SCHOOL COMMITTEE

Stratford Evening Post, Volume LV, Issue 61, 2 May 1925, Page 5

SCHOOL COMMITTEE

ANNUAL REPORT AND BALANCESHEET FOR THE YEAR ENDING 28th FEBRUARY, 1925.

To the Householders. Ladies and Gentlemen,—The attendance during the last half of the year was considerably affected by epidemics of measles and whooping cough. The average for the first quarter of 570, or 94 per cent, of the roll, fell to 518, or 83 per cent, of the roll for the last quarter. The average for the year was 548, V ein S 13 short of the number required to maintain the school at Grade 7C. The quarters affecting the grade have been excluded in the calculations. Provision is made in the regulations for cases where the attendance has been effected to the extent of 10 per cent, through an epidemic. Entries for the year; 183, and withdrawals, 211. The staff at present comprises the headmaster, 12 certificated assistants, 1 special assistant for Model School and 4 pupil teachers and probationers. During the year Mias Sage, 7th assistant, left to take charge of the IVlokau School, and Miss D. Martin, of our own staff, was promoted to the position of 7th assistant. Miss E. Gibson was appointed 9th assistant. Miss Papps, infant mistress, was appointed to the Courtenay Street Infant School, New Plymouth, and Miss E. M. Elley, of that school, has taken up the position vacated by Miss Papps Who leaves this School with a splendid record for excellent service.

The supply of cocoa for the year commenced on 6th June and closed on September 9th. The charge was at the rate of one shilling for 15 cups, or one penny per cup. Total receipts £8 17s 2d, and tickets sold 2615. ’

Ground Improvements. More amusements are required for the smaller children, such as bars, swings, slides, and a sand pit, which would help to amuse and occupy the preparatory classes. Swimming.—The closure of the School owing to the epidemic has seriously affected the swimming lessons of the scholars. The warm weather period in February, when most of the attempts are usually made for certificates, was missed. During the year a considerable amount of work in the direction of renewlals, painting, flooring, and seating was carried out, and materials were in some instances kindly donated by the business men of the town, for which the Committee is grateful.

Library.—The new School Library was opened during the year with an excellent range of books, and the scholars are making good use of this fine addition to the School.

Infant Department.—The Education Board renovated and painted the infant rooms and buildings, making the surroundings of the infants more cheerful. c

The epidemic resulted in the cancellation*' of the annual excursion to the seaside, making a serious loss in finance, and the in-coming Committee is recommended to take steps at an early date to remedy this loss. The Committee wishes to appreciate the general work of the school caretaker, Mr €. Rowson, who is most consistent in his duties.

The special thanks of the Committee is accorded to Mr L. J. Furrie and Staff for good work during the year, which was carried out under trying circumstances, their devoiiou to duty being quite up to the past traditions of the School, which stand high in educational circles. —Yours faithfully,

Wm, Pinhey, Chairman BALANCE SHEET.

Receipts.—Balance in hand 28th Feb., 1924 £47 9s 3d, grants for ordinary incidental purposes |£J242, School Library £34 3s 4d, refund subsidy deposit £49, fencing and Model School grounds £5, sale of work £1 15s lid, refund printing acc, overpaid £1 6s, baths £l7 4s 9d, entertainments £7O 16s 4d, farewell social Miss Papps £9 18s 9d, stationery fees £65, transfer from Savings Bank trust acc. £4 18s, cocoa scheme £8 17s 2d, sale library books 12s, inspector’s donation electric light 10s, refund trustees from Savings Bank 4d, excursion £4O 18s, debit balance £ll 17s; total £6OB 6s lOd. Payments.—Cleaning £162, fuel and lighting £55 8s Bd, baths £l2 11s 4d, general repairs £3l 11s 9d, school stationery £44 2s 6d, school library £7l 17s 4d, transfer to trustees Savings Bank £7O 16s 4d. subsidy deposit to Education Board £46, cocoa cheme £5 18s, expenses Miss Papps’ farewell social £9 10s lOd, general expense £7O 9s Id. sports material £4 18s, earthwork Domain Board £23 3s; total £6OB 6s lOd. I certify that I have compared the foregoing statement with the books and vouchers, and find it, correct. duly vouched, and in accordance with law. H. W. INSULL. Auditor. Dated 15th April, 1925.