ST. COLUMBA’S CONVENT

Southland Times, Issue 21578, 16 December 1931, Page 8

ST. COLUMBA’S CONVENT

BREAK-UP AND PRIZE-GIVING. (From Our Correspondent.) On Thursday, December, 10, favoured with ideal weather, the parents and friends of the children assembled in the school room for the annual break-up and prizegiving of St. Columba’s Convent, Riverton. The school was tastefuly decorated in the school colours—black and green—and ferns formed a pretty background. The chief feature, however, was the wellladen Christmas tree for the tiny tots. The function, presided over by the Rev. A. Fenelon, opened with a chorus “Ireland, beautiful Ireland,” in which the sweet voices of the 85 pupils were heard to advantage. This was followed by a recitation by Peggy Ryan; Scotch reel by Doreen Callanan; chorus by infants: dialogue by Tom Staunton, Ray Hawke, Arnold Branks and Pat Eccleton; action song by senior girls; recitation by Margaret McKone; vocal duet by Ray Hawke and Peggy Vella; song in parts, boys; Irish jig by Gwen Clarke, Monica Ledingham and Reno O'Brien; recitation by Katie Cox and final chorus “New Zealand” by pupils. The prizes were then distributee! as follows :— Form II: Christian doctrine (gold medal donated by the Rev. A. Fenelon), Marie Eccleton. Dux, Monica Ledingham and Ray Hawke (equal). Next in merit, Tom Staunton. Composition and English, Marie Eccleton. Aggregate merit, Arnold Branks. Arithmetic and reading, Sheila Murphy. General proficiency, Gwen Clarke. History and geography, Marie Stevens. Home lessons and appreciation, Mary Smith. Drawing and handwork, Frank Forde. Spelling, Pat Thornton. Form I: Christian doctrine (gold-mounted rosary), Reno O’Brien. First in form (statue), Claire Mclnerney. General proficiency, Alma Crooks. Second in form, Marie Brown, third in form, Pat Houlihan. English and spelling, Annie Kcnneally. Reading and recitation, Agnes Anderson. Neatness, Martin Kirk. Arithmetic, Anna Murphy. Needlework, Claira Malnerney, Alma Crooks, Rita Boniface and Marie Brown. Drawing and handwork, Tom White, Reno O’Brien, Bill Watson and Martin Forde. Std. 4: Christian doctrine, Teresa Corkery. First in class, Frances Vella. Second in class, Maureen O’Neill and Mima Molloy (equal). Third in class, Kathleen Corkery. English and spelling, Pat Eccleton. Std. 3: First in class, Peggy Vella. Second in class, Doreen Callanan. Third in class, Maurice Houlihan. Composition, Katie Molloy and Phyllis Kenneally. Std 2: First in class, Peggy Ryan. Second in class, Margaret McKone. Spelling and writing, Maureen Ryan. Std. 1: First in class, Katie Cox. Second in class, William Lapham. Third in class, Margaret Brown. P. 4: First in class, Anna Anderson. Second in class, Lawrence Webster. Third in class, Moana O’Brien. Special prizes:—'Popular boys—Tom Staunton (snr.), Tom Molloy (jnr.). Popular girls—Gwen Clarke (snr.), P. Ryan and M. McKone. Agriculture—Tom Staunton, Pat Thornton and Michael Horan. Highest in merits—Mima Molloy and Doreen Oallanan. After the prize list was completed the Rev. A. Fenelon addressed the audience and congratulated the sisters and children on their years’ succesful work. The entertainment, he said, spoke for itself as was evidenced by the rounds of applause that followed each item. He then reminded the - children, especially those leaving school, that they must ever be distinguished by their conduct and maintain the traditions of their school. Mr O’Brien then addressed the gathering and after words of congratulation to sisters and children pointed out how much was due to the sisters, who laboured among the children without compensation and whi» made the school days the happiest of all. Afternoon tea was then partaken of in the grounds and soon after the tinkling of a bell brought all the happy children to the sports paddock where Messrs Eccleton, McKone and V. Branks held races, jumping, etc. till all were satisfied. The Sisters of Mercy wish to thank most heartily all kind friends who came in such numbers to show their appreciation of their work in the cause of Catholic education.