SCHOOL YEAR ENDS

Southland Times, Issue 21581, 19 December 1931, Page 6

SCHOOL YEAR ENDS

AWARDS PRESENTED ST. JOHN’S BREAKS UJ> PRINCIPAL’S REVIEW The annual break up ceremony of St. John’s Girls’ School held in St. John s Memorial Hall last evening was well , attended and proved a happy function. The first portion of the evening was devoted to a concert supplied by the girls, their musical items and singing under the baton of Mr Charles Gray proving most popular with the audience. Dramatic talent of a high order was displayed by the girts taking part in four scenes from “The Rivals” (Sheridan) which completed the '.oncert programme. Prior to the presentation of prizes by his Lordship Bishop Richards of Dunedin, the annual report of ‘he principal (Miss M. Lester) was read. This stated: “The past year has seen several changes at St. John’s. First, in the staff. It was very sad to hear in the Christmas holidays of the sudden death of Mrs I’. Webb, our valued preparatory mistress, and at the opening of the term we greatly missed her familiar presence. Mrs Hawkes, who succeeded her, maintained a good standard of teaching and won the affection of her little pupils. We were distressed to hear of the bad accident which befel her during the September holidays. She had to remain in hospital for two months but we were glad to hear that at the end of November she was able to return home and was making rapid progress towards complete recovery. Staff Reductions. “Owing to the general depression our numbers have not been maintained this year and the staff was reduced. We were compelled to part regretfully with Miss Smith. Then, at the defection of Mrs Hawkes, as Miss Smith had already made other plans, Miss Tapley filled the breach. It was a pleasure to welcome another exgirl as a member of the staff—even temporarily—and to note the general ability and energy she has shown in the fulfilment of the du:ies entrusted to her. "We are greatly indebted to Mr C. Gray for taking charge of the class singing and know that it can be in no better hands. Miss Nicholscn has proved a most capable teacher of dancing and elocution. Her pupils in the latter subject all passed their examination, one gaining distinction. Miss Stent, who succeeded Miss Ewing, has proved a valuable asset to the school and Miss Hanan has now concluded her sixth year of good service We wish her every success at Craighead. I should like to take this opportunity of thanking all the staff for their good work and loyal help. “On June 30 Mr G. Palmer inspected the school and on November 30 the proficiency examination was concluded with the result that all of the five candidates gained the certificate. Congratulations to Miss Annan and also all the primary pupils who, recently taking the League ef Nations Union examination gained the certificate. “Early in the first term swimming sports were held, from which it was evident that the girls had made good use of their time at the baths. The usual sports also took place on the Wednesday in Easter week. The sympathy of all classes was roused by the earthquake disaster at Hawk.-s Bay and the girls were not backward in showing theirs in a practical way. They proposed that all funds which might have been expended on sports prizes should be sent to the sufferers. As a result we contributed seven guineas. It is certain that the absence of prizes in no way detracted from the joys of that Wednesday’s contest. Later on we held a bridge drive to assist, especially the churches in the afflicted district. Tliis resulted in £6 10/- being sent. Sports Tourneys. “In the somewhat attenuated state of the school, contests with outside teams in tennis and basketball have not usually been successful for St. John’s, but, in the* circumstances, our teams have done remarkably well. An interesting event was the teams’ match between the school and ex-girls, which resulted in a win for the former. As usual much interest was shown in the fathers v. daughters basketball match and again the fathers were successful by a narrow margin. "At a meeting called with reference to the bazaar, it was decided to hold it in August—about six weeks earlier than usual—• and in St. John's Memorial Flail. Considering the times, we were most fortunate in raising £B7 1/2. As it was also voted at the meeting that none of the proceeds should be diverted to missions we had recourse to other methods, since it seemed, to some of us, somewhat disgraceful that a church school should have a purely parochial outlook. Accordingly, another bridge drive was held in October. This effort was very well sup[x>rted and raised £ll 5/-, which enabled us to give our usual subscription of £lO to the Melanesian Mission—the remainder goes to the Young Helpers’ League—or rather to Dr. Barnardo’s Homes. “The usual work exhibition took place on December 12. In the tennis match the mothers deserved their win but had to work for it. On December 14 the drill competition was much appreciated—our thanks are again due to Mr J. Page for so kindly acting as judge. “I intensely dislike the statistics exacted by the Education Board, but should like to express my appreciation of the courtesy and consideration the local board has shown our school. Our relations have always been friendly and the attitude of the inspectors helpful. “We owe much to Mr Lush and to Mr Andrews-Baxter for so kindly giving instruction in Church History and Prayer Book, and to Canon Fynes-Clinton for his unfailing readiness to take our opening and closing services. Tribute to Governors. "St.. John’s, like most schools, has had its good and bad times. For its governors I have the greatest respect and regard. They have made great sacrifices and done all in their power for its well-being. An institution of this kind is naturally one of the first to suffer at a period of great depression like the present. At the same time it seems a tragedy that a town of 23,000 inhabitants cannot support one school of this type. It is, in fact, the only school of its kind in Southland. Even 100 pupils would keep it on its feet and 200 would in time remove the incubus of debt which has hitherto sapped its life. I greatly regret leaving it in its present debilitated state; it seems like a nurse deserting a patient who is in particular need of her care. Mr Lush has valiantly taken up the task and to him is due the fact that the patient still lives and “while there is life there is hope.” He will be assisted by Miss Stent and his daughters. Miss Lush, during her last year at St. Margaret's, gave much assistance in the junior school. Miss Ruth Lush has matriculated, gained her A.T.C.L. in music and has done a year’s post-matriculation work; moreover, she has taken honours each year in drill, distinguished herself in games and has had a good deal of organizing responsibility in which she has shown herself most capable. “Under Mr Lush —as principal—the school is taking on a new lease of life. I hope that he will get the support he deserves and that, as time goes on, St. John’s School in the far south of this island will be for girls what Christ College in the north is for boys. It seems to me that this would be an ideal worthy of the people of Southland.” His Lordship the Bishop supplemented the report, expressing appreciation of the success gained in the proficiency examination and stating that in view of the raising of its standard this year very few schools could boast 'of 100 per cent, passes. He said that it seemed for some time this year as if the school would have no future in view of the decision of the Board of Governors to close it down for economic reasons. However, Canon and Mrs J. A. Lush had come forward with a courageous pnd most, unselfish proposal and as a -re-

