DEVELOPMENT OF CHARACTER

Southland Times, Issue 24001, 16 December 1939, Page 14

DEVELOPMENT OF CHARACTER

VALUE OF 'OUTSIDE INTERESTS

HIGH SCHOOLS’ BREAK-UP CEREMONY That interests other than intellectual played an important part in developing the personality, character and initiative of the pupils, and the need for closer contact between the members of the teaching staffs and parents, were emphasized by several speakers at the break-up and prize-giving ceremony of the Southland Boys’ and Girls’ High Schools in the Civic Theatre last night. Mr R. M. Strang, chairman of rhe Southland Boys’ and Girls’ High Schools Board of Governors, presided over a good attendance. The girls and boys would be going into a world- that was unsettled politically and economically and they would be asked to assume big responsibilities, said Mr Strang. When they were called upon he hoped the schooling they had received would enable them to complete their tasks successfully. Education actually meant a higher standard of living, but this could not be achieved unless they worked for it. Some persons were quite prepared to let others do the work and accept the standard of living. However, it was the duty of one and all to do his share. They should consider problems in a liberal manner—not only from their point of view but from that of the other man. He hoped the tradition of the school, and what they had . learnt in school, would help them to place a greater value on life. Many old boys had responded to the call and had offered their services for their country. They should, think of these boys, who would build up a tradition for. the future. Mr Strang then called on Mrs A. Derbie, president of the Old Girls Association, to present the prizes won by the girls. Mr E. H. Smith, president of the Old Boys’ Association, presented the boys’ prizes. Major H. C. Mackenzie, in presenting the Friar Memorial Cup and the Victory Shield to the successful school rifle shooters, congratulated the boys on their fine effort. BRITAIN’S TASK The Mayor (Mr J. R. Hanan) congratulated those who had won prizes, and offered a word of consolation to those who were not successful. The great men of the past and present had not. always been at the top of their class, these including James Watt, Oliver Goldsmith and Louis Pasteur. In the past sport probably held the interest of boys and girls attending the high schools, but nowadays they had a better idea of outside activities, Mr Hanan said. There were people who said that Great Britain would have no difficulty in winning the war and that the German nation would soon be crushed. However, the German people were very industrious and were -dermitely united. The German war machine was very efficient, the reason for this being that a dictator was at the head of affairs. In Germany the people had no right to express opinions in the Press, or to change the personnel of the Government. The result of this restriction of freedom was that the men at the head of affairs could make the people believe anything. There was no doubt that the one-sided propaganda issued in Germany after the Great War led the people to believe that they had not lost the war, and they were determined not to lose the war in which they were now engaged. The British Empire was never more united and would do its utmost to preserve the principles and high ideals upon which democracy had been established. The Empire stood for something well worth fighting Mr Hanan added that the boys and girls had had the privilege of attend- ' ing two of the finest educational institutes in the Dominion. CLOSER CONTACT DESIRED

She thought that parents tended to think . too much of scholastic attainments, instead of looking beyond the academical attainments, said Miss A. Eastwood, principal of the Girls’ High School. During their stay at school the girls developed qualities of character and personality as they came into contact with one another, the mistresses and outside interests. Much of the best work at the schools was done outside the class room and she would be glad if the parents would keep this in mind. They were told that with the present state of affairs, changes would take place and these would no doubt affect education as well as other phases of life. If there were a closer connection between parents and teachers, a discussion about any changes might make the position clear. They wanted to preserve those traditions that had resulted in the pupils possessing outstanding qualities, such as enterprise, integrity, sincerity, self-control and tolerance.’ She doubted whether the pupils coming into the school were as self-reliant as formerly. They did not seem keen to undertake the more difficult tasks, and it was very essential that self-reliance should be maintained. ENROLMENT FIGURE • “The total enrolment for the year was 314,” stated the rector of the Boys’ High School (Dr G. H. Uttley) in his annual report. “Forty-five boys have left school during the year and it may be of interest to detail the type of vocation they have entered. Nineteen boys have entered the Public Service, four have entered banks, nine have become junior clerks in commercial and other firms, three boys have taken up journalism and three boys farming. The remaining seven boys are engaged as follows:—Two as engineering cadets, two in their father’s business, two in the City Reserves Department, and one has been apprenticed to an electrician. It has been stated in previous years that the boys who have been successful in public examinations have secured the best appointments, and our experience this year again fully bears out the statement. Of the boys who left, 37 were in their third, or later, years. “There have been no changes in the staff this year and all have given good service to the school,” continued Dr Uttley. "I am much indebted to them for their keenness, loyalty and unselfish co-operation, particularly in the many branches of the school’s extra mural activities. Mr J. L. Cameron has been appointed head of the Department of Languages and Mr A. J. Dcaker has been appointed Careers Master.

