SCHOOL VACATIONS

Southland Times, Issue 19435, 26 December 1924, Page 8

SCHOOL VACATIONS

OTAUTAU. (From our Correspondent.) The break-up ceremony in connection with the Otautau School took place on Thursday. In the afternoon Messrs J. T. Brooker, Chairman, and W. Allison, secretary of the School Committee, and a few of the parents were present at the school for the purpose of presenting the prizes to the pupils of the infant room, each one of which received a book. Mr Brooker expressed his pleasure at being afforded the opportunity to perform this pleasant duty, and hoped the children would have a good holiday. He wished them all a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Mr Allison, in handing out the certificates, endorsed Mr Brooker’s remarks. The handing round of lollies, provided by the Committee, brought the function to a close. In the evening there was a large attendance in the Town Hall to see the senior pupils receiving their prizes. An excellent programme was submitted by the children, as follows, which reflected the greatest credit on the teaching staff; "The House that Jack Built,” infant room pupils; ‘The Haymakers,” Standards 1 and 2; Girls’ drill, Standards 5 and 6; song, “Jog, Along,” Standards 3 and 4; Boys Drill; “Three Little Kittens,” infant room; “Heave Ho,” boys of Standards 3 and 4; and a dialogue, by Standards 1 and 2. Mr J. T. Brooker, Chairman, in the course of his remarks, stated that as fas as the school children were concerned, this was the happiest event of the year. They were very fortunate in having such an excellent teaching staff, and out of twentythree pupils who sat at the examinations nineteen had gained their proficiency three had gained their competency, and only one had failed, and the teachers were to be commended on the result. The parents, too, had also taken a great interest in the welfare of the school, as an instance of which they had recently raised £BO for improvements to the grounds. Mr Rowe, the headmaster, referred to the fact that despite the frequent changes in the staff, the pupils had done exceedingly well. They had lost the services of Mr Charles Clark as pupil teacher, and Miss Mina Macdonald was going to the Training College after the vacation. On, th s account they were one teacher short in the infant room, but he did not think another probationer wuold be appointed. The staff of teachers had taken a great interest in athletics, and Mr Tunnicliffe and the lady teachers deserved a word of praise for their efforts in this direction. In conclusion, he said that parents should not send their children to school too early, as he considered it was detrimental to their interests. Quite an unrehearsed incident took place at an interval, when Mr Rowe was called upon to step forward to receive a presentation from the pupils of Standard 6, who were leaving school, as a slight recognition of his efforts in endeavouring to forward them in their education. Robert Mcßride read clearly the address of appreciation, while Martha Chilton presented Mr Rowe with a handsome fountain pen. The recipient, in thanking them for their gift, said he was taken completely by surprise. He had done no more than his duty, and said it was due as much to the pupils as to himself that they had been successful. He trusted they would still further improve their education, and said that the pupils had not had a fair chance owing to the frequent changes in the staff. However, he expected still better results next year. Following is the prize-list:— CLASS PRIZES. Standard Vl.