suit the school would remain open and bo maintained at its usual high standard of efficiency. The action of Mr and Mrs Lush had been inspired by love of the Church and of the school and it now remained for the parents to support the school and assist in its future progress. The following contributed towards tho concert programme: Pianoforte duet, “Arabai” (Paul Rakoff), A. Rowley and Hilary' Jones; Irish dance, O. Hind, G. Chilwell, 11. Price and D. Tapper; songs, “My Gentle Child” (Teresa del Riego) and “Lullaby” (J. Brahms), the middle school; gavotte, O. Hind, G. Chilwell, 11. Price and D. Tapper; pianoforte solo, “Lullaby Time Song” (Pauline Norkiss), Myra Crawford; ball dance, D. Moffett, K. Moffett, A. Rowley and R. Macdonald; song, “He, She, It” (Scott Gatty) the preparatory; pianoforte solo, “Evening Thoughts” (Gertrude Lina), Mollie Tresize; Spanish dance, D. Moffett, K. Moffett, A. Rowley and R. Macdonald; songs, “Roses in the Meadow” (Erik Helmund) and “When a Merry Maiden” (Erik Helmund), the senior class; pianoforte solo, allegretto “Clematis” (G. E. Campbell), Hilary Jones; four scenes from "The Rivals” (Sheridan). Cast: Mrs Malaprop, Elizabeth Hoyles; Lydia Languish, Alison Rowley; Sir Anthony Absolute, June Moffett; Captain Absolute, Joan Tomlinson; Julia Melville, Mary Chilwell; Lucy (Lydia’s Maid), Diana Moffett; Fag (Captain’s Servant), Dorothy Lawrence. The pianoforte accompaniments were played by Miss M. Barty.

PRIZE LIST. The prize list was as follows: Primer IV: Good progress, Ruth Brodrick. First in form, Shirley Mitchell. Std. I: Sewing, Agnes Nichol. First in form, Shirley Hart. Std. II: General Progress, Gwenyth Chilwell. Drawing, Apr.l Oliver. General Progress, Honor Price and Doris Tapper. Arithmetic, Myra Gilkison. English and first in form, Olive Hind. Std. Ill: Second in sewing, Nonnie Smith. Second in Scripture, Joan Newth. and second in French. Mollie Tresize who was first in all subjects, received prizes for English, Arithmetic and being first in form.