“W. R. Mayhew won a University Scholarship and University National Bursaries were awarded to three boys. In the accountancy professional examination conducted by the University of New Zealand, four boys were successful—two obtained passes in commercial law, economics, mercantile law and hook-keeping. No boy was unsuccessful. Twenty-one boys gained Higher Leaving Certificates

awarded to boys who complete at least one year s work after . passing the University Entrance ex- ■ amination. Nine boys qualified o ■ trance to the Teachers’ Training Col- . lege, 30 boys passed the University , Entrance examination, 19 passed the Public Service Entrance examination, 26 passed the school certificate examination and five gained partial P asa ®®- “As a pass in a public examination has often been discounted as an aid to a boy when seeking employment, tne following figures dealing with the University Entrance (Matriculation) results from 1933 to 1938 may be interesting. During this period, 213 boys from the school have passed the examination. Of these, 70 entered the Public Service 34 entered the teaching profession, 23 took up University studies, 29 entered the services of public bodies or commercial firms, four entered the Air Force, five took up phannacy, one entered journalism, five joined accountancy firms, one entered the Mercantile Navy, one took up science work, and three farming. Eight boys are still at school and the vocations of seven are unknown; This list clearly indicates that the State, banking and insurance bodies, commercial and other firms prefer boys who have had a good, allround secondary education for three years. INTELLIGENCE TESTS “For some years now the school has been using intelligence tests for all new entrants to the school. . tests have been used in association with ordinary examination tests in class subjects, and with reports from the head masters of the primary schools. It is now proposed to carry this work further, and Mr Deaker, as Careers Master, will carry out work similar to what is being done in many of the secondary schools of the Dominion, with a view to collaborating with parents and employers to determine the vocation for which the boy is best fitted. . “The school entered six teams in tne competitions conducted by the Southland Rugby Football Union and weekIv games were held at the school tor country boys. The first fifteen played annual matches against Otago, Waitaki, Timaru and King’s High Schools, being successful only against the lastmentioned school. The second fifteen beat the Waitaki second fifteen, but lost' to the Gore first fifteen by a narrow margin. The school team won the sixth grade championship this year. “Three elevens have been entered in the cricket competitions and five teams play regularly in a school competition. The Board of Governors has done its utmost to foster cricket in Invercargill and has provided a very fine wicket for the Old Boys’ team. TENNIS ACTIVITIES

“The school tennis club was active during the first and third terms, almost 50 boys taking part in the sport. The tennis was not quite up to the usual standard, but a noticeable improvement was evident in the third term. In the secondary schools’ competition, the School A and C teams played off in the final of the senior competition and the junior A team was runner up in the junior competition. “The school hockey club has had another successful season. For the first time-for a number of years the school was able to field a team sufficiently strong to play in the local senior competition. Interest in the game has been well maintained and the form of some of the younger players gives promise of future success. “Some changes were made in the athletic programme this year. A sports meeting consisting of handicap events, was held on the school grounds in April and a second-sports gathering was held in October on Rugby Park, when the championships were decided. The establishment of a new championship section for the intermediates was instituted to fall into line with the Otago secondary schools’ programme of events. The Otago-Southland secondary school championships were held at Rugby Park and was one of the most successful of the series. The school was second in the intermediate championship and third in the junior and senior championships. “Mr J. Page has again brought the gymnastics of the boys to a high standard and the public display recently indicated clearly the excellence of his work. LIFE-SAVING WORK “This year, as in recent years, lifesaving played an important part in the school activities. All those boys who took part were thoroughly interested in the work and spent many hours of their spare time in training. Many competent boys are members of the Oreti Surf Club, and take part in the club’s patrol work at the beach. After winning the championship of Otago and Southland schools for three successive years, the school team gained third place this year. “This year’s cadet corps work began with the usual barracks for four days. In spite of interruption from rain, good work was done by all ranks, especially by the non-commissioned officers who had attended the summer instructional camp at Waikouaiti. The most important event was the visit oi Major-General Sir Andrew Russell, K.C.8., K.C.M.G., on March 1. General Russell inspected the unit, offering many useful suggestions and expressing himself as very pleased with the bearing and appearance of the cadets. He complimented the Drum, Trumpet and Bugle Band on its efficiency. Two notable distinctions have been gained by i non-commissioned officers of the school. Company Sergeant-Major T. W. Swale was appointed C.S.M. of the Otago University Company and Com-

