FAREWELL TO MISS PAPPS

Taranaki Daily News, 18 August 1932, Page 12

FAREWELL TO MISS PAPPS

APPRECIATION OF SERVICES. CEREMONY AT CENTRAL SCHOOL. It was with mingled feelings that the children of the New Plymouth Central School, together with many parents and representatives of the school committee, the Education Board and the Home and School Association, assembled in the school courtyard yesterday to bid farewell to Miss Papps. Regret was felt that one who had endeared herself not only to the children but also to all who had come into contact with her was leaving a school where she had done fine work. Mr. F. A. Coleman, chairman of the school committee, said they were all proud, and justifiably proud, of the fine record of the school, amd this wa§ without dtmbt largely due to the splendid work of the staff. Miss Papps as head of the infant department had had the responsible task of laying the foundation for the education of all the pupils, and she had done her work well. She had been beloved by all the children who had come under her care, and all were exceedingly sorry that she was leaving. Her retirement was not only a loss to the school but also to the teaching profession generally. The Mayor, Mr. H. V. 9. Griffiths, on behalf of the, citizens of the town, paid tribute to the splendid work of Miss Papps. Though she would carry their best wishes with her to Australia they all hoped she would eventually return and make her home at New Plymouth. The headmaster, Mr. D. P. Evans, paid a glowing tribute to Miss Papps’ ability as a teacher. She had come to them from Stratford with a big reputation and had more than lived up to it. In his opinion the Central ipfant department was equal to any in the Dominion, and this was due chiefly to Miss Papps. She had a wonderful organising ability and this, combined with her great love for and understanding of the child, had been the secret of her success. She had the happy knack of winning the confidence and love of the children, who would always do anything for her. On behalf of the staff he expressed their great regret that Miss Papps was leaving. Mr. S. G. Smith, M.P., chairman of the Taranaki Education Board, endorsed all that the previous speakers had said, paying a special tribute to Miss Papps’ training of the younger teachers —a work that she had always done very thoroughly. He regretted exceedingly the loss of one of the greatest infant mistresses in the district—a loss not only, to the school but also to education generally. He joined with the other speakers in wishing her the best of health and happiness. Miss Peggy Davidson read an address from the children of the school and two tiny tots, Doreen Pryor and Andy Sheat, presented bouquets on behalf of the infants. The following presentations were then made to the retiring teacher; A silver tea service,'an. afternoon tea set and an eiderdown from the parents and pupils, a travelling bag and a clock from the committee and the Home and School Association, and two signed etchings from the staff. The pupils then sang an ode of farewell. On rising to reply Miss Papps was greeted with enthusiasm. She said that she was unable adequately to express her feelings. She could not have done what she had but for the wonderful staff she had had. She had

been sorry to leave Stratford seven and a-half years ago, but she was equally sorry to leave Central now. She had always tried to create and keep a happy atmosphere in the infant school, and she thought that she had succeeded. She paid tributes to the headmaster, the committee, the Home and School Association and to her staff. She concluded by asking the children to remem* ber the lesson 'she had always taught them every Friday—to be brave, to be pure and to be true. Three songs were then given by the school choir and the ceremony concluded with the singing of Auld Lang Syne and the National Anthem.