CENTRAL SCHOOL

Taranaki Daily News, 17 December 1926, Page 14

CENTRAL SCHOOL

BREAKING-UP CEREMONY SUCCESSFUL YEAR AT AN END. DISTRIBUTION OF THE PRIZES. Tre stalls, the circle, the boxes and ' the gods” of the New Plymouth Opera House were filled to overflowing yesterday afternoon with the hundreds ot parents and friends of pupils ot the Central School to witness the annual breaking-up ceremony and be entertained by the pupils. The proceedings opened with a conceit bv the pupils, who gave evidence ot Careful training and talent. Recitations, aon«s and dances were given by each class, and altogether the performance was a fitting conclusion to a year. . T , After the performance the stage was occupied by the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr. and Mrs. F. E. Wilson), Mrs. S. G. Smith and members of the school committee. Mrs. Wilson and Airs. Smith were presented with bouquets. On behalf of the committee, the chairman, Mr. S. G. Smith, thanked the parents and friends for their attendance. He was sure that the items given were worthy of any school in New Zealand. The Mayor'said how pleased he was to hear from the headmaster’s report how well the school had done. He wanted them to know that while they were youno thev were learning, for when they were old 'and when they were young the years were very few-. He hoped they would take full advantage of their holidays and grow in health and strength to be ready for another years work and obtain a report next year such as the headmaster’s this year. The opportunity was taken by Mr. Smith to point out that the dux of the school and head boy, VI ilfred Leighton, had beaten Henry Westbury by only one point. The report of the inspectors said Mr. Smith, indicated what kind of an education the boys and girls were receiving. Even those who were not* Bending their children to tue Central Schoof could see that their appearance was something to be proud of. The committee and Education Board were conscious of the necessity for increased accommodation at both schools, and hoped to be able to arrange for it with the powers that be. To those boys and girls who by their study had gained proficiency certificates, he offered his hearty congratulations. Cheers were then given for Mr. and Mrs. Wilson, the teachers and Mr. and Mrs. Smith, and the members of the committee. HEADMASTER’S REPORT. The high standard of work of previous years has been maintained, as is evidenced by the very encouraging reports furnished by departmental inspectors. Though such reports are to be regarded as confidential, I feel I am not committing any breach of faith in saying that these officers referred to the very high state of efficiency in which they found the school, to the very good tone that prevailed, and to the responsiveness of the pupils. We extend to the teachers and pupils of Standard VI our heartiest congratulations on the successes achieved this year. Of the fill pupils presented for the examination all gained their proficiency certificates. Such results can be attained only by assiduous work, constant application, sound methods, good discipline, and co-operation between teachers and pupils. Messrs Wagstaff and Thomas, who have had control of these classes, are deserving of our highest commendation and our sincerest thanks. Nor should it be forgotten that the teachers who guided the destinies of these scholars in the lower standards are largely responsible for the final results, for no solid structure can be built on a weak foundation. At the Junior National Scholarship examination held in December, 1925, Denis Glover, a pupil of the school, was one of the successful candidates. Only a small percentage of pupils have failed to gain direct promotion or promotion on trial. To those parents whose children are promoted on trial I appeal for co-operation 'both in attendance and home supervision, so that evident weaknesses may be overcome next year. Of the six probationers attached to the staff, five have gained a full pass for “D" examination, while the other has only to complete in singing. A second year probationer, in addition to completing D, has passed in three subjects for the C examination. Some of these young teachers will be severing their connection with the school this year to enter the Training College, hut as yet, no definite information is available. To the staff I extend my sincerest thanks for their co-operation throughout the year, and for the conspicuous ability with which they have carried out their responsible and arduous duties. At the Central Infants' School we have a splendid staff of conscientious teachers, who enter with the keenest enthusiasm into their work, which is carried out under modern and approved methods. The work done in this department is little short of marvellous, and I feel proud indeed to be associated with Miss Papps, infant mistress, and her very efficient staff, who work so harmoniously together for the welfare and progress of their little charges. During the year Misses Pitcaithly and Walker, and Mr. J. H. Boon, resigned from their positions on the staff, their places being taken by Misses McKenzie and Thompson, and Mr. B. Whiteside. Miss F. Worn also joined the staff at the commencement of the year as probationary student assistant, We are pleased to learn that she has now secured promotion, and will be retained on the staff for at least another year. This year, with improved organisation. our boys have been more successful in the various competitions entered into. Their successes are: The McHardy Shield, the North Taranaki Primary .Schoo's' Rugby Shield, the North Taranaki Cricket Association Challenge Shield, the Kawaroa Park tug-of-war competition. The Labour Day Sports Challenge Shield still awaits final settlement, but it is probable that the honours will be equally shared between Fitzroy and Central Schools. Our girls, although playing tinder better organisation, were well behind in the basketba'l competitions. OVERCROWDED CONDITIONS. In passing I would like to refer to the overcrowded state at both schools, which, together with structural difficulties, make the working conditions of both teachers and scholars particularly arduous. The Education Board and the school committee have used their best

