DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 66, Issue 5602, 7 April 1943, Page 2

DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL

MEETING OF COMMITTEE ANNUAL REPORTS PRESENTED The Te Awamutu District High School Committee met on Friday night, when the annual reports and balance sheet were read and adopted. The chairman, Mr G. Donaldson, presided, and others present were Messrs W. S. Earwaker, A. J. Thompson, J. A. Johnston, L. C. Day, S. West and H. R. Westbrook.

The chairman’s report read:— I have pleasure in submitting for your consideration and approval the fourth annual report of, this committee’s activities for the year ending 31st March, 1943. The year has been one of quiet progress, the committee feeling that this is not the time to launch out in any major improvements.

The school and grounds have been maintained in first class order and it is noticeable that the shrubs are beginning to add to the beauty of the school surroundings. Basketball Courts.—The court mentioned in last year’s report has now been completed and has been favourably commented on by visiting schools. An additional court will shortly be completed in the sand quadrangle on the left hand side of the main hall, and will make an ideal winter court, with the sheltered seating accommodation round the sides. There are still five more courts to be sealed, but with the present costs at £l5O pei court, these may have to wait until after the war. Committee. —Committee meetings have been regularly attended, and I wish to thank all members for their loyal support and unfailing interest in school affairs. The Tokanui member, Mr C. Old, tendered his resignation on leaving the district, and Mr J. A. Thompson was appointed in his place. Mr R. H. Westbrook was also welcomed as a new member to represent the Primary School Committee.

Auckland Education Board.—Mr W. J. Bowyer, representative for this school district on Education Board, Auckland, paid us a visit in February and discussed matters of interest with members. A vote of thanks was conveyed to him by the chairman. Library Books.—The first year’s subscription to the N.Z. Library Association was paid by the committee. The books supplied are of a high standard and should be appreciated by scholars and teachers. Class Rooms.—Two additional class rooms were applied for last year. The Board has deferred its decision until completion of the February roll. The milk supply is working satisfactorily. Arrangements have been made with the Health Department to reduce the chilling of the milk during the winter months. School Buses.—The bus routes have been curtailed under instructions from the Department to save rubber and petrol. A representative of Department visited the district early last year and suggested two double garages in the Tokanui and Te Rahu areas. This committee completed details and have written to the Department to take action. I notice by the Press that approval to build has now been granted. The children have been carried without accident during the year, and the teacher drivers are to be congratulated on their efficient service. Extension of School Grounds.—Four sections adjoining the west bounddry of the school were offered the committee and strong representations to the Auckland Education Board resulted in approval to purchase. The sections were cleared and levelled, rotary hoed, and later planted in vegetables by the school children. They will be used eventually for an extension of buildings for metal work and woodwork and bus garages. Parents’ Association.—Messrs Day and Westbrook were appointed to represent this committee on the Parents’ Association as a mark of appreciation of the good work being performed by this Association for the High School. Visual Training.—We have to thank the Parents’ Association for the gift of a strip camera and films. Your committee purchased an up-to-date “silent” film machine for the use in hall and classrooms for visual education. This addition was recommended by the visiting inspectors. Domestic Science.—The headmaster outlined a proposed creche and nursery course for senior girls and the committee offered its congratulations on this novel and practical idea, which also bears the official approval of the Plunket Society of New Zealand. The toys, etc., are all being made by the woodwork section of the school. Rangiwhia School Property.—This committee recommended that the property be handed over to the Hairini settlers as a recreation reserve. Decision has been deferred for the present as the school may yet be required for use.

Agricultural, etc.—With the handicap of a limited area for agricultural pursuits, the committee have authorised the purchase of an electric incubator and brooder for the poultry department to be established this year. Two beehives have been presented to the school and are proving a source of interest and instruction. No casualties are reported to date. Congratulations.—Mr W. G. S. Smith and the teaching staff are to be congratulated on the very favourable report from the visiting inspectors last term, and also on the high percentage of passes in both the matriculation and school certificate examinations.

Finance. — : The financial statement presented separately shows a small balance. Scheme 13.—The committee has been informed that the subsidy on caretaker’s wages has been withdrawn after 31st December last. This will mean a big drain on our capitation grant. Press.—On behalf of the committee I have to thank the local press for the courtesy of full reports of meetings and the many favours extended through its columns to the activities of the High School. Election of New Committee.—The Education Board has informed the committee that' a new scheme has been submitted to the Department for the election of this committee by postal vote distributed through the school children. We were informed this would be a block vote. The committee have sent a letter of protest

pointing out that representation was guaranteed to each consolidating school committee and "asked that this principal be maintained in future elections.

Paddy’s Market.—On the 25th February a very successful Paddy’s Market was hqld and a sum of over £l5O has been raised to be distributed between the two schools. The thanks of this committee has been extended to all those who helued us so generously.

No further action was taken in connection with the proposed alteration in the method of electing the committee, pending this week’s meeting of the Education Board, when Mr Bowyer would place the committee’s views before the Board. Messrs Donaldson and Westbrook were deputed to keep in touch with Mr Bowyer and report to next meeting.

HEADMASTER’S REPORT The headmaster, Mr W. G. S. Smith, reported as follows: I have the honour to present the annual report of the High School to your committee. The present roll of the school is 161 in the secondary department and 205 in the intermediate. This represents a decrease in the former and an increase in the latter. Lower numbers in the secondary department are to be expected in these difficult times,, but the very real progress of the district and the school is indicated by the increased intermediate attendance. During the year, the first assistant, Mr E. W. Bell, joined the Air Force and we were fortunate in securing the services of Mr G. S. Maloney, v who has succeeded in the strenuous task of filling Mr Bell’s large place in the school economy. As a result of the growth of the intermediate department, a senior assistant is in process of being added to that part of the school. Judged by public examination results and by the reports of visiting inspectors the efforts of the staff and pupils were successful in reaching a high educational standard. We sincerely hope that we achieved something worth while in the probably more important task of turning out a good type of young manhood and womanhood. In all our work, we have received wonderful support from parents and friends, and particularly definite aid and encouragement from the Parents and Teachers’ Association. Grounds have been steadily improved, a new area has been given a permanent) surface, and about an acre of ground added to our school property. Until the time is suitable for technical extensions and the addition of a gymnasium and ether amenities, we are using the new area for production of garden crops, and with the generous help of friends of the school, we have done a good deal to increase production already. Recent addition to our curriculum include the establishment of a nursery class, in which at present 35 senior girls are being trained and practised in the care and nutrition of infants. Bee-keeping has been added to the farm course and equipment has been secured to enable us to engage in poultry' breeding and management in the coming season. At considerable expense, and partly through the gift of the Parents and Teachers’ Association, the school is now provided with a moving picture plant which has been long awaited. In games and athletics, the boys and girls of the school have distinguished themselves by a fine sporting spirit, keenness and a fair measure of success. The policy of the school has been to give all pupils a chance to participate rather than to specialist on a few, and the interest of all has been well maintained. I have to acknowledge the loyal support of the parents, staff, and pupils throughout the past year, and to record the unfailing courtesy and friendly co-operation of your committee, its chairman and yourself. .