CENTRAL SCHOOL

Taranaki Daily News, 14 March 1935, Page 11

CENTRAL SCHOOL

ATTENDANCE NOT GOOD. MEETING OF COMMITTEE. Somewhat unsatisfactory attendance was reported on Tuesday night at the monthly meeting of the Central School committee. There were present Messrs. F. A. Coleman (chairman) J. O. Turner, F. S. Nicholson, E. W. Hodder, F. C. Potter, A. Holder, A. Dunkley, A. Feakins (secretary) and D. P. Evans (headmaster). Major Sandford and Mr. A. Roberts attended on behalf of {he scouts. To retain its present grade of 7F the Central school must keep up an average attendance of 681 for the term, stated the report of the headmaster, Mr. Evans. The average attendance last month had been 675.7, a drop having been experienced in the third and fourth weeks on account of the prevalence of summer sickness and influenza. The attendance in the infant department had been exceptionally high. 65 new pupils had entered school this year and the, roll no'w stood ,at 728. Thejp had been 775 pupils at the . end of 1934. Messrs. Haslam and Henry,. inspectors, visited the school on February 18. Ninety-six children from Standard H. upwards were put through a course of training in . “learn-to-swim” week. Thanks were expressed to members of the East End Swimming ■ Club for assistance in coaching, and to Mr. W. H. Moyes for the use of the high school baths. With the exception of eight pupils, all who felt competent were given the opportunity of swimming for the 50, 220 and 880 yards certificates. Most were successful. Shirley Rutherford, a pupil of the school, wen the girl’s championship for Taranaki primary schools. The school’s representatives for the primary school sports on March 21 had been selected. Children had been nominated for practically every event on the programme. The day would be observed as a school holiday, all the teachers being engaged in assisting with the sports. The Taranaki Jockey Club had given permission for the use of the racecourse for practices, the playing area at the school being, unsuitable. Arrangements for the school excursion to Stratford on Saturday, March 16, were well in hand. It was estimated that 457 children would make the trip. Tickets would be sold at the school en Thursday and Friday, at Mr. F. S. Nicholson’s office on Friday night and at the railway station on Saturday morning. The town clerk at Stratford wrote granting the use of King Edward Park for -the school picnic and in connection with arrangements for milk and . hot water. The committee granted the sum of £5 for prizes. A report requesting certain repairs was received from the head of *the infant department, Miss A. S. Terry. The committee dealt with these and with others made by Mr. Evans. A letter was acknowledged IllMi Mr, N. T. Lamboume, Director of Education, in connection with wireless in the school! The matter was left in the IiMBST of a special sub-committee/ A report from the social committee showing a profit of £1 Jis was received.