MIDDLE SCHOOL

Southland Times, Issue 20666, 23 April 1929, Page 9

MIDDLE SCHOOL

ANNUAL REPORT. The report to be presented at the annual meeting of householders of the Middle School this evening states: — The committee reports a successful year of work in connection with the school. There have been no changes in the personnel of the committee throughout the year, and all members have manifested a keen interest in school affairs. Shortly after taking up his duties Mr D. D. Steadman was laid aside with a very severe illness which incapacitated him for several months. The committee is pleased to report that a good recovery has been made, and that the school under Mr Steadman’s guidance has well maintained its past traditions. School work during the earlier part of the year was conducted under extremerly difficult conditions, as the remodelling of the old building, commenced in March, was not completed till July. Very great credit is due to the board’s architects, Mr Gough and Mr McCaw, for their organization of this work. Although every room was involved in extensive structural alterations, the-whole work was completed while the school was in session, and with a minimum of dislocation, in spite of the fact that both teachers and scholars were compelled to work under conditions very harassing to both. The temporary inconvenience has been well repaid in a building at least approaching modern ideas, of school hygiene. The committee is greatly indebted to Mr Gough for his advice and assistance in putting the school grounds in something like order. A grant of £l5O was received from the Department for this work, which the addition of a considerable portion of the committee’s funds, has enabled the committee to provide more comfortable conditions for all concerned. There is still a great deal to be done, and the committee appeals for the continued assistance of all friends of the school. Comprehensive plans for the reconditioniDg of the grounds have

been prepared, and the committee will complete the work as funds become available. The committee is indebted to many friends of the school who have organized small entertainments in aid of the ground improvement fund, and also to the staff who have shown themselves very willing to assist in every way in their power. Electric light has been installed in the main school, and a gas connection is being made to provide heating for water, and other purposes.

The attendance through the year has been rather erratic, the severe influenza epidemic experienced being responsible for a reduced average attendance. The school closed for the year with a roll number of 742. Notwithstanding the adverse conditions referred to, examination results were most gratifying, the proficiency and competency output for the year being 95. Numerous minor changes in staff have occurred, with the result that the year is well advanced before a settled staff has been secured. It is fortunate that these changes have occurred early in the school year. Again we have to report a successful year in the operation of the savings bank. During the year no less than 387 accounts have been opened, and the books were closed with a credit balance of £ll2. This is being steadily increased with this year’s accounts. The physical welfare of the pupils has been well advanced and seasonal games of foot-, ball, cricket, basketball, baseball, hockey and swimming have all been regularly coached by an enthusiastic staff who have given, freely of their time and energy, with very creditable results in the various school competitions. During the year the sum of £l5 was expended on the purchase of library books, enabling substantial additions to be made to the class libraries. It is hoped that by a simple expenditure annually, ample supplies of selected literature will be placed within the’ reach of all pupils attending the school.