—Dux of School, Robert Mcßride, Martha Chilton 2, Mamie Brown 3. Standard V.—Dux, Frank James, Betty Stewart 2, Eileen Mcßride 3. Standard IV. —Dux, Gilbert Neale, Violet Bird 2, Alfreda Chilton 3. Standard lll.—Dux, Mavis McAnergney, Bert Laing 2, Joan Brown 3. Standard ll.—Dux, Harold Smyth, Alex. Blakie .2, Agnes Sheedy 3. Standard I.—Dux, Wm. Maxwell, Don Brass 2, Kathleen Lumsden 3. P. 4.—Wm. Parmenter 1, Mary O’Brien 2, Minnie Eason 3. ATTENDANCE PRIZES. Standard Vl.—Martha Chilton, Nellie Thomson, Elsie Smith, Mamie Brown, Lance Clark, John Jacquiery, Maisie Beggs, Bruce Perriam. Certificate only—Kathleen Harrington, Mona Thomas, William Liddell Michael Gonley, Vernor Hope, Lancelot Laing. Standard V—Annie Best, William Thomson, Murdoch Mclvor, William Smellie, Alex. Smellie. Standard IV.— Ruby McFadzien, Irene Hassed, Alfreda Chilton, Eileen Collett, Fred Hill. Standard lll.—Labella Smellie, May Collett, Jessamine Burnett, Isabella McGregor, Thomas Jellyman, Allan Lumsden. Standard ll.—Mary Chilton, Alex. Blakie, Clifford Hill, Douglas Walker. Certificates only—Peter Jaquiery, John O’Brien, Allan Liddell, Rose Jellyman, Agnes Sheedy, Mary Smith. Standard I—Kathleen Williamson, Jenny Collett, Wm. Hassed, Edward Chilton. Certificate only.—Annie McGregor, John Browning, Ernest Crosbie, Crawford Farquharson, Wm. Maxwell. »P. 4—First-class: Elsie Chilton, Evelyn I Laing, John McGregor, Hector Burnett, Alan Kerr, Bert Collett. Second-class: Wesley Browning, Edith Hill, Mary O’Brien, Molly Allison, Constance Jellyman. SEWING PRIZES. Standard Vl.—Martha Chilton 1 (donated by Mrs T. H. Walker), Kathie Harrington 2 (donated by Miss Donnan). Standard V. —Annie Best (donated by Miss James), Gladys Moore 2 (donated by Miss Donnan). Standard IV.—Ruby McFadgen (donated by Mrs Grieve) and Marjory Brass (equal) 1 (donated by Mrs Porteous), Freda Chilton 2 (donated by Miss Kirkpatrick). Standard lll.—Bella Smellie 1, Winnie Porteous 2 (both donated by Miss Kirkpatrick). Standard ll.—Molly Chilton 1, Dorothea Cole 2 (both donated by Miss Wtbb). Standard I.—Mary Thomson 1. Nova Allison 2 (both donated by Miss Macdonald). GARDENING PRIZES. (Judged by Mr G. H. Stevens). Murdoch Mclvor and Bruce Collie 1, Alex. Smellie 2. SPECIAL PRIZES. Standard Vl.—Library prize for highest points in English in proficiency examination (special mention), R. Mcßride. Progress, Ethel Crosby. Standard V.—Progress, Wm. Thomson. Standards in and IV. —English, Bert Laing (donated by Miss James). Standard ll.—Progress, John O’Brien. Standard I.—Reading, Wm. Eason. ORAKI. (From our Correspondent.) The annual break-up and prize distribution of the Oraki School took place on Friday afternoon. In the absence of the Chairman, Mr J. Laurie, Mrs Pankhurst presented the prizes I to the children with a few words of wisdom and encouragement to each. Following the distribution a pleasant afternoon was spent with afternoon tea and musical items. The prize list is as follows: Standard VI. —Dux of school.—Dorothy Port. Standard V.—Gordon Donaldson, Leona Goodwillie. Standard IV.—Millie Thompson. Standard 111. —Philip Donaldson, Eric Robinson, Doris Robinson. Standard ll.—Evelyn Donaldson, May Hodges. Standard I.—Reta Martin, Thomas Gilson, Verdun Laurie. Special prizes.-Attendance, Dorothy Port, Verdun Laurie; gardening, Lance Donaldson; singing, Leona Goodwillie; writing, Millie Thompson; most popular by pupils’ votes, Millie Thompson. INFANT DIVISION. P. lll.—Myrtle Hodges, Annie Wilkinson, Daphne Goodwillie, Verona Wilkinson, Sydney Gilson.