Std. IV.: Good Progress, Merrial Webb. Good work, Myra Crawford. English, Robin Macdonald. French and Arithmetic, Nancy Just. Scripture and first in form, Diana Moffett. Std. V: Second Scripture, Betty Mottram. Second English, Kathleen Moffett. Hilary Jones who was first in all subjects was awarded prizes in Arithmetic, French, and for being first in form. Std. VI: Good work, Dorothy Watts. Good work, Barbara Cuthbertson. Scripture and English, Betty Barrett. Arithmetic and French, Alison Rowley. Std. VII.: Hard work, Dorothy Bennetts. Senior C: English. Mary Chilwell. Mathematics and languages, Joyce Barns. Senior B: English, June Moffett. Good work, Beth Hoyles. Good work, Joan Tomlinson. Senior A: English and Mathematics, Elinor Jones. Good examinations: in Standard 111, Mollie Tresize. Standard IV, Diana Moffett and Robin Macdonald. Standard V, Hilary Jones. Standard VI, Alison Rowley. Missionary Essay: June Moffett. Elocution: First in class, Beth Hoyles. Special, Alison Rowley. Drill: Juniors, Olive Hind. Middle school, Betty Barrett. Seniors (cup), Joan Tomlinson. Drawing: Standard 111, IV, Diana Moffett. Stds V and VI, Kathleen Moffett. Seniors, Elinor Jones. Deportment: Mary Chilwell. Catechism: Diana Moffett. Church history: Nora Stevens. Music (Bristol prize for greatest improvement) : Alison Rowley. Certificates: Swimming—so yds, B. Cuthbertson, P. Oliver, and Shirley Owen-John-ston; 440 yds, Barbara Cuthbertson and Kathleen Moffett; 880 yds, Betty Macdon aid. Elocution: Julie Snow, Joyce Barns, Beth Hoyles, Betty Macdonald, Leonore Millard and Alison Rowley. Dux of Middle school: Alison Rowley. Divinity Cross: Joyce Barns. Dux of school: Elinor Jones. INVERCARGILL NORTH BREAK-UP CEREMONY. The break-up ceremony of the Invercargill North School was held in the North Invercargill Hall yesterday afternoon, the chairman of the school committee, Mr A. W. Anderson, presiding. In his opening remarks the chairman congratulated the headmaster, staff and pupils on their work during the year and thanked the parents for the financial support accorded the school. The Rev. K. D. Andrews-Baxter, who presented the certificates to the Standard 111 pupils, said they should endeavour to cultivate the three parts of themselves, their minds, bodies and souls. Were their minds not educated and used they would grow soft. In the same way their souls and bodies should be taken care of.

Other awards were presented by Mr L. P. Bryan and the Revs. W. Tanner and C. J. Tocker. At the conclusion of the ceremony the headmaster (Mr J. Soar) extended wishes to the children for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. The following programme was submitted: Duet, Theda Jones and Cara Hogg; recitation, Joan McLean; dance, Mavis Gregory; dance, Margery Hughes. The prize list was as follows:

Form II: Dux, Winnie Gerrard; Margaret Henderson 2, Harry Gilbertson 3. Special for sewing, Annabel Weir. Native Birds Protection Societies (special for essay competition), Annabel Weir 1, William Strathern 2. Attendance: Girls—Gladys Thornhill, Annabel Weir, Dulcie Pullar, Annie Storrie, June Booth, Ena Clapp, Edith Rillstone, Florence Burns, Lily Barclay, Margaret Henderson, Winnie Gerrard. Boys.— Cyril Smith, Hugh Wilson, Prosper McDonell. League of Nations Certificates: Ena Clapp, Edith Rillstone, Aileen Sharman, Winnie Gerrard, Hugh Ritchie, James Treweek, Robert Field, Harry Bates, Herbert Brown, Dulcie Pullar, Prosper McDonell.

