GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 December 1924, Page 4

GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL.

BREAKING-UP CEREMONY PRESENTATION OF PRIZES. AN ENTHUSIASTIC ASSEMBLY. Facing a stage on which sat the conveners of their scholastic careers, over J)0 pupils of the New Plymouth Girls’ High School last night said good-bye to another school year and applauded with a spirit as spontaneous as it was hearty the success of their fellows who had attained places of merit on the School honours list. They formed a nappy band of school girls, but their enthusiasm was not greater than that of the parents and friends, who not only filled every seat in the school assembly hall, but stood at the windows at the •ide and at the back, eager to take a part in another annual breaking-up ceremony. As at the ceremony at the Boys’ High School, Mr. H. R. Billing (chairman of the Board of Governors) presided. With him on the platform were the Mayor (Mr. F. E. Wilson i and the Mayoress, Mrs. Billing, Dr. E. Marsden (Assistant Director of Education.!, Mr. S. G. Smith, M.P., Dr. E. Fookes, Messrs L. A. Nolan. E. P. Webster and L. C. Sladden, and Misfe Kershaw (acting principal) and the menfbers of the school staff. A number of apologies for absence were announced, while Miss Kershaw read a telegram from Miss Mclntosh (late principal) conveying her best wishes for a successful prize-giving and happy holidays. Bouquets were presented to Mrs. W ilwn and Mrs. Billing.

The rapid growth of the school was referred to by Mr. Billing in the course of his remarks. It was a pleasure to •ee that the girls’ school was following so closely on the heels of the boys’ school. * When the schools had been divided there had been a suggestion that the girls were being pushed into the background but that had not been so. He thought it was realised now that the girls were receiving equal treataient with the boys, an-1 he was sure ;hat the time was not far off when ;he roll of the girls' school would equal that of the boys’ school. THE HOSTEL SCHEME.

Referring to the proposed new hostel, Mr. Billing said thanks were due to the Old Girls’ Association for rhe great work they had done and were doing in obtaining’ a new hostel for the girls. They had now collected £2500. and a request bad 'been made to the Minister for Education (Hon. C. J. Parr) asking him to carry out his promise of providing the balance of the money when that sum had been co lected. The Minister had been 'wked to authorise the preparation of plans for submission to the board, but bo definite announcement as to when this would be done could be made at the present time. As to the site of the new hoetel, it was now being considered whether, in view of the possible increase in the numbers attending the school owing to the proposed amalgamation of the high and technical schools, the whole of the present grounds at the school should not be reserved for a playing area and another site found for the hostel. The matter wa» still being considered, but he hoped they would have the hostel by the end of next year. For what they had done, the board asked the Old Girls’ Association to accept its verv best thanks.

Mr. Billing paid a tribute to the staff, referring especially to Miss Mclntosh, whom they all hoped would speedily recover her health and be able to resume in her profession. To relieve Miss McIntosh. who had since resigned,’they had been fortunate in securing the services of Miss Kershaw, who. as acting principal. had done very good work. Mr. Billing added that Miss Mclntosh, in a letter, had asked him to convey to the school and its friends her very deep appreciation of their kind wishes and of the tokens of remembrance which had been forwarded her.

Mr. Billing also addressed a few remarks to the girls, drawing attention to the many opportunities that wore now open to them in commercial life. From what he had seen of their school work, he felt sure that the girls of the New Plymouth High School would acquit khemselves well. THE PRINCIPAL’S REPORT. The acting-principal’s report was a’ follows: Tn giving the report for the school for the year just ended. T am tempted to adopt the strip of Dickens* introduction to the “Tale of Two Cities,” and give you a study in contrasts, to show how the school has passed through a time of unusual d’ffi-f-wlty and strain, yet a time of wonderful co-operation and loyalty; a time of unexpected set-backs, yet a time of special encouragement, but I need not generalise further. The facts will speak for themselves.

