THE PRIMARY SCHOOLS

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 64, Issue 4562, 20 April 1942, Page 5

THE PRIMARY SCHOOLS

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW At the annual meeting of householders in Te Awamutu last week, Mr Les. S. Armstrong, as chairman of the outgoing committee, submitted the lollowing annual report:— “In presenting my report for the two years period just completed, I have adopted a perusal month by month, of the various activities, so as to endeavour to show progress, since our previous biennial meeting, held on 17th April, 1940. “The week following this meeting a very successful Paddy’s Market was held by the schools, and, as a result, approximately £172 was divided equally between the High School and Primary School. “ One of the first duties of our new Committee was to appoint town representatives to the District High School Committee. Messrs G. B. Melrose and L. W. Spence were selected and these gentlemen gave every satisfaction on their new appointment. “From our own Committee again sub-commjttees were appointed and, although the bulk of school affairs fell on the shoulders of the Works or Grounds Committee, yet all members were ever ready to do their share for the sake of the school. “The question of a school swimming pool was brought forward by Mr J. Fleming at our first regular meeting and, as will appear later in this report, this pool became an accomplished fact and since proved very beneficial. THE HEADMASTER ' “During August our headmaster, Mr A. H. Woods, resigned from his position to our school to take an appointment at Auckland. Mr and Mrs Woods were farewelled later at a public reception at the High School Assembly Hall and a suitable presentation made. Mr N. F. Rigby was selected to take over the position of Headmaster and his appointment has given every satisfaction to all concerned. We are indeed fortunate in having a gentleman of Mr Rigby’s calibre to guide the destinies of our younger generation. “Application was made to the Auckland Education Board for a grant of £5O for repairs to school paths. This was authorised and as a result most of the paths were topdressed with bitumen, etc.

“During Septeriiber of this year, 1940, the milk in schools scheme was introduced and has been functioning continually since then. The milk is provided from the high class herds of Waikerla, where the regular supervision by Health Department and Agricultural Officers ensures a high grade product. It is strange though, that a number of children are unable to drink this milk, which is delivered in half pint glass bottles securely capped and with straws provided for drinking purposes—generally, though, the scheme is a pronounced success.

“With the introduction of a new scheme of physical training it was found necessary to provide extra facilities for this purpose. The committee provided a posture wall on one side of the tennis court at a cost of £2B 15s. WORKS UNDERTAKEN “In order to eliminate the dust nuisance in the schools the Headmaster suggested the use of Dust-e-lac, an oil preparation. This work was put in hand and regular treatment at each vacation keeps the floors in good condition and simplifies the school cleaning.

“The question of a roadway to the rear of the school had been suggested, and after the provision of plans and specifications to the Education Board, a grant was authorised to put this work in hand and a first class job was the result.

“A fancy dress ball was held during November, 1940, and in every way proved a great success. The school funds benefited considerably, while general satisfaction was expressed at the excellent arrangements. “During the week prior to closing the schools for the Christmas vacation a Christmas entertainment was provided for the whole of the Primary School. I feel sure that many of the children will long remember that day.

THE SWIMMING POOL

“During March, 1941, after many discussions in regard to the proposed swimming pool, it was agreed to accept the tender of Mr D. G. Yule, Te Awamutu, to build a pool 40ft. x 16ft., complete with paths, dressing shelters, and facilities at an estimated cost of £250. This work was put in hand and finally, with much additional work, the bath was completed at a total cost of £3OO. Towards the cost of this bath we received a grant of £125 from the Education Board and the balance of the money was provided from the generous help of the parents and residents of the district. We are indebted to the Te Awamutu Borough Council for the help in arranging water supply and disposal of waste water.

“Again, in April, 1941, another very successful Paddy’s Market was conducted and once more the finances of our two schools benefited, and to the amount of £67 each.

“Additional conveniences for the infant department were applied for in May, 1941, and these were agreed to by the Education Board and duly completed.

“For the winter period again of 1941, arrangements were made to provide hot cocoa at lunch time on the usual basis to those children having lunch at school. This applied more to country children. In order to provide ample supplies your committee supplied and fitted two up-to-date boilers, and these have given every satisfaction.

“A number of low seats or stools have been provided for the use of the infant classes. These are used for various instructional purposes and at lunch time in fine weather when the staff supervise the lunch period on the grounds outside. MORE ACCOMMODATION “During many months, continual application has been made to the Education Board asking for the increased class room accommodation. The Minister of Education had agreed to amended plans—levels had been taken and instructions had been issued to call tenders for the work—but recently, owing to the war situation the matter had not proceeded further. We

expect progress with the work as soon as conditions permit.