P. ll.—William Pankhurst, James Blackie, Enid Broomhall, Ina Pankhurst, John Thompson, William Martin, Owen Donaldson. MABEL. The break-up ceremony was held in the school on 19th in the presence of a large number of parents and old scholars of the school. Mr T. J. Garvey presided, and in a few brief remarks declared the old year’s work finished, and the holidays opened, when book prizes , were distributed •. every scholar getting a prize. The following received good-attendance certificates. Standard 6.—Susan Ogilvee; special, Susan Ogilvie. Standard 4.—Doris Moylan, Elizabeth Walker, Cecil Moylan. Standard 3. Martha Walker, Fred. Moylan, James Ogilvie. Standard 2.—Logan Robertson. Standard I.—Annie Walker, Wm. Haslemore. Prim ar—Stella Ogilvie, Julia Moylan, Katie Walker, Arthur Haslemore. Refreshments suitable to the occasion were distributed, when all the children and friends dispersed evidently well satisfied with the year’s work. DACRE. (From our Correspondent.) For the first time for years a break-up ceremony was held in connection with the Dacre School, and on Friday afternoon there was present a large number of parents and friends. The time was spent in games and races, and the children gave an exhibition in drill, the fun concluding with a lolly and biscuit scramble. The teacher, Mr Robertson, is to be commended for h : s interest in school affairs, and it looks well for the future prospects of the school. The Chairman called for cheers for the teacher for arranging for the afternoon’s entertainments, and these were heartily given. Afternoon tea was provided by the ladies and served by the senior pupils. Every pupil received a bock and the spec s al prizes were: —Dux of School: Annie Scully; proficiency: Annie Scully, Stanley Carran, John Dolan. FAIRFAX. (From our Correspondent.) The annual break-up of the Fairfax School was held in the schoolroom on Friday, in the presence of a large gathering of parents and friends. Proceedings opened with the singing of the National Anthem, which was followed by a short, but much appreciated programme from the school children. The Chairman (Mr A. Baird), in addressing the gathering, made reference to the successful year’s work accomplished by the scholars. He thanked the residents of the district for so ably assisting the School Committee in their work for the school bazaar held on December 5, thereby realising nearly £5O, some of which was used fcr prizes presented. A vote of thanks to the teachers (Misses Anderson and Lepper) was carried by acclamation. At the close of these remarks, each scholar was presented with a prize, the list being as follows: Standard VII: Margaret Reidie. Standard VI: Ist Stella McAra; Frank Officer. Standard V: Ist John Mitchell, Montague Angelo, Kate McCarthy, Robert Wright, Donald, Anderson, James Herbison, Fred. Brunton. Standard IV: Ist Isabel Helm; Louis Coombes, Margaret Anderson, Margaret McCarthy, Madge Angelo, Oswald Muirhead , Richard Angelo, Carrie Bell, Thomas Tait. Standard III: Ist equal: Harold Cook and Russel Brown; Maurice Hibbs, Belle Wilson, Margaret Bell, idney Whelan, Osma Girdler. Standard II: Ist Arthur Wright; Roberta Baird, Alister Anderson, Pearl Hibbs, Doris Cull, Grace McCarthy, Janet Gaite, Kathy Sullivan. Standard I: Ist Jessie Reidie: Marjorie Mitchell, Edwin Girdler, Ivy Cook, Douglas Tait, Roland Cull. Primer 3: Albert Helm, Douglas Brown, Teviot Wilson, Muriel Cook, Leslie Aitken, Neil McAra, Noel Wright. Primer 2: William McAra, Allan Aitken, David Reidie, Joan Sullivan, Rita Tait, Phyllis Cook, Doreen Coombes, William Girdler, Douglas Cull. Primer 1: Ray Reidie, Herbert Agnew, Brian Aitken. SPECIAL PRIZES. Good Conduct: Margaret Reidie. Sewing: Stella McAra. Arithmetic (senior division): Isabel Helm. 5.2: Arthur Wright. S.l: Marjorie Mitchell. Composition (S. 5 and 6): John Mitchell; (5.3 and 4): Margaret Anderson. Spelling (S.l and 2) : Alister Anderson. Proficiency Certificates were awarded to Stella McAra and Frank Officer. Attendance Certificates:—Belle Wilson, Doris Cull, Roland Cull, Douglas Cull, Richard Angelo, Roberta Baird, Montague Angelo, Isabel Helm, Stella McAra. Attendance prizes were presented to:— Belle Wilson, Roland Cull, Richard Angelo. At the close of the prize-giving all assembled at Mr Tangney’s grounds, where an enjoyable picnic as held. DIPTON. (From our Correspondent.) On Friday evening, in the Dipton Hall, the annual school concert and distribution of prizes took place, this being a popular event, the hall was crowded. The concert was a very bright and entertaining one, the choruses by senior pupils, dialogues by the boys and girls, showing that the teachers, Miss McDoull and Miss Conner, and Mr Hamilton had