efforts to secure improved conditions, but so far unavailingly. In the dental clinic we have two capable and courteous dental officers whose surgery is always a scene of activity, as a proof of- which I append a report of the work executed during the year, in connection with pupils from our schools: Fillings 491, extractions 196, minor operations 175, total operations, 562. The library is still popular with tho pupils. This year it has been extended to include the pupils of Standards I and 11, with most satisfactory results. To the seniors’ library many valuable books of reference have been added. We offer our thanks to all who have assisted us either by donations of money or books. May I urge upon parents the desirability of encouraging the habit of reading amongst the children in the homes. Suitable books by the best authors, adapted for the use of children, are now procurable at reasonable prices. Parents should, however, exercise a careful supervision over the literature introduced to the children, otherwise the effects may be harmful. At the final examination this year in certain subjects we introduced what is known as the new system of examination. A pupil, instead of being asked, say, five questions in a particular subject, is now required to answer perhaps 100 questions, but the written work is reduced to a minimum, tho greater part of it being done by symbols, numbers or single words. This eliminates the essay form in which pupils were previously required to answer questions, and at the same time makes the examination more searching and comprehensive. Under this new system we have great hopes of improving the methods of teaching and of raising the standard of work. ’ We take this opportunity of expressing our keenest appreciation of the assistance and courtesy which we have received at the liands of the school inspectors. the Education Board’s staff, the school committee, the parents, and the custodian. , THE PRIZE LIST. Standard VI. —Wilfred Layton 1, Henry Westbury 2, Thomas Avery 3, Stella Webb 4, Mary Hayton 5, Philip Dickson 6. . Standard V. —Howard Purser 1, Russel! Heckler 2, Jean Henderson 3, Patrick Molloy 4, James Lynch 5, Ray Smith 6. Standard IV.—-Marie Lynch 1, John Keeling 2, Clifford Broad 3, Jessie Riding 4, Charles Richards 5, Frances Russell C. Standard 111. —John Davis 1, Anthony Nicholson 2, Cyril Gaylard 3, Albert Large 4, Frank Cooper 5, Gilbert Hayton 6. Standard II. —Geoffrey (Fairbrother 1, Aetty Kidd 2, Terence Molloy and John Walton equal 3, Campbell Fox and LeMe Lacey equal 5. Standard I.—Joan Mills 1, Joyce Potts 2. Rao McCauley 3, Edna 'McGlashan 4, Berys Burrell 5, Don Wood and Fred Soar equal 6. INFANT DEPARTMENT END OF THE' SCHOOL YEAR. MORE ACCOMMODATION REQUIRED. The main room of the Courtenay Street Infant School was packed to its utmost capacity yesterday morning with parents and friends of the pupils. It was the annual breaking-up ceremony and entertainment which showed the children at their best, and was responsible for much enjoyment. Members of the school committee present were: Mr. S. G. Smith (chairman), Mesdames Chapman and Jemison, Messrs J. 0. Turner and E. Hodder, 'besides the inspectors. The headmistress of the infants, Miss Papps, thanked all those present for their attendance, as it showed the interest they took in the children. The year just past had been a very busy one. Opening with a roll of 210. another 174 had been admitted and left, and 17 were transferred to the Central, yet they still had a roll of 250, while there were about half a dozen children awaiting admission. During the first two terms the attendance had been very good and bad constituted a record. She wished to thank the parents for the help they had given in that connection, for a great deal of the success of the school was due to them. Unfortunately the attendance during the last term had been spoilt by the epidemic of mumps and whooping cough. A number of staff changes had taken place during the year. Misses Griffin, Worn and Chapman had joined the staff, while they had been very sorry to lose Misses Walker and Pitcaithly, who were well loved by the little ones. Their places had been taken by Misses McKenzie and Thompson. Miss Papps sincerely thanked the staff for their help and loyalty during the year. Each one had given of her best and she felt the school was very lucky in having them. Thanks were also due to the headmaster, Mr. D. P. Evans, and the school committee, who had given every help, shown a great interest in the school and left nothing undone that it was possible to do. Miss Papps said they were prepared to take children who were not quite five years old at the beginning of the year, but would reach that age before the end of the first term. It was desirable that they should attend regularly, but if mothers felt that their children were not quite ready to attend every day. it was better to keep them away for a little longer. They would learn as much in three months of regular attendance as in six months of irregular attendance. She wanted the parents to take an interest in the school and regard it as theirs. That the parents should work together was in the best interests of the children. If there was anything the parents did not understand they should come to the school and talk it over. The teachers felt they had a trust to fulfil and they wanted the help of the parents. Items were given by the pupils as follows: — Primers I and ll.—Songs, “Motor Car,” “Rides." “Fairies.” “Lullaby." “Request” and “Dickory Dock;” rythmical interpretations, “The Mermaid,” “The Violinist,” and “Orchard Swinging;” nursery rhymes and action song, “Fairy Train.” Primer 111. —Songs, “The Postman,” and “A Little Bird;” recitations, “Nursery Chairs,” and “Missing;” folk dances, “Little Schoolmate,” “Finger Polka,” and rythmics, “Bees and Butterflies.” Primer TV. —Songs. “Telling Dolly,” “Kisses,” “Old Man Moon;” folk dances. “Partners.” “Come Little Partner:” drill games, “Seaside” and “Elf-man” ADDRESS BY THE CHAIRMAN. As chairman of the school committee, Mr. S. G. Smith thanked the parents

and friends for their attendance. They would agree that the entertainment they had heard indicated the value of the work of the school, and he thought he would be voicing the committee’s opinion when he said that Miss Papps and her staff were worthy of the highest and heartiest congratulations. They had had no difficulty with the staff and there was no doubt of their good work. Their chief difficulty during the year had been that of accommodation. It might be a surprise to them to learn that 174 pupils had entered on the roll and had later left. That was another of their difficulties. The Education Board had endeavoured to provide increased accommodation by offering £250 towards the construction of a new open-air room designed by their architect at an estimated cost of £5OO, ■but the Education Department would not entertain the idea, so on the previous day the Education Board had asked the department to add another room at an estimated cost of £BOO. The appearance of Santa Claus was greeted with a great tumult. He distributed sweets and books and was accorded three hearty cheers. The ceremony closed with cheers for the parents and friends, and the singing by the children of “A Merry, Merry Christmas.”