At last prize-giving Miss Mclntosh said: “We are gradually acquiring a more permanent staff, and condit’ons in future should be more favourable for good work.” Unfortunately this expectation was not realised, for one verv serious change has taken place. All unite in sincerest regret that Miss McIntosh’s health forced her to obtain leave of absence after the first term* and later, to resign. The work she has done here is of lasting value, and the school owes her a verv great debt of gratitude for the unselfish and efficient service she rendered during the three vears she was principal. I fee] sure that there could be no finer tribute to the regard in which she was held by the staff than the loval and wholehearted manner in which they met the n« w demands made upon their timo and strength. Miss Maclean, in particular, shouldered the burden of responsibility until I came in July as acting-princ pal. ind to her much credit is due for her control during that period. Another change took place in July. Miss L. Sheat. M.A.. resigned to take up a position on the staff of the Auckland Girls’ Grammar School. She was a devoted teacher, much • loved by the girls. In her place we were fortunate in the appointment of Miss K. M. Stewart, M.A.. of Glasgow University, who has had English and Canadian experience. Owing to the record roll number at the beginning of the year (104 girls), another assistant was appointed. Miss L. A. Hurle. M.A.. an old girl of the school, who came fresh from the university with first-class honours iu Latin and French. EXAMINATION SUCCESSES. Jther old girls have, during the past year, won university honours. Airini Pope has gained the special distinction reeeivjag her M A. at Toronto Uni-

versity; Ailsa Ewing and Peggy Brown B.Se. in home science; Winifred Downes, B. while many others have succeeded in passing the terms or section examination for their degerees. In the examinations for teachers’ C and D certificates. the following old girls have been successful: In Class C, Edna Orbell; in Class D, M. Sladden and L. Valentine; in three subjects for Class C. L. Valentine and F. Worn; in two subjects, V. North; in partial passes for Class D, L. Bell.. E. Hawkins, D. Hodges, 0. Orbell, P. Street. Three present pupils also gairCed partial passes: Rita Edgecombe, Elsie Giddy, Irene Turner.

Since last prize-giving the following have been the school examination successes: May McLeod gained a Taranaki scholarship; Emmie Field a junior national scholarship; five girls matriculated, and two others gained partial passes; thirty-one girls have been awarded senior free places on the inspectors’ recommendation, and two have their junior free places extended.

THE FIELD OF SPORT. The sports of the school have been carried on throughout the year with enthusiasm, and full advantage has been taken of the facilities afforded here. Owing to the unusually long spell of summer weather, the swimming season was particularly successful, and much progress was made by beginners. The Taranaki championship was contested by two teams from this school. It is a great pity that other schools do not enter teams for this championship, and so make competition keener. The winning team was Winifred Boon and Bertha Coleman, with Margaret Moyes as instructor. The following girls were successful in swimming examinations: Instructor's badge. W. Boon; bronze medallion, N. Hunt; teacher's certificate, M. Julian, C. Harkness, M. Moyes; proficiency certificate, B. Gayton, N. Thomsen. D. Morton; elementary certificate, L Mac Diarmid, M. Griffin. In the long distance swimming there have been some splendid accomplishments. Thelma Stone has beaten the school record by swimming five miles, while the following have also done very creditably: N. Hunt, three miles; B. Gayton, W. Boon, two miles: D. Morton, one mile and a quarter; Mariam Shaw, V. McIndoe, M. Moyes, M. Garcia, L. Ballantyne, M. Griffin, L. Mac Diarmid, E. Billon, T. Macßae, E. Smith, C. Harkness, P. Anderson (one mile) ; N. Thomson, M. Sturm (1133 yards); R. Edgecombe, 966 yards; M. Hine. M. Ewart, K. Day. I. Lysons, half-mile: K. Stimpson, 666 yards; P. Partridge, V. Clegg, C. Moyes, 533 yards; Margaret Shaw, 200 yards. Hockey and basket ball were popular in the ” winter. Three inter-school matches were played, out of which the school won one, lost one, and drew one, while out of six basket .ball matches four resulted in a win. In the summer tennis, croquet and “mild” cricket are played. Every afternoon the tennis courts are in great demand: many pvciting contests are fought, perhaps the most popular being that of staff v. pupils. Let me add that the laurels rest with the staff. The annual sports were held on October 20, when there was a record number of competitors, all the events being keenly contested. In the intermediate high jump, L. Hookham is to be complimented on her meritorious performance in clearing 4ft. 7in.

