YEAR’S WORK OVER.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 December 1924, Page 4

YEAR’S WORK OVER.

THE WEST END SCHOOL.

SPLENDID PROGRESS MADE. PRIZE GIVING FUNCTIONS. The prize-giving ceremony in ccanection with the West End School was held yesterday, the function for the primer classes being held at the school in the morning, while Jthe older pupils {received their prizes at the Empire Theatre in the afternoon. The weather conditions were most unfavourable, but nevertheless at both gathering there was a large attendance of parents and others interested in the school. At the afternoon ceremony Mr. Garcia (chairman of the West End School Committee) presided. Others on the stage were the Mayor (Mr. F. E. Wilson), Mrs. Garcia, members of the School Committee, and Mr. J. W. Thomas (headmaster) and members of his staff. Mr. Garcia extended a welcome to the visitors and expressed pleasure at seeing so many present. He explained that Mr. S. G. Smith, M.P. (chairman of the Taranaki Education Board) was unable to be present on account of having to visit Opunake on board business, together with Dr. E. Marsden (AssistantDirector of Education ), Messrs.. J. A. Valentine (chief inspector), P. J. H. White (member of the Education Board) and C. H. Moore (board’s, architect). In a telegram forwarded by Mr. Smith, these gentlemen joined in congratulating the school on the very successful year it had just passed through, and best wishes for the future were expressed. HEADMASTER’S REPORT.

fhe headmaster (Mr. J. W. Thomas), m his report for the year, stated:—The school has again completed a most successful year’s work. The children and the teachers have been most conscientious in carrying out their duties, and the board's inspectors have reported very favourably on the work done. At the proficiency examination this year 47 children obtained proficiency certificates and 4 competency. Three children —Bruce Bell, George Ewart, and Wilfred Youren —were successful in winning junior national scholarships in the hu«t December The trainees have been exceptionally successful at their examinations. One teacher completed his C certificate, three completed D and some subjects of C, while the other two obtained partial passes for Class D. ‘Four of the junior teachers— Miss Valentine and Hawkes, Jillett and Julian—leave for the training college this year. They have all carried out their work in a capable and conscientious manner, and give promise of becoming excellent teachers.

The annual school concert was held in October, when all the children, parents, committee and teachers co-operated to make the concert a great success. The libraries in the senior clacM have been enlarged, and libraries in the junior classes established. It is most essential that good libraries should be provided for each class, and provision will need to be made so that new -book<s can be added yearly. The school has* also had a very successful year in the various sports competitions. The senior football team won the senior primary championship of the province. Three boys from the school —Petty, Gay ton and Dingle—were selected in the team to represent the province against Wanganui. At basketball the girls were successful in both competitions. The A team put up a great record, winning 21 matches without a loss and scoring 473 points to £1 against. A special effort was made this year to encourage swimming. The effort was very successful, and 113 children qualified for swimming certificates. The Weston shield relay race for girls was won by this school. The members of the team were Barbara and Josephine Stone. Sheelah Sturmey and Jean Large. The MdHardie shield relay race for the primary schools of Taranaki wa* also won by this .school. The team was Petty. G. Gayton. R. Gayton and Gibb. The girls’ championship of New Plymouth was won by Barbara Stone and the boys’ by L. Petty. Gwen Hay. a Standard IV. girl, tied for first place for Dr. Walker’s Cup. At cricket the boys have also been fairly successful. being at present second in the competition.

In connection with the competitions special mention is due to Misses Harker, ‘Valentine and Mr. A. D. Train for the splendid work they have put in in training the children. The report added that early in the next year a new school would be opened in Westown, and this would take about 70 children from the West End .school. Tn conclusion the headmaster thanked the staff for its loyalty and work, the parents for their co-operation, and the committee for ite assistance during the year. PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE. Some very sound advice was given to the children in an address by Mr. Wilson. In expressing appreciation of the work done during the year. Mr. Wilsor. said it was very gratifying to see the schools of New Plymouth making such satisfactory progress, for after all the future of the town was dependent on the success of these institutions. It behoved every boy and girl to do their best while at school if they hoped to become successful men and women. The best evidence that the West End School had done well was the fact that it bad three junior scholarship-holders. This i was a most remarkable record.

