WAITARA NEWS

Taranaki Daily News, 9 February 1928, Page 10

WAITARA NEWS

MEETING OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE. (From Our Own Correspondent.) . The Waitara School Committee held its monthly meeting on Monday evening last presided over by Mr. L. Wilson. The headmaster reported that the school had opened with an attendance of 323. Forty-two pupils had left, 16 of these now attending secondary schools at New Plymouth. Five pupils who gained proficiency honours are continuing in post primary work. Miss D. Duke as substitute assistant, and Misses D. Cooney and P. Partridge as probationers, have taken up the duties at the school. In reply to a question, the headmaster stated that the present roll number had reached 368 and there was every prospect of a good average being obtained. A letter was received from the Education Board regarding the advisability of introducing a standard 7. Messrs. Wilson, Nos worthy and Wakely voiced the opinion that it would throw extra work on the teachers to the detriment, possibly, of other scholars, and as Waitara was close to higher grade schools, the pupils should take the opportunity of attending such schools. The Rev. R. B. Gosnel considered the best method would be to suggest through the teachers to the scholars that attendance at the High schools would be in their best interests, but if for some specific reason scholars wished to take post primary lessons in their home town, then the way should bo open to them. It was finally decided to ascertain the number who would take advantage of the tuition in a standard 7 and report at the next meeting. Final arrangements were made for the school picnic which takes place on Thursday at Stratford. Permission was granted to the Rev. Braddock to address the children on Bilf’cal matters after school hours, subject to the conditon that no pledges are asked for without the consent of parents. It was stated that the talks would be spread over a period of a week and were absolutely free and unsectarian. Mr. T. Fowler waited upon the committee for the use of the baths for a swimming carnival. He stated that he had received the oiler of generous prizes from the townspeople and he suggested that any profit be handed to the school. He also stated that next year it was intended to establish a swimming club. The application was granted, and it was hoped that the swimming club would materialise next year. z