EFFICIENCY IN DRILL. It will easily be seen from the foregoing facts that the sports side of the girls’_ education is receiving its due share of attention. Added to this is a total of an hour and a quarter per week for drill, a quarter of an hour daily, when the girls are divided into squads under the various teachers. There is no more pleasing sight in our school routine than drill-time on a sunny day, when these squads are dotted about over the hockey field. At the Old Girls’ Association mart a special squad, trained by Miss Tizard. gave a splendid drill display, which was much appreciated.

We regret very much that Miss Tizard will not be here next year, as it is her intention to visit India and England. She will be much missed, for In addition to taking most of the science of the school, she has taken charge of the school sports, and has been senior resident mistress at the hostel. All join in wishing her bon voyage and a safe return to the New Plymouth Girls’ High School in 1926. In regard to the hostel, I have to report that this year the accommodation has been taxed to its utmost with fifty-two boarders. The year has been one of special strain under congested conditions, and for part of the time with no principal in charge. The heaviest part of the burden has certainly been borne by the matron. Miss Giblin, who undertook the double responsibility for a time, and whose efficient and self-sacrificing service should win the gratitude not only of the parents of the girls, hut also of the members of the board. It is no light task to be a mother to fifty-two girls, and to do it successfully is a great achievement. The health of the girls has been very good except for an epidemic of measles and influenza during the past five' or six weeks. This has stressed the urgent need for an isolation sick room, and the new hostel will not be complete without such provision for infectious cases. NEW HOSTEL CAMPAIGN. This brings me to a very pleasing part of my report. The Old Girls’ Assoc:ation. with commendable zeal and executive ability, has this year realised its ambition — £2500 for a new hostel. This is a wonderful achievement for four years' work. I doubt whether any old girls’ association in New Zealand can equal it. No mere thanks or words of appreciation can adequately express the gratitude of the school to these loyal ex-pupils, whose love for their Aima Mater has been shown in such a practical way. It only remains now that the Hon. C. J. Parr’s promise should be made good and the work proceeded with early in the new year.

That delay would be unwise may be judged from the following facts. Already applications for boarding in 1925 have been convng so well that nearly all the vacancies are filled, and it is certain that there will have to be some refusals later on. an alarming feature of the position surely, for in many cases those refused will go to another high school where there is more room for boarders, and not only will they be lost to New Plymouth, but probably others through them. It is, therefore, most advisable that every effort be put forward to expedite the building of the new hostel. There is another argument, too, for immediate action. The congestion is such that, though there is every reason why there should be an assistant matron or another resident mistress to help with the boarding duties, yet there is absolutely no accommodation for si’.t’h addition to the staff. As it is, (he resident teachers have no sitting room exciuslvelv their owo, for one so-