“Mr J. Fleming resigned from our committee in September, 1941, and his services to the committee and more especially his keen interest in providing swimming facilities were recognised and appreciated by our committee members.

“The Minister of Education was requested to officially opei) our swimming pool and the Minister replied expressing appreciation and said he would endeavour to meet our wishes at a date suitable. “Mr Tom Short was appointed in October, 1941, to fill the vanancy on our committee and since becoming a member has proved very enthusiastic and an excellent member. TEASDALE STREET SCHOOL “During November application was made to the Education Board for imnrovements and renovations at the brick building in Teasdale Street. As a result the Board called for tenders and Mr Peterson, of Te Awamutu, was successful. Now we have extra display boards erected for class work and the whole of the inside of the school has been beautifully decorated and has a much more pleasant appearance. The outside has also received a refreshing clean up.

“During November also another fancy dress ball was held. Much credit is due to the headmaster and staff, parents and children for providing such an excellent programme. We express also, thanks to the Ladies’ Cricket Club, under Mrs Sherley, for their valued assistance. As a result of this function the sum of approximately £7O was raised, and of this amount £35 was handed to the District Patriotic Committee.

“Your committee felt that after all the excellent improvements to the paint work, etc., in the school, some attention should be given to the headmaster’s study and teacher’s common room in the brick building, and consequently the study floor has been covered with feltex and underfelt and the common room linoleum, has been treated with solpah. The comfort of these quarters has also been much improved. AIR RAID PRECAUTIONS “During February of this year, much activity was evident in the school grounds. The need for some protection for our children in the event of air attack was very urgent. Our two country representatives, Messrs J. E. Short and A. B. White, were soon able to organise labour and with the assistance of Mr Graham Macky and our works committee, arranged the construction of slit trenches at Roche Street and Teasdale Street. To the 60 willing workers, who assembled from Te Mawhai, Kihikihi, Orakau, Hairini, Puahue, Te Rahu, Ohaupo Road and around the districts, your committee, on behalf of the parent’s of our children, desire to express grateful thanks fpr a good job soon done.

“Owing to the inability of the Minister of Education to come to Te Awamutu, His Worship the Mayor, Mr L. G. Armstrong, was prevailed upon to open our swimming pool. This was officially done on Thursday, 26th February. A good assemblage was present and an ex<«ellent demonstration was given by the pupils. The gusty weather on this day was a little unfortunate. VISUAL TRAINING “Your committee has been most anxious to procure some form of picture machine for visual training. So far we have not been able to proceed as we would like and in the meantime we have arranged with Mr Riley, a member of the staff, to use his film projector. To Mr Riley we are very grateful, and express our thanks to him for his generous assistance. “Our caretaker, I think, is entitled also to be commended for his attention to many duties. He is conscientious and ever ready to assist on any occasion he may be called upon. Your committee has endeavoured to acknowledge Mr Purdie’s good work by a small increase in salary.

“To the members of the staff, we express our appreciation for the way they have assisted the committee at all times by training the children, mostly little ones, to protect the various amenities provided. For the excellent work being done for education, and the results shown by the sporting and swimming side of the school work, your committee feels that it cannot express enough thanks for the way the headmaster and staff have co-operated in this direction.”

“A SOURCE OF PRIDE”

“The school grounds have always been a source of pride to the various committees and continually your committee is endeavouring to improve wherever possible. The grounds or works committee, under Mr Mac Wall, has done yeoman work through the years in keeping all our grounds in good order and at present they have a very ambitious scheme for remodelling the whole lay-out. This will all conform to the proposed additional classrooms extensions.

“Your committee expressed its deep regret at the passing recently of Mr G. B. Melrose. The late Mr Melrose gave many years to the cause of education and he will always be remembered as a friend of school-children. As a keen committee-man, his place will be very hard to fill.

“In conclusion, I desire to express to the members of my committee, my appreciation of their loyalty to me as chairman and the valuable attention they have given to school and committee work. “To the Parents’ Association, we are grateful for their assistance and financial help. To the Press we express thanks for faithful publications of reports, and finally to our capable secretary and treasurer, Mr J. G. Wynyard, and members of his staff, we express appreciation.”