SCHOOL YEAR ENDS.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 December 1924, Page 10

SCHOOL YEAR ENDS.

breaking-up ceremonies THE CENTRAL SCHOOL. PRESENTATION OF PRIZES. The distribution of prizes in connection with the Central School,. New Plymouth, took place yesterday, the function for the infants being held in the morning and the seniors receiving their prizes in the afternoon. The function took place at the school and was well attended*by parents and friends. Among those present were the Mayor (Mr. F E. Wilson) and the Mayoress. Mr. S. G. Smith. M.P. (chairman of the Education Board and the Central School Committee), the Hon. E. H. Clark (member of the Legislative Council?, Messrs. H. Dhmpsey, P. J. H. White (members of the Education Board), Mr. M. Insull (secretary of the board)*, and Mr. Valentine (chief inspector), aud members of the School Committee. The headmaster (Mr. D. P. Evans) and his staff were also present. Apologies were received from Dr. E. Marsden (Assist-ant-Director of Education), Messrs. R. Masters, M.P.. Ballantyne, W. 11. Skinner, T. J. Griffin, Jas. Garcia (chairman of the West End School Committee!, Mrs. Garcia and Miss G. Papps. The ceremony at the main school took place in the large courtyard. The fol-owing report bn the sehool work for the year was then read by Mr. Evans: HEADMASTER’S REPORT. ‘‘The school year that is about to close has been marked by steady progress towards a higher standard of work by all the classes. Such progress can be achieved only 'by interest, enthusiasm and honest effort on the part of the pupils, and by conscientious and diligent work by the ’teachers,” said the headmaster (Mr. D. P. Evans) in the course of his report. Continuing, rhe report said in part: “As compared with last year we have had few changes in the staff, nevertheless. I should like to see the department devise some means by which teachers are compelled to retain their positions for a more lengthy period. In the larger schools the chief deterrent to progress is the continual change of staff members.

-In April last it was our good fortune to have attached to the staff, as a relieving teacher. Mr. P. S. Taylor, who took charge of Standard V. girls. Under his capable tuition this clas«i has made wonderful progress, and while extending to him my sincerest thanks and heartiest congratulations. I must express my regret that he cannot be appointed a permanent member of the staff. “Of rhe piipil teachers or probationers. Misses Worn, Bhutan and Cameron and Messrs. Smith and Instill are severing their connections with the school. During their term here all have rendered excellent service, and we wish them every success in their future careers. It is pleasing to note that all have qualified for the D examination, while fpur have secured partial qualification for C.

‘To the staff I extend my keenest appreciation of the conscientious manner in which they have carried out their dirties throughout the year. I feel that parents will join with me in congratulating them on their faithfulness to duty and on their «self-sacrifice on behalf of the pupils under their control. PROFICIENCY RECORDS. * Again we have pleasure in extending to Mr. Wagstaff our felicitations on the splendid success of his class at the proficiency examination. Ont of 62 candidates .presented - 58 obtained proficiency certificates and 3 competency; while only one candidate failed, her failure being attributable to a long period of ill-health niMnediately preceding the examination.

“Owing to increased interest on the part of teachers, both masters and mistresses. school sport has received a decided impetus.

“Early in the year the Stratford Memorial Library was established, a special selection of books to the value of ♦ £lO5 being put into circulation amongst the pupils from Standards 111 to VI. The resujt has been two-fold—the sehool has been made more attractive to the children and the teachers have £>een furnished with a powerful ally. To the establishment of the library we attribute much of the success attained by the scholars in the course of the year. ■’Owing to the efforts of the female assistants, sufficient funds were raised for the purchase of a high-grade gramaphone which has been a source of pleasure to the pupils. We have to thank kind friends who made donations of records. •

“During the school year it has been our pleasure and honour to receive numerous visitors, many of whom have commented on the pleasing appearance of the pupils in regard to cleanliness and tidiness; and the credit of this state of affairs may be divided evenly between parents and teachers, the former for their co-operation, and the latter for their insistence. Tooth-brush drill is a daily institution, and cleanliness of hair, skin, nails, clothes and baote is quite a matter of course. However, cleanliness 'of mind is of far greater importance, and parents may accept our assurance that we miss no opportunity in our endeavour to attain this end. May we appeal to the parents to provide their children with the school uniform which ie inexpensive, comfortable, and attractive. besides being an invaluable aid to discipline and esprit de corps.’* The report closed with expressions of thanks for sympathy and. assistance on the parts of parents, the committee and the Education Board and the inspectors. OVERCROWDING DIFFICULTIES. Mr. Smith, on behalf of the board, the committee, and the parents, expressed thanks for the splendid report which had just been presented by Mr. Evans, the whole year's work reflecting great credit on every member of the teaching staff. Much credit was due to the pupil and probationary teachers on the success achieved during the year in the examinations. All of them had secured tiiei* D certificates. The difficulty in connection with overcrowding had again been met with, and the board, realising the disadvantages to all concerned, had made the appointment of two special assistant teachers to reduce the size of the classes, while additions had been made to the school. new rooms, although not boasting » f any architectural beauty, were splendidly- light and well ventilated. Parents would be pleased to hear of the proficiency results, which showed

