SCHOOL ATTENDANCES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24945, 18 June 1942, Page 2

SCHOOL ATTENDANCES

SERIOUS GENERAL DECREASE OTAGO EDUCATION BOARD A general decrease in the attendances at Otago schools at the end of the first term of this year compared with those at the end of the first term last year was reported to the Otago Education Board at its monthly meeting yesterday. The position was described by the chairman of the board (Mr James Wallace) and members as serious. The average returns for the term which ended on May 8 showed that 208 schools were in operation in the Otago district. This total was two fewer than the corresponding total last year, the Waipori and Mount Stuart Schools having been closed. The comparative figures for 1942 and 1941 were as follows:—Roll number at the end of the term. 16,877 (17,261), a decrease of 384; average weekly roll number, 16.767 (17.187). a decrease of 420; average attenoance, 15,250 (15.739). a decrease of 489; percentage of attendance, 90.95 per cent. (91.57 per cent.), a decrease of 0.62 per cent. The meeting was attended by Messrs James Wallace (chairman), W. M. Cooper, H A. Brough, W. Jacobsen, W. R. Brugh. D. Marshall, D. C. Cameron, and J. I. Fraser. Owaka Dental Clinic The senior dental officer reported to the board that the dental clinic at. Owaka was opened on June 11 and that the children from the following schools would receive treatment: —Owaka, Owaka Vallev, Glenomaru. Otekura, Purekireki, Ratanui. Houipapa. Tawanui. Tararn, Maclennan. Chaslands, and Tahakopa. He stated further that the board's architect and his workmen were to be congratulated on the excellent job they had made of the clinic and on the expeditious manner in which, in spite of so many difficulties, it had been completed. Several members spoke in complimentary terms of the completed building. Teaching Changes The resignations were accepted of James C. Smith, headmaster at Green Island, and Henry R. Jewiss, assistant at Dunedin North Intermediate. Appointments were confirmed as follows: Special position—Mary Blackledge, assistant at Dunedin North Intermediate. General positions: James C. Smith, headmaster at Musselburgh;- Henry R. Jewiss, head teacher at Tahakopa; Lyall G. Ball, sole teacher at North Taieri; Edith R. Marshall, infant mistress at Tapanui; lona D. Gray, assistant at Clinton; Betty S. Bealson. assistant at Outram; Mrs Marjorie G. Perks, assistant at Pine Hill; Mrs Phyllis' M. Pearson, assistant at St. Clair. Direct War Appointments, Special Positions.—Jessie I. Wright, head teacher at Roxburgh Health Camp; Mrs Mary L. Bailey, secondary assistant at Kurow D.H. General positions: Maggie G. Hughes, head teacher at Outram; Mona I. McLean, head teacher at Beaumont; Mrs Yvonne M. Dickinson, head teacher at Seacliff; Iris F. Inder, sole teacher at Ardgowan; Mrs Mildred C. White, sole teacher at Waianakarua: Pauline L. Gapper, sole teacher at Whare Flat; Ralph L. Park, assistant at Mosgiel D.H. Indirect War Appointments—General Positions. —Josephine W. Price, sole teacher at Kakapuaka; Noreen M. Cockerill, sole teacher at Blacks: Netfa H. A. Lorry, assistant at Balclutha: Mrs Eva McLintock, assistant at Maori Hill; Mrs Gladys M. Watson, assistant at Oamaru North: Mrs Doris M. Gaston, assistant at Arthur Street. School Committees The board approved of the following names to complete school committees: High Street. Messrs Garron and E. G. Bond: Moonlight. Mr P. M. Hcffernan; Forbury, Mr M. Forrester's name to be added to the committee. Commissioners were approved as follows: Manuka CreekMessrs A. McCorkindale, T. Muir. and G. Sanders; Otokia. Messrs A. P. Fleming and M. Costello; Stuarts—Messrs J. Logan, C. Hayes, and H. Jenks; Whare Flat, Mr D. W. Harraway (sole commissioner).