pany Sergeant-Major D. G. Coster was s awarded the Friar Memorial prize for i the best non-commissioned officer ( among the secondary schools of the . South Island. : “The school shooting has reached an < excellent standard under the skilful coaching of lieutenant Geddes. The J successes obtained during the year speak • for themselves. In the area rifle meet- | 1 ing in March, the school won match 1, i with three possibles, match II with 10 • possibles and match 111. Cadet H. Row- | 1 ey scored the possible in every match. In the Earl Roberts Empire Trophy competition, the school won the elimination shoot for the South Island with 281 points. In the shoot-off with . Other schools of the Empire the school team scored 286 points. The school won the Victory Shield competition with a record score of 228 J points, leading by nine points from Otago and lOg points from Waitaki. . “A boxing class was held during the second and third terms under Mr ' Braithwaite’s tuition. It was well attended by the keener boys, and during the third, term a very successful tournament was held. The badminton club had another successful year. Several of the boys entered in the Southland Association’s B and C grade tournaments and in some cases reached file finals. SCHOOL BAND I “An outstanding feature of the Drum, Trumpet and Bugle Band’s activities is the great effort made by the newlyformed parents’ association, with Mr W. Stewart as chairman. The members worked indefatigably and were largely responsible for raising sufficient funds to equip the band with a smart, blue uniform. Lieutenant J. L. Napier, the bandmaster, has worked tirelessly with the committee in al! its activities, and has been greatly assisted by Mrs Nanier. An invitation has been sent to‘the band to visit Wellington in 1940 and to take part in. the Anzac Day service. This is a distinction, not only to the school, but to the province and it must be a great source of satisfaction. to Lieutenant Napier that the outstanding excellence of his devoted work for the band has been so fitj, tingly recognized. “Public speaking forms an important part in the boys’ work, and this training is doing much to supply genuine confidence in the boys’ ability to express themselves. The Stamp Club has been active during the year and weekly meetings were. held. The book department is steadily increasing its activities in various directions, with 1 the one object of reducing the cost of books to parents. 1 “The library exercises a steadilyincreasing influence on the life of the ' school. This year more than 300 books have been added, including numerous gifts from boys leaving the school and a fine contribution from Mr E. R. s Wilson.

“Mr A. S. Hogg is endeavouring to get a complete record of old boys who have volunteered for active service and he would welcome assistance from parents and old boys.” Dr Uttley emphasized the value of outside activities and referred particularly to the school band. A cultural class had been formed and the activities of this class included music, verse speaking, architecture and modem problems in world affairs. During the evening items were given by the choirs of both schools. The following songs were given by the girls’ choir: “Little Folk Song,” “The Apple Woman,” “Oh, the Summer,” “Blow South Wind,” “A Light Song.” Mr L. E. Dailey conducted the choir and Mrs L. E. Dailey provided the piano accompaniment. The boys’ choir gave the following items: “Here’s A Health,” “Forty Years On,” “Adeste Fideles,” “Border Ballad.” “Joy to the World,” “Silent Night,” “We Three Kings” were sung by a double quartette. Mr Kennedy Black was the conductor and accompanist.

ST. MARY’S SCHOOL

fhere was a big attendance of parents and friends at the prize-giving and break-up ceremony at the’ St. Mary’s School. The Rev. Father T. S. Kavanagh presided and a short concert programme was given by the pupils. Before presenting the prizes Father Kavanagh briefly addressed the pupils and parents, giving an outline of the year’s work. He said that while secular education played a big part, the religious element was not forgotten in the training of the children for their future life. Father Kavanagh expressed appreciation of the work done by the sisters during the year. The prize -list was as follows: SECONDARY SCHOOL Christian doctrine (medal), Marie Poppelwell; dux of school, Marie Poppelwell; second in form, Elizabeth Nicholson; third in form, Magnus Murray; calisthenics and deportment, Molly McKissock. PRIMARY SCHOOL Form II: Christian doctrine, Alice Holland; dux of school, Eunice Wallis; second in form, Mary Menzies; third in form, Brian Hickey. Form I: Christian doctrine, Gabriel Farry; highest in form, Monica Cooney; second in fqrm, Kevin Higgins; third in form, Mary Hanley. Std. IV: Christian doctrine, Anthony Farry; first in class, Rita Kerr; second in class, Dorinda Holland; third in class, Roymond Johnston. Std. Ill: Christian doctrine, Margaret Hanley; first in class, Margaret Hanley; second in class, June Holland; third in class, Shirley Cowan. Std. II: Christian doctrine, Pauline Poppelwell; first in class, Joyce Wallis,

