STRATFORD SCHOOL YEAR.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 December 1933, Page 6

STRATFORD SCHOOL YEAR.

HEADMASTER’S ANNUAL REPORT. That the annual proficiency and promotion examination results had been very gratifying on the whole and that there had been 'an excellent response by parents to the appeal to keep the attendance at a high level were the main features of the report presented by the headmaster (Mr. L. J. Furrie) to the last meeting of the year last night of the Stratford school committee. “The lowest level of attendance was reached during the week ending November 17,” reported Mr. Furrie, “when a fair amount of influenza was prevalent Since that date the general health of the school has improved and is now excellent. Stratford has not been so badly affected as other towns in. respect to epidemics.

“The annual proficiency examination was conducted by the inspector, Mr. Griffin, on November 24, when 54 pupils were presented. I am very gratified with the result, and I think both parents and pupils will feel the same. To the Std. 6 class teachers, Miss Gernhoefer and Mr. N. H, Tunnicliff, I wish to express appreciation of the -conscientious and self-sacrificing work they have carried out. The splendid result bears testimony to their efficient efforts. I have completed the annual promotion examinations of the whole school and the results are generally good. I am disappointed in a few cases with the individual results of certain pupils, but in many cases the underlying cause was beyond our control. I have considered it necessary in the interests of the pupils and of. their future advancement to hold them to the same work for a further period in the same class. My past experience has impressed me with the necessity for solidifying the groundwork before further responsibilities can be thrown on the mental capacity of these pupils. “I am very pleased with the loyal manner in which parents have responded to my efforts to keep the attendance of the school at a high level. A survey of the figures bears out this statement. As the grading of the school depends on the average attendance the assistance of parents is of vital importance in maintaining the status. Unfortunately at the end of the year a complicating factor is the want of synchronisation in holidays in different schools. This is operating very inconveniently for many people with children at different schools in the same town. I am continually receiving requests from parents to make concessions in the attendance of their pupils at the end of the year on this account. This state of affairs is probably the result of a want of co-ordination in the system as it- exists at present. “Miss Harper, at present infant mistress at Epsom, Auckland, will take up duties as infant mistress at the commencement of the new school year. Miss Phyllis McCluggage and Mr. A. C. Walker, rationed assistants, will complete their term’s work on December 20. Miss K. McKinney, who has been relieving in the infant department since Miss Moore’s departure for Auckland last October, will also complete her term of work on the same date. Two or three new rationed assistants will probably commence in the New Year.

“The proposed show of work and parents’ day were postponed from the date set down on December 18 until next year. Although the main scheme was deferred we proceeded with one of the usual methods of raising money in connection with this function—the collection and sale of eggs and gooseberries (bottles will be collected later). The total number, of eggs collected by pupils was 101 dozen, and of gooseberries approximately 1 cwt. The proceeds of the sales amounted to £5 14s. 10d., which will be placed to the library and games account for the coming year. “Of the 25 boys and 26 girls obtaining proficiency certificates, and two boys and one girl competency, 19 boys and 18 girls have indicated their intention of proceeding to a secondary school. Five boys wish to take up farming, and have already made arrangements to do so, nine girls will go into domestic service at home or out, and two boys are taking up trade pursuits.” « The report was received, and the chairman, Mr. J. Morrison, asked that as many committee members as possible attend the end of term concert given by the senior pupils to-day for the amusement of the infants. Mr. A. Ferguson was appointed to represent the committee at the breakingup ceremony to-morrow. PERSONAL ITEMS. Miss D. E. Callaghan, who has been in charge of the Pukeho school for 12 months, has been appointed assistant mistress at Huiakama. Mr. W. F. Clemow, Stratford, has left for a holiday visit to Tohuna, Morrinsville.