that out of the 62 pupils who sat for the examination 58 passed and 3 gained competency. The one unfortunate child who failed had been stricken with illness for six weeks prior to the examination. Mr. Smith extended the heartiest congratulations to the children who had succeeded by their own efforts and by the help of Mr. W. L. Wagstaff, who had been mainly responsible for their training. Mr. Smith hoped that now these boys and girls were leaving school they would continue their studies either at the High School or the Technical College, and so keep up the good work they had so well commenced. MrSmith reminded parents of the annual meeting of householders which would be held next year to decide the question of issuing prizes to children. A full and representative attendance was earnestly requested. He then called on the Hou. E. H. Clark to address the gathering.

Mr. Clark said he wished to thank Mr. Smith and the committee for the invitation to be present at the function. He commented on the great asset the tow n of New Plymouth had in such a fine school, and he was sure the men and women of the Dominion should be proud to see such a host of healthy, happy children. During his visit to New Plymouth he had been delighted with all he saw, and during all his travels in the Dominion he had never seen a prettier town than New Plymouth. It was growing fast, and he predicted a great future for it. Mr. Clark concluded his remarks by wishing the children a very merry Christmas and hoped they would return after the holidays happy and keen for the next year’s work. The following prizes were then distributed by the Mayoress (Mrs. F. E. Wilson): — THE PRIZE LIST.

Standard VI. —Dux of school: Dulcie second in class, Florence Peterson. Progress: Rhoda Mells, Percy Korff, Cyril Maddock. Homework: Dulcie Eva. Attendance certificates, subject to requirements to Friday, December 19: D. Bennett. M. Hoskin, E. Way, E. Riding, R. Bullot, H. Drewer, E. Edgecombe, K. 'Ward, S. Hartnell, E. Everest, G. Penwarden, F. ‘Paterson, G. Eva. D. Croker. Standard V.—Girls—iFirst proficiency, Phyllis Harvey; second proficiency, Phyllis Jarman. Progress: Annie Warner. Homework: Nellie Kendrick. Boys —First proficiency, Denis Glover • second proficiency, Douglas Elliot. Progress: Ivan Webber. Homework; Loftus Rea. Attendance certificates: L. Rea. M. Clark, M. Richards, M. Claw, R. Jones, B. Billing, R. Adams* J. Birch, W. Coplestorie, D. Elliot, R. Stewart. B. Steven?, A. Newell. D. Roebuck. R. Chapman. N. Hall, E. Le Page, J. Petch. B. Stanley, M. Stewart, K. Wilkie. D. Cobb, P. Harvey, I. Mountford, D. Riding, A. Warner, A. Waters, J. Evans, M. Cottam, V. Williams, K. Roebuck. Standard IV.—Proficiency: Ist, Harry Westbury; 2nd, Tom Avery; 3rd, Reginald Cook; 4th, Wilfred Layton. Progress: Russell Richards, 'Celia Campbell. Needlework; Betty Lee. Homework: Lorna Derby. Usefulness: Charles Millman. Attendance certificates: N. Wagstaff, D. Baker, P. Boulton, I. Cattley, R. Cook, K. Rea, H. Warren. D. Childerstone. E. Frethey, F. Walter, R. Richards, K. Oman, C- Millman, C. Mollison, L. Derby, A. Maxwell, C. 'Campbell. Standard 111. (A Division). —Proficiency; Ist, Harry Taylor2nd, Allan Rankin; 3rd. Colin Elder. Improvement: Boys, Erie Coleman 1, Gordon Lander 2; girls, Blanche Stuck 1. Mattie Shaw 2. Sewing: Jean Linklater.