Another important factor in the school's development was the establishment of a library at -the school. Mr. Mfilson exhorted the children* not to give up reading when they left school, for the short period spent there was really only a preparation for their education in after life, when they would lie called upon to do their own thinking. This education could be attained by the reading of good books. When at school they would do well if they decided on What they were going to be when they grew up, as they could prepare themselves accordingly. Mr. Wilson conclud«i by emphasising the great importance tf always adding to their store of learning and keeping their minds fully occupied. He wished them a merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. INTEREST IN THE SCHOOL. In the course of an address Mr. Gareia commented- on the keen interest shown by the parents in attending in such large numbers. It was especially gratifying in this case, as the occasion might be the last on which the children

would be awarded prizes. The subject of school prizes had aroused much discussion, and as far as the West End School was concerned it was hoped that seme finality would be readied at the nex*t meeting of householders. Thanks to the efficiency of the teaching staff, the school had made wonderful progress during the year, and it was to be hoped that the fine standard readied would be maintained. Now that the Moturoa School bad been established and another new school was to be opened at Westown, it was possible that the grade of the West End School would be reduced for a year or two, and Mr. Garcia hoped that all parents would see that their children attended regularly. For their valuable services during the year thanks were due to the committee, the headmaster, staff, and I to all those who had given donations I during the year, especially Mrs. Julian, i who had donated sweets for distribu- ! tion to the children on Friday, the breaking-up day. THE PRIZE LIST. The following prizes were then presented by Mrs. Garcia: Standard I. —Place in Class: Winnie Farmer, Ist; Lincoln Frances, 2nd; Raeburn Jones, 3rd; Thelma Goodacre and Mavis McKay, 4th; Loris C'ock, 6th; Kobe Dunn, 7th. Progress: Ken Buckman. Neatest Wofik: Jack Maken. Sewing: Irene Warburton. Standard ll.—Place in Class: Joan Deare, Ist; Max Fenwick, 2nd; Marjorie Urryand Esma Young, 3rd. Arithmetic: Joan Deare. Spelling tree: Vera How. Mental Race: Hazel Milham. Sewing: Mary Dajiby. Neatest of books: Margaret Wood. Effort: Alex Darby; Grace Hoskin; Laurie Julian. Captain’s book; Max Fenwick. Special: Joan Ross.

Standard lII.—-Place in Class: Elsie Royce, Ist; Jean Thomas, 2nd; Laurie Fox, 3rd; Earl Bailey, 4th; Winnie Mangham, sth. Progress: Joan Rogerson; Charles Bradford. Neatest books: Harold Wood. Sewing: Linda Parsons.

Standard IV.—Place in Class: Ailsa Craig, Ist; Bruce Reid, 2nd; Olga Lett, 3rd; Myra Blyde and Joy Bell, 4th; Catherine Royce, 6th. iFancy work: Nancy Whitehead. Sewing; Daisy Gooday.

Standard V.—Place in. Class: Irene Faris, Ist; Kathleen Dailey, 2nd; Jim Scoble, 3rd; Dorothy Geddes, 4th. Progress: Audrey Duckworth; George Keating. Diligence: Elsie Million, William Chick; Camilla Baddeley; Clifford Gooday; Walter Gore. Sewing: Nell Smart.

Standard VI. —Place in Class: Irene Christoffel, Ist; Paul Sowerby, 2nd; Norah Ambury, 3rd; Gordorf Duff, 4th. Progress: Vera Thom‘pstone; Harry Watkins. Sewing: Nancy Gardiner.

A special prize donated by Miss Zelma Jury was awarded to Maudie Gilbert, who for 54 years had attended the school without missing a day. In the course of 8 years she had only missed 1£ days. While at school Miss Jury, established the remarkable record of attending 84 years without missing a day. PRESENTATIONS MADE. During the year the school football team had received recognition for their success on the football field by being presented with caps, and it was considered that the girls of the A basket ball team were also deserving of some recognition for the splendid record they had achieved. Accordingly each member of the team was presented with a silver badge. To show their appreciation of the tireless energy displayed by Miss E. M. Harker in training the team. Miss Linda Medley (captain) presented Miss Harker with a beautiful silver vanity box. Presentations of books were made to four of the junior teachers, Miss H. C. Valentine, Messrs. D. M. Jillett, C. F. H. Hawkes and T. B. R. Julian, who are leaving the school to continue their studies at the training college. Both Mr. Garcia and Mr. Thomas spoke very highly of the ability of these teachers, all of whom had done exceptionally well in the examinations. Messrs. Jillett and Hawkes responded, and attributed their success largely to the valuable assistance which had been given them by the headmaster (Mr. Thomas).