called has to be used for an extra din-ing-room during the day and a preparation room for part of the evening. And now I come to the preparatory department. Here there are thirtyseven happy little people who work amidst sunshine and flowers, and who insist on existing in spite of th© department. In fact, I want all to know that next year their numbers are to be increased, for girls of Standards 1 and 2 will in future be taken in addition to those of Standards 3 and 4. The report of the senior inspector received last month was very satisfactory, special mention being made of the very fine tone, of the classes, and their industry and earnestness. > MUSIC AND ELOCUTION. I do not wish to weary you with an unduly long report, but before I conclude I should like to put in a plea for more attention being paid in the future to music and elocution. It is true that in every class singing is included in the time-table, and under Miss Valentine some very fine work is being done. But this is all, and it is a pity to let it end here. It would be a splendid thing for the girls to have a course of training in musical appreciation along the lines adopted in the English schools and in some progressive schools in New Zealand. Only a few girls- have special musical ability, whereas after a course of lectures, illustrated by selections on gramaphone or piano, the majority would listen with appreciation to good music, and those who are already keen would learn much to help them in their interpretation. I must refer only briefly to elocution. Apart, from anything else the high school education claims to do. it should help our girls to take part in conversation intelligently, interestingly; it should give them command of good. English so that they can be expressive without having to indulge in slang; and with it all they should know how to enunciate their words clearly. Tn this last particular I think the high school girl often fails, and a remedy would be foi elocution classes to be established at the school to help correct this fault. In conclusion I wish to thank the staff for the very loyal support they have given me: the head prefect, Rita Edgecombe, and her associates; the members of the board, donors of prizes and those who during the year have contributed to the sports fund. It has been a great privilege and pleasure to have been associated with the school for the past five months, and though I am now leaving I shall always be very interested in its progress and wish for it the very best of success in the future. VALLE OF DECISION.

The thanks of the department for the loyal manner in which they had carried on the work of the school and bad overcome the difficulties of the past year was extended to Miss Kershaw by Dr. Marsden. Unforeseen difficulties had arisen during the year, due to the fault of no one and it was very satisfactory to note the manner in which they had been overcome. Dr. Marsden then spoke on the question of the education of girls (reported elsewhere), closing with wishes for the continued success of the school and for a happy vacation. The Mayor, referring to some remarks made by Dr. Marsden, said there was no doubt that in their early life girls had to enter into competition with boys. He desired to point out to them that almost every walk of life was available to them, and that, if they wished to, there was no reason why they should not follow the career they chose. But whatever calling they entered, whether it was in the home circle or in commercial life, there was one thing he would urge on the girls —insist on deciding for themselves. They should not let their opinions be ready made for them, but should get into the habit of marshalling all the facts and then coming to their own decision. But to do this they must get into the habit of thinking clearly and correctly. Mr. Wilson congratulated the school on having entered the year with a record roll number, and after urging on the girls who were leaving this year that they could still be permitted to help the school along by joining the Old Girls’ Association, extended the season’s best wishes to the staff and pupils. The presentation of prizes then followed. Mrs. Billing presenting the form ■prizes ami Mrs. Wilson the sports prizes.

THE PRIZE LIST. The prize list was as follows: PREPARATORY SCHOOL. Special prizes.—Cooking. Sybil Cartliew (Mrs. D’Arcy Robertson’s prize); general work, Madge Robinson (Miss Park's prize) ; genera] progress. May -Ramson (Miss Sladden’s prize). Class Prizes.—Standard 111., Alison White 1; Standard IV., Joan Pennell 1; Standard V., Joan Webster I, Elsie Farmer 2; Standard VI., Margaret Balharry 1, Ethel Grover 2. SENIOR SCHOOL. Special Prizes. —Drawing: 111 C, Evelyn Calvert; 111 B. Trixie Lamb; Jll A, Elsie Wells; IVB, Doreen Clarke; VB, Lorna McNeil. Sewing. -Form 111 C. Lottie Vickers 1: Form 11 18. Joyce Ducker 1. Eleanor Gray 2; Form 111 A, Alwine McEwen 1, Eileen Tippins 2. Art needlework.—Rhoda Henry (Miss Kershaw's prize) 1. Jean Boddy (Mrs. Moller’s prize) 2. Special prizes: Trixid Lamb (Miss Giblin’s prize) 1. Daphne Paterson (Mrs. Greatbatci?s prize) 2. Science.—Home science: Form 111, Aline Wells (Miss Tizard’s prize) ; Form IV.. Ida Lysons (Miss Tizard’s prize); Form V., Thelma Knott (Miss Tizard’s prize). Botany: Mavis Collins (Miss Tizard’s prize) : best botanical collection. Hazel Harkness. French (all presented by Miss Maclean).—TVa, Leslie Mac Diarmid; Vb,. Cicely Greatbatch: Va, Hilma Keenan. Prefect’s prize.—Head prefect, Rita Edgecombe.

