ELTHAM SCHOOL BREAK-UP

Taranaki Daily News, 21 December 1929, Page 4

ELTHAM SCHOOL BREAK-UP

ANNUAL SCHOOL REPORT. PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES. The 1929 school holiday season was ushered in with a very pleasant break-ing-up ceremony in the Eltham schoo grounds yesterday in ideal weather, an in the presence of practically all the school children, together with a-fair representation of parents. The platform in front of the school was occupied by the chairman of the school committee (Mr. W. Ricketts), who presided, Sir Walter Carncross, Mr. C. H. Wilkinson, M.P., Mr. R. E. Thomas (headmaster) and members of the committee. Reviewing the work of the year Mr.. -Ricketts said -the school roll number was 449 —255 boys and 194 girls with an average attendance for the year of 395, a most creditable performance. Included in the roll number were 30 Salvation Army boys, There were for presentation that afternoon 3i proficiency certificates, and four competency certificates, 48 good attendance certificates and a total of 72 swimming and lifesaving certificates. At the Eltham competitions entries from the sehool were made in folk dancing, singing, games, physical drill dramatised recitations and school choirs seta. . The results were highly satisfactory. At the Hawera competitions choirs competed in three classes and won a first and two second prizes. Miss Buckeridge’s choir gained first place in the class for children under 10. In the other two classes Fraser Road was first and Eltham second out of nine entries.

Every boy was provided with an opportunity to take part in the football competition among teams within the school. Three competitions were arranged —seniors, juniors 'id midgets. Each section was keenly contested Two teams, senior and junior,were entered in inter-school competitions. The seniors, competing, against Stratford and Hawera, were winners of their divisional competitions, but were defeated by Okaiawa in the South Taranaki play-off. The juniors were the winners in their group, but were defeated by Stratford Convent in the play-off. Three Eltham boys played in the South Taranaki team and two, Bert Symmans and lan Riddle, were selected for Tarauaki.-

Three cricket competitions within the school were carried on with enthusiasm. Two fixtures were arranged with StratforJ school, three teams being fielded on each occasion. Eltham were successful in five out of the six matches played. Three Elthain boys played for South Taranaki against North Taranaki —Martin Donnelly, Stuart McKay and lan Ryburn Martin Donnelly proved ■in able captain of the south team.

For the fourth successive occasion the Eltham school hail won the Dixon Banner, bespeaking a ’ very high standard of athletic training in the school. This vear’s success h .1 now been definitely established. Basketball was played regularly throughout the season, the teachers reporting an improvement. Junior Red Cross work had been carried out in the school, and as a result a sum of £5 had been contributed towards a cot in the Hawera hospital. Sir Walter Carncross expressed his pleasure at being present, and seeing so many happy faces. Christmas time was la time for fun, and he hoped the children would have it and. enjoy the holidays. His advice to them was to. always offer a helping hand, and .to be kind, truthful and proud of their school. Their motto should always be “Play the Game.”

Mr. Wilkinson said he was sure the sight of so many happy children betokened good health and a record year’s attendance. To those who were leaving the school he expressed the hope that they \*ould make their school proud of them when they went out into the world. He hoped they would always be honest, hard-working and conscientious, giving good service and developing their characters along right lines. Mr. Wilkinson then presented the good attendance, proficiency and competency and swimming certificates. Mr. Thomas, the headmaster, congratulated the children, staff and committee on the success of the year s work.

Cheers were given for Sir . Walter Carncross, Mr. Wilkinson, the staff and the committee. ' -