MIDDLE SCHOOL

Southland Times, Issue 18810, 1 May 1920, Page 8

MIDDLE SCHOOL

COMMITTEE’S ANNUAL REPORT. The annual report of the Middle School Committee to be presented to the meeting of householders is as follows; The members of the committee for the year just closing were; —Messrs F. W. Freddy (chairman). A. Anderson, T. Brown, H. G. Ashley. J. J. Moore, A. C. Lyon, A. E. Gardner, H. B. Hughes, and W. J. McGregor. Mr Moore acted as treasurer, and J. England secretary. The committee has repeatedly urged the Board to renew the eastern fence, and to ask the Department to replace the infant school with p, modern building; but so far without avail. The committee heartily thanks the staff for its loyal and efficient work during the past year. A splendid year’s work was accomplished both in the school, and in the sports field. Those parents and friends who rendered help in making the bazaar a success are also heartily thanked for their evident interest in the school. School Cleaning.—Mr Bennett, the janitor, continues to do his work well. The school and its precincts are well looked after hy him. During the summer vacation new furniture was installed in the rooms of Standards 11, IV and V. Only three mom.:. Standards I and 111. remain unfurnished in this way, SHiool Attendance.— The average attendance for the four quarters ending March o 1 was 599 and the school is still in grade 7c. The Staff.—At present consists of Messrs Feptherstone. Craig, Clapp and McDonald; Misses Baird, Lucas, Dundns, Falconer. Ruffadir.p, Affleck and Mrs Hamilton; junior teachers; Misses Newell, McLeod, Melvin, Faulkner, Romans, Findlay, and Todd. Mr Greig is leaving the staff after 1." years’ service in our school.

Infants' Department.—Excellent work continues to be done in this department. Frequent visits arc paid by teachers anxious to become acquainted with Miss Baird’s adaptation of the Montcssori system. A large amount of furniture and wall decorations have been supplied by the school committee with funds raised at fhe bazaar. Bazaar.—A most successful bazaar was held in September. 1919, when £209 was raised. A large part of this has been advantageously expended in and around fhe school and the children have benefited much by the improved environment. The bazaar was a great success socially for by its means teachers and parents were brought into closer contact. The usual proficiency examination was heki in December, 1919, when 44 pupils were presented with the result that 33 were ■•.warded proficiency and seven competency. The total results for the past six years are; Presented. 286; proficiency 339; competency 33 ; failed 14. Ravings Bank. -Tlic balance to the credit, of depositors is £4l. The system of opening an account- at the Post Office when a child's account has reached £1 is still in operation. Forty-four of our pupils now have Post Office accounts and are still contributors to the Penny Bank. The total amount thus transferred to the Post Office during the year was £S4, School Sports.—These are now in a flourishing condition and special thanks arc due to Miss Huffadine and Mr McDonald inr their enthusiastic interest in training ihe teams. In addition to the hockey banner won in 1917. our school has for the second time won the Doig Hockey Cup and the cricket team holds the Stevenson and Daily News challenge cups. Drum and Fife Band.—This is now holding regular practices under Mr Kelly who will, wo believe, in time bring the band up to a high state of efficiency.