I-’orm I: Dux, Dorothy Stott; Margery Hughes 2/ Wilson Treweek 3. Library prizes: Joan Hemmings, Gordon Ryan. Attendance Certificates: Jack Coatsworth, Cyril Gray, Robert Prentice, Gordon Ryan, Cyril Ward, Gilbert Widdowson, MaryAgnew, Gwen Chalmers, Mavis Gregory, Margaret Kennedy, Brenda Marshall, Phyllis Riseley, Hazel Robertson, Agnes Smith, Olive Thomson. League of Nations Certificates —Gwen Chalmers, Gwen Sutherland, Joyce Davis, Gordon Ryan, Forbes Scott, William Strathern, Cyril Gray, Margaret Kennedy, Joan Gilbertson, Dorothy Stott, Marv Agnew, Mavis Gregory, Gilbert Widdowson, Fred Robertson, Cyrii Ward, Wilson Treweek, Colin Martin, Dorothy Kennard, Marjorie Hughes, Ruth Cook, Joan Hemmings, Brenda Marshall, Edna Whitaker.

Std 4: Roland Watson 1, Jean Duguid 2, Lyla Titchener 3. Attendance: Franklyn Cran, William Dodds, William Flaus, Gordon Flowers, William Hamill, Victor Henderson. Gordon Sprar.ge, Eric Witting, Jean Duguid, Beth Grieve, Margery Jones, Joyce Moen, Doreen McFarlane, Joan Martin. Joyce Spiers, Evelyn Thomson. Std. HI: John Allan 1, Joan McLean 2, Garfield Wilson 3. Attendance Certificates —Arnold Atley, Gilbert Bates, James Chalmers, Hazel Eunson, Alfred Goodsir, Alison Kennedy, Marion Lawton, Stuart Mason, Edward Riseley, Eric Walker, Samuel Whitaker.

Std 2: Raymond Cowley 1, Molly Brown 2, Robert Hemmings 3. Attendance certificates: James Collett, Bruce Crawford, May Martin, Margaret Lilley, Stanley Miller, George West, Kathleen Winter, Cyril Winter.

Std. I: Class certificates: Robert l, Linley Skipworth 2, Lindsay King 3. Attendance certificates: Grace Crawford, Joan Nunn, Joan Dawson, Mary Grantham, Valrnir Sycamore, Margaret Widdowson, Phyllis Hemmings,. Ronald Burgess, Angus Hagen, William Robertson, Keith Sharman, Ivan Winter.

P II: Garth Moen and May Dodds (equal) 1, Faith Coatsworth 3. Attendance certificates: Joyce Robcrt&in, Gloria-Mason,

Lawrence Prentice, Walter Skinnec, John Miller, Garth Moen. WAIHOPAI Owing to no class prizes being given at the Waihopai School this year, the names of the class place winners were inadvertently omitted from the prize list. They are as follows:— Waihopai Main School. Form 11: Dux of school, Hugh McLean; second, Donald Campbell; third, Stephen Barclay. Form I: Hazel Moore 1, Margaret Tomlinson 2, Joyce Mackrell 3. Std. IV: Philip Hewat 1, Ralph Copland 2, Evelyn Miller 3. Std. HI: Yvonne Reid 1, Athol Lawrence 2, Geoffery Hall-Jones 3. Std. IIIB: Esther Stewart 1, Nancy Henderson 2, Violet Barnes 3. Std. II: Ken Miller 1, Ruth Adam 2, Blanche Mclnnes 3. Std. I: Bruce Moffett 1, Stanley Howard and Rex Jackson (equal) 2. Side School. Std. 3: Gwen Lewis 1, Keith Dixon 2, Walter Waterson 3. Std. 2: Molly Metcalfe 1, Judith Pollard 2, Stewart Bridgman 3. Std. 1: Joyce Dawson 1, Coral Gudgeon 2, Lorraine Cook 3. Attendance Certificates: Gwen Lewis, Joyce Kilpatrick, Norma Bath, George Seator, Rowena Mac Gibbon, Phyllis Turner, Ngaire Lewis, Monty McHugh, Bruce Williams, Stewart Bridgman, Gordon Kilpatrick, Lance Blaikie, Gordon Hopgood, Joyce Dawson, Lexie McCleery, Kathleen Twiss, Pattie Twiss, Barbara Wish, Frank Auld, Davie Metcalfe, Noel Turner, Frank Wilkie, Jim Kilpatrick.