been patient in the training. Choruses by the junior children were very prettily given, and a “Rose Dance” by senior girls, all in white, with garlands of red roses twined around them, and each girl carrying an arch of roses above her head. The effect of the girls passing and inter-passing, and lining, and bowing, gracefully retiring and advancing was very pretty and artistic. A dialogue by the girls was very attractive, and with the quaint costumes and gay colours, was well done. Several little girls recited and some sang nicely, their voices being tuneful and sweet. The audience was well pleased with the young people, and encored freely. Miss McCurdy played the piano and Mr Hamilton the violin for the concert. After that part was over the Chairman, Mr D. McDonald, announced that on the occasion of the two teachers leaving for different schools there would be some little tokens of esteem and remembrance given to them. He then- called upon Alice Snow, the dux of the school to present Mr Hamilton with a gold mounted pen, from the pupils, and Aileen O’Callaghan to present Miss McDoull with a Doulton set of three pieces and tray. Then Mr James Milligan, came forward and in a neat speech referred to Mr Hamilton’s diligence as a teacher, and his conscientious execution of duties. They were very sorry to lose Mr Hamilton, but as his family were “coming on” and he wished to be near a train, he hoped that at Ryal Bush, where he was going, he would have a happy life and a successful run in his school duties. He then handed Mr Hamilton a beautiful suit case from the parents of the children. Mr McDonald then presented Miss McDoull with a toilet set, and travelling rug, wishing her much success in her new school. He said he regretted her leaving the little ones. Mrs Mcßae and Mr Tylee also spoke, referring to Mr Hamilton’s work in the district and the school-life of the young ones, Mr Hamilton being described as a sterling Scotchman, with all those qualities that build up a good citizen, Mr Hamilton then rose amid loud applause, and thanked the children and parents for their kindness and appreciation of his work here. He had been eight years among them and felt sorry he was leaving, but family considerations made it necessary. He spoke for some time on the methods of examinations and encouraging the children to learn and progress in life.

He also thanked the children on behalf of Miss McDoull for their present to her. Mr Mcßean thanked the parents for their beautiful gift to Miss McDoull, which she would always remember when she looked at it, and think of the pleasant years she spent in Dipton. The singing of “They Are Jolly Good Fellows, closed the presentation. Supper ; was served to a very happy band of child- | ren and people, and the floor was then ; cleared for dancing. Mrs M. Finlayson | (piano), Mr McLean (violin), Mr Craig ' (piccalo), supplied the musnc for dancing,? which was continued for a few hours, 1 bringing a good evening to a merry close. | SPRING HILLS. | SCHOOL BREAK-UP. The annual break-up and prize giving of the Springhills school was held in the school on Friday afternoon, when quite a number of parents, and friends gathered. The function was presided over by the Chairman of the Committee, Mr C. Wilson, who distributed gift books, each child receiving one, while the Dux prizes went to Theresa Lubb and George Wilson (equal). Special prizes: Best kept book, class 1: Paul Lubb; class 2: Bella Chisholm and Donald Anderson; diligence and neatness: Theresa Lubb; oral work and general alertness: Josephine Brown; attendance prizes: (preparatory division) : Muriel Mcßae and James Brown; Standard II: Elvina Anderson and John Brown; Standard III: Jack Mcßae; Standard IV: Arthur Mcßae. Attendance certificates: Muriel Mcßae, Elvina Anderson, Jack Mcßae, Arthur Mcßae, James Brown, John Brown, and Donald Anderson. The children gave three hearty cheers for the kind and thoughtful people 'who had donated towards the prizes, and also for their teacher, Mr Christensen, who spoke a few words to the children and wished them all a real good holiday. Mr Wilson also spoke to the children telling them how to spend their holiday, not to work, but to have a real good time and come back feeling much better for the vacation to start a fresh year so that they could -work hard and get on well. A short programme of races for the children was provided, and a scramble of lollies caused great excitement and merriment among the young folk. The children then entertained the parents and friends with songs and recitations, which were much enjoyed. Afternoon tea was dispensed by the ladies, and the singing of the National Anthem brought to a close a most enjoyable