EDUCATION BOARD

Southland Times, Issue 22487, 24 November 1934, Page 2

EDUCATION BOARD

MONTHLY MEETING. At the monthly meeting of the Southland Education Board yesterday morning the chairman (Mr S. Rice) presided over Messrs H. Smith, W. Bell, P. A. de la Perrelle, F. G. Stevenson, W. Grieve and J. Campbell. The following communication was received from the secretary of the New Zealand Education Board’s Association: “As there is a general desire that education boards should meet in conference to consider matters of common interest and in particular with a view to removing the difficulties of administration which at present confront them, I have been in touch with the Minister of Education in order to obtain his approval of such a conference and an indication of the time which would best suit him. I am assured that the matters of difficulty are receiving his earnest attention, but owing to his arrangements elsewhere, he is unable to reply definitely at the time of writing. He will communicate with me as soon as possible. Perhaps you would, in the meantime, note the matters which in the opinion of your board should be listed for consideration.”

“With reference to your application for a grant of £7O for the erection of an additional shelter-shed at the Clifton School, a special grant of £5O has been approved to cover the cost of a shelter-shed. The department is of opinion that a suitable shed can be erected for this amount,” stated a letter from the Education Department. It was decided to write thanking Mr J. Hargest for his interest in the matter. Regarding the admission of students to Training College, the Education Department wrote: “As the Wellington Education Board will be unable to fill its quota of Division A students for 1935, you should, in addition to filling your allotted quota, compile an emergency list in order of merit from which additional students could be selected. From present indications it would appear that you will be able to select four extra students.” In his report for the month ending October 31 the attendance officer stated that during that period he received, returns from 177 schools. These contained the names of 44 defaulters, most of whom were absent through sickness, measles and influenza still being prevalent in a few districts. Notices were sent out in 17 cases where no valid reason for absence was given. Only three schools failed to send any attendance statement for the month. The 10 schools with the highest percentage of attendance for the month were:— Blackmount, 100; Te Tipua, 100; Round Hill, 99.8; Scott’s Gap, 99.6; Croydon Siding, 99.5; Niagara, 99.3; Mossburn, 98.4; Wendonside, 98.3; Mataura Island, 98.2; Nokomai, 98.1. Three schools returned their percentage as below 80 per cent. The reason given was sickness, a few districts -still being affected by measles and influenza which, however, seemed to be gradually passing away. The average percentage of attendance for the 177 that sent returns was 92.10.

The agricultural instructor (Mr T. Mathews) submitted the following report for the month: “Due to the very favourable weather conditions experienced during the past month excellent progress has now been made with the practical gardening work at all schools visited. Recently the schools in the Lakes District were visited and opportunity was taken for dealing thoroughly with the new scheme of work. Similar work to the foregoing is undertaken at all schools where the new scheme has not been previously dealt with. As opportunity offers various phases .of nature study also receive attention. Wool-classing: The two . district high schools continue to be visited regularly each fortnight. At last visit the wool on hand away as the. buildings at both centres will be required for the local A. and P. societies’ annual shows. On my next visit the students will be examined in the work covered during the year. Supplementary supplies of gardening tools: Owing to shortages at a few schools a small supply of additional tools is necessary and the list approved will receive attention during the present month.”