Standard 111 (B Division). —'Proficiency: Ist, John Corcoran; 2nd Russell Heckler. Improvement: Hedley Eva, Helen Sowerbutt®. Usefulness; Richard Edgecombe. Attendance certificates: R. Simpson, J. Linklater, I. Fox, M. Fookes, M. Field, T. Feakins. H. Yardley. J. Manning, R. Cottam. R. Edgecombe, H. Sowerbutts, J. Sutcliffe. J. Wood, T. Ward, Z. Sutherland, N. Rawson, F. Julian. ‘Standard II (A Division). —Proficiency: Ist, Jack Keeling; 2nd, Jessie Riding. Progress: Phyllis Campbell, Bertie Elliot, Irving Sproul. Standard II (B Divison). —Proficiency: Ist, Mervyn Evans; 2nd. Raymond Smale. Progress: Cameron Turner, ning, Norman Utiger, C. Broad, N. Horace Nation, Justin McCarthy. Attendance certificates; I Sisson, W. ManSmith, 11. Hardgrave, G. Bruce, D. Horton, F. Horton. O. Street, R. Stewart, J. Riding, M. Petch, N. Briggs, F. Bullock, Z. Stroud. Standard I (,A Division).—Proficiency: Ist, Doris Armit; 2nd, Jack Davies; 3rd, Thelma Penwarden, Grace Morrison. Improvement: Nancy Milne, Dulcie Walker. Leslie Betts, Leonard Croker. Ernest Jones, Maitland Boyle. Standard I (B Division). —Proficiency: Ist, Leonard Barraclough; 2nd, Cyril Gayland; 3rA. Arthur Warren. Improvement: George Amor, Clem Boulton. General knowledge; Cecil Ryan. Standard I (C Division). —Proficiency: Ist. Nancy Waters, Kelvin Billing; 2nd, Keith Roebuck. Attendance certificates: E. Jones. Elma Jones. E. Lacy, L. Betts, N. Walker. J. Davidson, G. Anmit, R. Goodin. M. Hardgrave, M. Milne, T. Tremlitt, C. Boulton. B. Chapman, A. Hos/kin, A. Warren. The following musical programme was rendered by the children during the ceremony: School songs. “The Fairy Artist,” “Little Indian Baby,” “Buttercups and Daisies,” “Christmas Bells” (Standard 1); action songs, “Japanese Butterfly Man.” “The Bee and the Butterfly,” “Taxi” (Standard 2); recitation, “Lasca” (Isla Stevens); action song. “Tit M illow” (Standard 3); song and chorus, “My Bonnie"’; song, “Cradle Song,” “La* Donna,” “My Doggie” (Standard 4): solo, “The,'Merry Sunshine” (Phyllis Yardley); recitation, “Little Boy Blue” (Jean Pellew) ; recitation. “Execution of Montrose” (Dorothy Riding, Standard 5). The ceremony concluded with three cheers for the teachers.

THE INFANT SCHOOL. A SUCCESSFUL YEAR. The infants were given their prizes at the Infant School in the morning, this function being also well attended by parents and friends. Among those present were: Mr. S. G. Smith. M.P. (chairman of the committee), and Mrs. Smith: Mr. F. Coleman (secretary of the committee). Mr. G. Fraser, Mr. L. B. Webster, and the Rev. F. G. Harvie. Mrs. Smith presented the prizes. As a part of the ‘ ceremony a delightful programme of action songs and dances was given by the children of the various primers. Mr. S. G. Smith, M.P., on behalf of the school committee and teachers, thanked visitors for their attendance, which, he said, showed that the people were taking a live interest in the wel-

fare of the school. They were proud of the fact that they were the only infant school in Taranaki, separated from the main school, and the manner in which the school was progressing reflected great credit on the staff under whose guidance the children worked. Unfortunately it was the last prize-giving at which Mrs. Martin would be present in her official capacity as head mistress. All must realise what a great loss Mrs. Martin would be. It was to be hoped that parents and pupils alike would give Miss Papps, the new head mistress, every assistance, for,, although she was coming to the school highly qualified, she would have an extremely hard task to maintain the high standard of efficiency brought about by her predecessor. The school was fortunate in being well equipped, but there was one thing missing—a gramaphone. This to-day was essential in the training of children, and Air. Smith hoped that the day was not far distant when the school wo,uld possess one. Many improvements had been made to the environs of the school, and the work of putting up a concrete wall on the Courtenay Street frontage was in progress, but. unfortunately the parents would be call- i ed upon to pay a small amount as the; cost was found to be exceeding the Government subsidy. In conclusion, Air. Smith gave a reminder of the householders’ meeting with regard to school prizes, and expressed the hope that this would not be the last occasion upon which the prizes would be presented. The Rev. F. G. Harvie congratulated the teachers and pupils on the successful year they had had. and stated that from all reports the pupils had worked diligently throughout the year. He hoped that in the holidays the children would® think of their parents as well ias themselves, and endeavour always to lighten their mothers’ duties at home. Air. Harvey also stressed the importance of teaching children to do light household duties, as it made them useful and afforded them a good grounding in later years. The prizes were then presented by Airs. Smith as follow: Primer 4. —First in class: Girls: Margery Harvie. Boys: Graeme Alorton; second, Douglas George: third, Cedric Furness; fourth. Noel Waters; fifth, Maurice Hardgrave and Eric Dewdney; sixth, Tom Horner. Scripture: Iris Crockett. Recitation: Eileen McKay. Good progress: Molly Davies. Best oral wnrk: Tom Horner. Helpfulness: Roy Buckley. Full attendance: Jessie Sutherland and Onslow Cattley. Writing: Eric Dewdney. ! Printer 3. —First in class, Leonard Smith; second, Doreen Hogarth; third, ! Nesta Walker; fourth, Noel Autridge. I Nature study: Douglas Bond. Arithmetic: Monica Webster. Recitation: | Betty Kidd. Scripture: Alan Sissons. I Attendance: Victor Betts. | Primer 2. —First in class, Marjorie Jury; second, Matchell Lynch. Reading: Delma Jordan. Hand-work: Colin Taylor.

Pr’mer 1. — Progress: ✓ First. Linda Cattley; second, Jean Hughes: third, Nancy Birch; fourth, GWynne Walker. Writing: Don Angus.