PROGRAMME BY CHILDREN. During the course of the function the children contributed the following enjoyable musical and elocutionary programme: Song, “Ting a Ling,” Standard 2; song. “The Archers,’’ Standard 3; recitation, Norma Beal: folk song, Standard 4; song, “The Fairies,” Standard 1; song, “Santa Claus,” Standard 2: song. “Oberon.” Standard 6. Standard 6 did not participate on account o.f the proficiency examination be ng held. Before concluding the ceremony Mr. Garcia said that as that occasion would be the last on which he would speak as chairman of the committee, he desired to thank the committee and teaching staff for the excellent work they had done during the years that he had occupied the chair. Mr. Thomas, on behalf of the staff, expressed appreciation of the valuable services rendered by Mr. Garcia, who,; he contended, had proved a very capable chairman.

Cheers were then given for Mr. Garcia, Mr. Wilson and the teaching staff, and the singing of the National Anthem concluded a most successful ceremony.

THE PRIMER CLASSES. PRESENTATION OF PRIZES. The lower classes were presented with their prizes in the morning at the school. Although heavy rain fell during the whole of the ceremony there was a good attendance of parents. Amongst those present were Mr. J. Garcia (chairman of the We<st End School Committee), accompanied by Mrs. Garcia, Mr. J. Hawker (deputy chairman), Mr. J. W. Thomas (headmaster) and Miss Mynott, who is in charge of the infant

It was very unfortunate that the weather had turned out so wet, said Mr. Thomas, but he was glad to see such a large gathering of parents. The parents had taken a lively interest in the welfare of the school during the year, particularly when the annual conceit was held. Every effort had been made to make the function a success, and much time had been spent in the making of the many costumes for the children.

On behalf of the committee Mr. Garcia congratulated the children on their year’s work. A 3 of them had worked hard and they deserved the prizes which were about to be presented. He was very pleaded to see that the parents were taking such a keen interest in the affairs of the school. Two years ago the Moturoa School had been established and next year a new school would be opened at Westown. No doubt some of the pupils now attending the West End school would be leaving to go to West-

own, and Mr. Garcia expressed the hope that they would carry with them the excellent character and training which they had developed under their capable teacher, Miss Mynott. Mr. Garcia said he was sure that the parents were very fortunate indeed co have such an efficient teacher at the school.

THE PRIZE LIST. Mrs. Garcia then presented the following prizes: Primer 1. —Royce Maclean, Ist; Raymond Arnold, 2nd; Thelma Julian, 3rd; Loris Wagstaff, 4th; Henry Hearn, sth; Ronald Malcolm, 6th, 'Primer II. —E.syla Moisa ac, Ist; lan Craig, 2nd; Clyde Pelham, 3rd; Ethel Osborne, 4th; Daphne Charters, sth; Ronald Malcolm, 6th. Primer 111. —Jean Wilson and Elina Lynch, equal, Ist; Elaine Young, 2nd; Ray Sole, 3rd; lan Duff, 4th; George McKenzie, sth; Joyce Saunders, 6th; Joan Faris, 7th; Thomas Hearn, Bth; Leslie Marsden, 9th; Emily George, 10th.

A book was presented to every other child in the primer classes, and on Friday, When the school breaks up, each child will be given a bag of lollies.

The following musical items were rendered by the children:—Song, “New Zealand is Our Country,” primer classes; song, ‘‘Little Tommy Tucker,” primer classes; song, “The Goblin Man,” primer classes; round, “I Hear the Thunder,” primer III; song, “Christmas Bells,” primer classes; song, “Good-bye,” primer classes. After the prizes had been distributed Mr. Garcia wished the children “A Merry Christmas,” and hoped that they would have an enjoyable holiday. The ceremony terminated with three cheers for Mr. and Mrs. Garcia and the teaching staff.