afternoon. » NOKOMAL The annual distribution of prizes m connection with the Nokomai school was held , as usual, there being a fair attendance of | friends and parents. The Chairwoman (Mrs A. Cameron), call- ; ed on the secretary to make a speech, and i in his remarks Mr Caremon congratulated ! both the children and their teacher (Miss Crowe.) on the good work done in the past year. As a teacher Miss Crowe had given ' every satisfaction, and it was pleasing to note that the two children who had sat for their proficiency examination had passed w r ell. It was also a pleasing coincidence i that their previous teacher (Miss Mary Mac- ■ Kenzie) was present •at the break-up that day, and had kindly consented to hand out the prizes. j Another thing that gave great pleasure to the children was the Christmas tree arranged by Mrs A. Cameron, Miss Crowe and Miss Mary Mackenzie. The prize list was as follows: Primer classes: Donald McGrath, writing; I Philip McGrath, reading and writing. i Standard I: Arithmetic, Albert Copeland. • Standard II: Recitation, Dulcie Copeland. ■ Standard III: General excellence, Mar- i garet Cameron; arithmetic, Norman Camp- ' bell. I Standard IV: General improvement, Don- | aid A. Cameron. Standard V: Composition, Conon Me-1 Grath; reading, Hector Copeland; general | improvement, Robert Copeland. Standard VI: Proficiency, Helen Cameron | and Archibald McCormick. Special prizes* Dux (gold medal presented by Miss Crowe) : Helen Cameron; attendance .prizes (donated by Mrs Alex. Cameron) : Girls, Dulcie Copeland. Boys: Albert Copeland; sewing prize (donated by Miss Crowe): Margaret Cameron; spelling prize (donated by Miss Crowe) : Helen Cameron. NORTHOPEe PRIZE LIST. Lower primer class: John Marshall, Chas. Laurie, Eric Moloney, Mary Miles, Margaret Moylan, Nellie Lewis, Molly Butler. Higher primer class: Anthony Miles, 1; Isa Miles, 2. Standard I: Irene Boyle, 1; Wm. Moylan, 2; Eric Yeo, 3; Ruth Yeo, 4’. Standard II: Frank Moloney, 1; Selwyn Yeo, 2. Standard IV: John Kerr, 1; Cecil McLeay, 2; John Yeo, 3; Arthur Yeo, 4; Edward Moylan, 5. Standard VI: Lilas M. Boyle (proficiency) 1; Vera Boyle (proficiency), 2; William Moloney (competency), 3; Jas. Moylan, 4; May Moloney, 5. A. very enjoyable concert and dance was held in the school on Wednesday, December : 17, in aid of the prize fund. Mr T. Boyle, Chairman of the Committee, in a short address, explained the object of the function, thanked the people for their support, and expressed his pleasure at seeing so many present. The concert was opened by the singing of the first verse of the National Anthem. The school children sang in the following groups: Junior girls, senior girls, junior boys and senior boys, and their items were much appreciated. Songs were rendered by the following: Master J. Moylan, Miss V. Boyle, Master E. Moylan, Miss Kerr, Miss Edna Yeo, Master J. Yeo, (2), Mr J. Kerr, junr. (2), Mrs D. Brown (2), Mr J. Yeo (2), Mr W. Wilson, Mr J. McDowall, Mr W. McKay, Master John Yeo and Miss Edna Yeo (duet). A number of singers had to respond to encores. In the middle of the programme the senior boys carried out physical exercises to music. Mrs ” 7 . Wilson, who had trained the children for the musical part of the programme, was thanked by the Chairman for her kindness, which had done much to make the concert a success. Supper was daintily served by the ladies of the Committee, and was followed by the reading of an apology from Mr J. S. Haywood, the teacher, who regretted being unable to attend. The general prizes were given out by the Chairman. To those who were successful in the recent proficiency examinations, certificates were presented as follows: Lilas M. Boyle, proficiency; William Moloney, competency; Vera Boyle, proficiency. For good attendance: • Cecil McLeay, John T. Kerr, Eric Yeo. Special prizes were as follows: Highest marks at proficiency examination: Lilas M. Boyle,; silver medal, donated by the Chairman, for neatest writing: Cecil Mcleay; popularity, by pupils’ votes, William Moloney; popularity, by pupils’ votes, E. May Moloney; English grammar and essay at proficiency examination, Lilas M. Boyle; diligence (presented by Mr J. S. Haywood) Lilas M. Boyle; courtesy, Irene Boyle; Dux of school (special gold medal), Lilas M. Boyle. The Chairman returned thanks to all those who assisted in various ways, making particular mention of the generous donors of the special prizes. The hall was then cleared for dancing, Mr D. Brown carrying out the duties of M.C. in his usual efficient manner. Young and old tripped the light fantastic until the small hours of the morning, and one and all agreed that it I was one of the most enjoyable functions I ever held in the district.