July 24, when Mr ■filling will terminate his temporary engagement Messrs Aldridge and of the Dunedin Training College are assisting in the school work. Rugby football activity has been somewhat hampered by the weather A junior team visited Palmeiston, d was successful in a match against the District High School team The second fifteen defeated the South Otago High School team in the annua] match. The fives courts have been completed and are proving very popular. The new football grounds are in fair order for a first season of play. The report was "ecejved.