SOUTH SCHOOL

Southland Times, Issue 20663, 19 April 1929, Page 5

SOUTH SCHOOL

WORK OF COMMITTEE. ;

ANNUAL REPORT.

The annual report of the South School Committee states: Under the capable supervision of Mr Lawless the school has made good progress during the year. In February 1928, the school opened with a roll number of 708. Fifty new scholars were enrolled on opening day. In February 1929 the school opened with a roll number of 736. Ninety-two new scholars were enrolled during the month of February. The roll number has kept well up to 736 during the u y car. The school has been regularly visited during the year by the. medical inspector and dental nurses who gave splendid reports of the general health of the scholars. No serious epidemic has occurred to lower the attendance. The savings bank has been well patronized, 148 children being depositors. The amount in the bank to the credit of the scholars up to the present is £6O, proving that the scholars are learning the value of thrift. School Libraries. During the year school libraries have been organized from the threepence upwards, the scholars giving a small donation or a book, this with the usual subsidies from the Education Board has enabled a very fine class of books to be obtained. The sixth standard girk ako raised enough money by Friday evening socials to purchase several very nice pictures for their room. Through the efforts of Mrs Parkin who canvassed the parents and friends of scholars a clock, barometer, thermometer and rain gauge were purchased. These have proved of great value and interest to ■ the senior scholars who are able to take weather records every day. Mr Conland generously donated a large number of hardy shrubs. These have been planted along the northern and eastern boundaries and will in the future add beauty to the surroundings, of the school. The front entrance to the school has been concreted, the school bell replaced. The school vegetable garden has been well cultivated with, the result there k a large quantity of splendid vegetables on hand. Last year potatoes were grown and a. good crop was secured which found a ready market. The flower beds have ako been/well attended too and presented a gay appearance all the summer. Inside the school the infant department has had additional . seating accommodation provided, ako blackboards.

During the winter months the school ran four football teams, a hockey team, two basketball teams, all taking part in the various sports competitions. In the summer cricket clubs were in action. These teams won the following trophies: Football —Senior Cup, Junior Banner, Midget Cup, Senior Seven-a-side Cup. Cricket —Senior Cricket Cup.. Baseball—Senior Cup. The thanks of the committee are due to Misses Daplyn and Nelson, ako Messrs Franck and Kitto who coached the teams.

Several special efforts were organized and run by the committee in aid of school funds. A very fine concert was given in St. Peter’s Methodkt Sunday School, the programme being arranged by Mr Trim. Another concert was given in Stobo Hall, the programme being presented by the scholars. These concerts were very successful. A fancy dress party for children was held during the winter, w-hich was ako very successful. The annual flower show and sale of produce was held in February. There was a splendid display of flowers, fruits and vegetables. The.committee would like, to express their appreciation of the generous way in which the parents and friends of the scholars contributed to tne success of’this ffin’ctidn by gifts and produce and donations. ' ’

The Jubilee Celebrations. The most important function of the year was the school jubilee celebrations which were a huge success and of great value to the school, and ako to the parents and all interested in the school. The past scholars obtained a little insight into some of the problems which confront school committees and the teachers of to-day. During March the Minister of Education, the Hon. H. Atmore, paid a visit to the school, and expressed his pleasure and satisfaction with the school, particularly with the efforts made by the committee to improve and beautify the school grounds. He was very much impressed with the splendid physique of the children and the manner in which they performed the physical drill. A deputation from the School Committee approached him with a request for an increase in the incidental expenditure in the upkeep of the school. ■ With the advent of the new school there had been a large increase in the amount of work in connection with the caretaker’s duties. Mr Atmore received the deputation and promised to place the matter before the Department at an early date. The Stiff. A great many changes have taken place in the staff during the year, the most ini: portant of these changes being the resignation of Miss Elley, infant mistress, Miss Salmon taking her. place. Mr Grenfell ako resigned after many years of faithful service, Mr J. Milne taking his place. Standard Six had a.most successful year, 81 pupik gaining a proficiency or a competency. In closing. this report the committee would like to pay a tribute-to the staff for the hearty manner in which they co-operated with the committee in every function in aid of school funds; ako their appreciation of the attendance of the headmaster at all the committee-meetings. The caretaker has faithfully peijformed ’ aSi duties in connection with the cleaning of the school, and has always taken a keen interest in the welfare of teachers and scholars.