WESTOWN SCHOOL

Taranaki Daily News, 13 December 1926, Page 13

WESTOWN SCHOOL

MEETING OF COMMITTEE. The monthly meeting of the Weatown School Committee was held last week, when there were presen: Messrs. Jae. Garcia (chairman), W. J. Ewar, W. G. Anstis, L. Haylock, L. S. O’Donnell, J. Green aud J. W, Darby (hon. sec.). The chairman extended a welcome to Mr. J. Green, who -had been elected to the committee in place of Mr. C. C. Gilbert, resigned. The headmaster (Mr. 11. F. McClune) reported that the roll number was 260, the number for the previous month being 259. The attendance had improved considerably. During the month the two lawns had been sown and the basketball ground was nearing completion. There was long grass round the shelter trees and it might be wise to have that removed. Through Mr. Green's efforts, a tank had been recured from Mr. Thomson in which to burn papers, etc. The school survey, arranged by Mr. McKenzie, the senior inspector, was to take place to-d»y. In spite of the epidemics of mumps and influenza, the year just ending had been a successful and happy one. That was due in great measure to the excellent staff of teachers, who had worked loyally and faithfully throughout the year. It was with regret that they parted with Miss B. M. Nicholson, who left for training college next year. She had entered enthusiastically into the activities of the children. Miss K. M. Shaw, who had charge of Primer I. for the year, also terminated her engagement at the school. Her work had been of a high order and she carried with her the best wishes of the school for her future success. The headmaster was keenly desirous of securing a workshop at the school for the use of the children, and would be grateful to the committee if they suggested ways and means of securing that. Handwork was a valuable means to educate the child. At present most schools used plasticene, modelling, paper cutting, weaving, etc. The things made by the child are frequently out of relation to real life and perhops no one realised that more readily than the child. The articles were useless and were frequently destroyed when the lesson was completed. Where a workshop was available and benches, real i tools and other requisites provided, the children could, and did, make things ;that were of vital interest to tliemsel- ; ves. One did not need to be an expert or an authority to realise that the interest was much greater and therefore ithe value correspondingly so when the child was thus constructing something of real value to him. During the last [fortnight he had observed a score or [more children taking advantage of the [ finer weather conditions and busy in the playground with saws, hammers and planes. As the board had constituted the school an observation school, he was hopeful that they would give a sj'mpathetie hearing to the proposal so that it might be possible to judge from actual observation and demonstration that the value of handwork as an educator depended greatly on its form and upon the !part in played in the real life of tne child. [ In reference to the last day the headI master suggested that the morning be devoted to sports for the children, and that in the afternoon the school cricket team play the school committee and the girls’ team the ladies’ committee. It was interesting to note that the children were unanimous that an» -ney

given by the committee be given to their sports and not for buns and drinks as was done last year. The report was adopted. It was decided to make application to the Education Board for the provision of a workshop as requested. It was also decided that Friday, December 17, be devoted to sports for the Children, the sum of £5 being voted Mr. McClune for prizes for the sports. It was agreed that the cricket match, with the boys be plaved on Decpmler 18. The grounds superintendent, Mr. W. G. Anstis, reported that 35 yards of earth had been carted and spread on the football ground, and that it was proposed to sow 251 b of grass seed on the bare places during the holidays, as welt as to harrow and roll the ground. Th reworking bees had been held during the month, when both plots in front of the school were put down in grass, a splen-

under canvas before, the camp was a complete success, the actual cost, In-1 did take resulting. It was expected to , have the basketball ground finished by the end of the week. Thanks were due ; to Miss McClune for providing morning 1 tea for the working 1 ees. A vote of thanks was accorded the i grounds superintendent. The visiting committee, Messrs. Carey . and Ewart, submitted a report on minor , requirements. The arrangements made with regard to cleaning the school were confirmed. THE BOY SCOUTS. Mr. A. V. Mills (the scoutmaster) reported that the roll number of the scouts was 27 and of the cubs 33. Patrol leaders and seconds had attended two instruction camps at the park. The troop also held a camp from December j 3 to December'd, when 22 scouts attend- i

ed. Despite the fact that the great majority of the boys had never "bean eluding food jrovided by parents, being 2» 4<i per head. He suggested that the committee endeavour to procure a 10 x 12 tent, as at present they were obliged to obtain the loan of tents and equipment from the Central troop cubs. Weekly parades had been well attended and the roll was steadily increasing. Oo November 20 the West End cubs had played a friendly cricket match, and on Saturday had trekked to the Scout camp at Carrington Road, a distance oi three and a half miles. He thanked Mr. Richardson for the use of his pad flock and Mr. Olliver for the supply ot milk to the camp. Mr. Nutts and Cubmaster Smith waited on the committee and asked that a tent should be purchased at a cost of about £5. and the committee expressed itself as being in favour of organising an entertainment for the purpose.