second in class, Pauline Schultz; third in class, Patricia Donaldson. Std. I: Christian doctrine, Catherine Strang; first in class, Basil Cooney; second in class, Fred Hurst; third in class, Noeline Millane. Special prizes: Good conduct, Patricia Hailes; senior basketball cup, Rose Millane; senior football cup, Jack Fitzgerald; elocution, Pauline Poppelwell; music (medals), Ruth Hannabus (higher local), Magnus Murray, Jessie Watters and Neroli Stokes. FAIRFAX The Fairfax School’s prize-list was as follows:— Dux.—Elva Cull, Form H, first English, reading, spelling, writing, history, geography, science, drawing, handiwork. Huntly Prentice, first arithmetic and composition. Form I.—Elliot Black, first composition, English, spelling, arithmetic, history, drawing and writing; Leslie Cook, first reading, geography, science, handwork and writing. Standard IV.—R. Taylor, first reading, history, science, handwork,. second composition and second equal drawing, third equal formal English, third arithmetic, third equal geography; Grace Thomas, first composition, geography, drawing, second formal English, spelling, history; Evelyn Coster, first formal English, spelling, writing, first equal arithmetic, third composition, history; I. Prentice, first equal arithmetic, writing, second equal reading, geography, science, second handwork, third equal composition, formal English; J. Darragh, second equal drawing, third geography, third equal handwork; Alister Stalker, second equal formal English, geography, science, third equal composition, history; J. Cleaver, first equal writing, second arithmetic, third equal composition; Betty McFarlane, first equal writing, second equal spelling, drawing, . third. equal formal English; Norma Guise, second equal reading; Margaret Guise, first' equal writing; B. Mclntosh, second equal draw- ’ ing, good progress second equal writing. / .... . c, iTT-iMaw McFarlane, first

spelling, writing, ' arithmetic, science, handwork, second essays, ' second equal formal English, second reading, history, third equal drawing. Meria Clark, first equal essays, first formal English, reading, geography, drawing,’ second spelling, writing, science, handwork, third arithmetic, history; Billy Harris, first equal essays, first history, second equal Eng- . lish, second arithmetic, geography, third reading, spelling, third equal science, I drawing; Jean Guise, second .equa writing, drawing, handwork, third composition, geography. , Standard ll.—Marion Matheson, third reading, first equal writing, second English, arithmetic, first drawing, third handwork; Allan Taylor, first reading, spelling, third equal writing, first equal composition, second equal drawing, first handwork; Keith Darragh, first equal composition, third equal Palish, first equal arithmetic, second handwork; Isla Guise, second spelling, first equal writing, first English,, third arithmetic; Bob Coster, second reading, third spelling, third writing, first equal composition, second equal drawing, third equal handwork. Standard I.—Mervyn Cook, second reading, writing, arithmetic, third equal drawing; Warren Murdoch, third reading, second spelling first equal composition, second English, third arithmetic, third equal drawing; Jean Coster, second writing, first drawing, second equal handwork; Lennie Murdoch, third spelling, composition, English; Shirley Prentice, first reading, spelling, writing, first equal composition, first equal English, first arithmetic, second drawing, first equal handwork, Leslie Mathieson, third handwork. ST. COLUMBA’S

The break-up ceremony of the St. Columba’s school, Riverton, took place at Riverton. Father Fenelon, who_ distributed the prizes, spoke to the children, and the children gave a programme of songs and choral speaking. The prize-list is as follows:— Form ll.—Christian doctrine, Helene Mackie. Dux of school, Keith McFadgen. Second in class, Helene Mackie. Third in class, Patrick Willis. Arithmetic, John Anderson. Composition and domestic scince, Maureen Lee. Drawing, Tom Finnerty. Form I.—Christian doctrine, Veronica Mackie. First in class, David Smith. Second in class, Joan Lynch. Third in class, John O’Neill. Domestic science, Joan Quelch. Theory of music, Moira Bone. Drawing and writing, Marjorie Davis. Attendance prizes, Moira Bone, Joan Lynch and Rita Joyce. Standard 4.—Christian doctrine, Gwendoline Quelch. First m class, Francis Joyce. Second in class, Gerald Fitzgerald. Third in class, Ellen Stewart. Arithmetic, Joan Corkery. Geography Ivan White. Drawing, Michael Kennedy. Reading. Patrick Thompson. Standard 3.—Christian doctrine, Maureen Morris. First in class: Colleen Harris. Second in class: Rita Joyce. Third in class, June Mclntyre. . Standard 2.—Christian doctrine, Winifred Smith. First in class, Mary Johns. Second in class, Patrick Lynch. Third in class, Stanley Anderson. . Standard I.—Christian doctrine, Gloria Leen. First in class, Gloria Leen. Second in class, Helen Ford. Third in class, Mary Flynn. . Primer 4. —Christian doctrine, Marie Williams. First in class, Marie Williams. Second in class, Margaret Hawke. Third in class, Olive Anderson. During the afternoon the school sports were held, many of the parents being present.

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