FORM PRIZES. Form 111 c, Elsie Vickers (Mr. and Mrs. Medley’s prize) L Charlotte Vickers 2. Form 111b.—Doreen Rennell (Mr. and Mrs. Eaves' prize) 1. Doreen Anderson and Eleanor Gray 2 equal. Form Illa. — Marion Steven (Mr. and Mrs. Smith's prize) 1, Aline Wells 2, Jessie Messenger 3. Form IVb.—Evelyn Cooper (Mr. and Mrs. Atkinson’s prize) 1. Valda Mclndoe 2. Form IVa. —Ethel Ellis (Mr. and Mrs. Webster’s prize) 1, Marjorie Ross 2. Form Vb. —Dorothy Wood (Dr. and Mrs. Fookes’ prize) I, Elsie Chapman (Mrs. Thomson’s prize) 2. Form Va. —Constance Kretschmar (Mr. and Mrs. Sladden’s prize) I, Eileen Smith (Mrs. Thomson’s prize) 2.

Form Vl.—Dux, Maisie Ewart (Mr. and Mrs. Billing’s prize) L Lorna Ballantyne (Mr. and Mrs. Nolan's prize) 2. SPORTS PRIZES. Junior Division. Athletics.—Ethel Grover, Vivien Clegg, Aline Wells, Frances Carthew, Alison White, Topsy Balharry. Swimming.—Nancy Henderson, Jean Fly ger. Swimming and athletics. —Bessie Gayton, Mary Brodie. Mary Hine, Winifred Boon, Maida Julian. Old girls’ races. —Swimming, Muriel Reid; running, Peggy Waldie. Little visitors’ race. —Jean Pepper. Tennis.—Handicap doubles, Lorna Ballantyne and Maisie Ewart; handicap singles, Barbara Balharry; championship singles, Lorna Ballantyne. Learners in swimming (Mr. Thomson’s prize).—Phyllis Corney, Mary Cannon, Alice Bell, Joyce Ducker, Mavis Verry, Emmie Field, Nellie Williams, Mabel Bleakley. Intermediate Division. Athletics.—Lily Hookham, Mary Lee, Clarice Hay lock, Eileen Tippins, Barbara Balharry. Swimming.—Christine Harkness, Olive Richardson. Phreita Anderson. Lesley Mac Diarmid, Vene Mullon, Bertha Coleman. Swimming and athletics.—Noeline Thomson, Betty Stevens. Senior Division. Athletics.—Doreen Willis, Nora Palmer, Maisie Ewart, Doreen Rennell, Lorna Ballantyne, Elsie Chapman. Swimming.—Nancy Hunt, Tui MacRae, Rita Edgecombe, Dorothy Morton, Mary Garcia. Cups. Swimming.—Championship under 14 (Mr. Greiner’s cup), Bessie Gayton; championship under 16 (Mr. Bennett’s cup) Christine Harkness: championship over 16 (Mr. F. Brown’s cup) Winifred Boon; inter-form relay. Form Vb; Taranaki championship, Winifred Boon and Bertha Coleman. (Margaret Moyes, instructor).

Athletics.—Championship under 14 (Mr. F. Willis’ cup), Ethel Grover; championship under 16, Lily Hookham; championship over 16, Doreen Willis; best high jump, Lily Hookham. Tennis championship. —Lorna Ballantyne. Old girls’ cups. —Excellence in school work, Constance Kretschmar; excellence in sports, Lorna Ballantyne. Dr. Fookes’ rose bowl.—Excellence in school work and sports, Maisie Ewart. With the distribution over, the stage was cleared, when a pleasing concert programme of choruses, carols, and instrumental and vocal solos was given >y the pupils.