SCHOOL COMMITTEES.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 8 April 1927, Page 8

SCHOOL COMMITTEES.

W AIM AT AIT AI,

At a meeting of tlie A\ aimataitai School Committee there were present Messrs G. Benstead (chairman), A. L. Lamb, T. E. Holdgate, R. Watson, KMayo, and W. D. Hume (lion, sec.). The headmaster (Mr G. A. Turner) reported that the average attendance for the quarter ending March 31 was (570. The average weekly roll for the same period was 734. This an attendance percentage of The present roll number was 753. The comparatively low percentage was due to tlie prevalence of mumps and colds, affecting for the most part the classes cf the middle school. The roll number continued to increase, and showed an advance for the corresponding period of last year. By the end of the week all the children interested would have received < heir dental treatment. In most cases a second treatment would be necessary. Parents spoke in high terms of the skilful and sympathetic treatment of the children by Nurse Bmith. During the month the school was visited by the Minister of Education (Hon. R. A. Wright). The Minister addressed the children, to whom he gave useful and practical advice. Unfortunately, time did not permit an inspection of t’>e buildings, and the question of fitting up the open-air shelter fcr winter was net personally dealt with. This mailer demanded prompt attention as winter. was fast approaching. It would 6e necessary for tho committee to make application to the Board for twenty dual desks for use in the infant rooms iii the very near future owing to the increase in numbers. The report was adopted. A letter was received from Mr C. G. Baker (secretary of the Competitions Society), asking if it would be possible for' the committee to assist the Society by lending aid to the running of a social to raise funds. —The matter was discussed at some length, and it was finally decided that the letter, be referred to the Schools’ Association.

Correspondence was received from the Education Board, advising that the Department were prepared to subsid's© a swimming bath £ for £ up to £2OO cn contributions raised. The assistant* architect had been asked to report on the necessity for installing three additional drinking fountains in the playground. The application for conversion of the open-air shelter jntq a classroom would be considered, by the Board at the April meeting! Tlie matter of additional lavatory accommodation would also be considered by the Board at the April meeting. WEST.

A meeting of the committee of the Westi iscliooi was held on Wednesday. TTcseui—w. ourrie (.urn* niiu..,, dames Field ami Nome, auu Meters E. Gave, J)'. Holland, A. E. Vincent,, W. Anderson and T. PaiLser (lion sec./ The Headmaster (Mr \v. G. • riurus/ reported fer the mouth'that the roll number was 476, and the average attendance 43(5. Tne average aKeumuico in advance of that dur.ng March,* 1926,. when it was 423. Tne attendance, banner competition had improved ui.e* attendance considerably, tlie average for the last week in March being 400. He suggested that the Committee Consider the idea of writing up a history of the school as it was now fresh ik tlie memory ctf.many of the residents and committee members. The jub .ve booklet of the Main School contained, informuton concerning the West School, and he suggested that a copy” be placed among tlie school records, rie wished to commence the winter sports aa soon as possible. The school required somo sports material.

A letter was received from the Canterbury Education Board stating that it had accepted the resignation of Aliss M. C. Ray as from February 28.

The West School Ladies’ Guild wrote asking for permission to use the school on April 9 to hold a “Bring and Buy Afternon,” Granted. Regarding the school bell, it Was reported that the electric one was not proving very satisfactory, the..children, not being able to £ear it wh*ile in the playground. After a good deal of discussion it was decided to leave the matter in the hands of the chairman and secretary.

Regarding the history of -.lie school the matter was left in the' hands of the secretary and tne headmaster. The headmaster was instructed to purchase necessary sports material. Regarding the purchase of land adjoining the school, the Alinister of Education had stated that he would refer the matter to the Department for consideration. It was decided that the secretary should write to the Pleasant Point school committee thanking them for the interest they had taken .in the nicnic he'd in the Point Domain by the West End school children. ■ Acounts amounting to £22 13s lid were passed for payment.