CRAIGHEAD SCHOOL

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21156, 1 October 1938, Page 20

CRAIGHEAD SCHOOL

RECEPTION TO MISS CLARKE Yesterday afternoon the chairman of the Board of Govurnors, the Ven. Archdeacon H. W. Monaghan, presided over the welcome extended to Miss Clarke, the new headmistress of Craighead Diocesan School. In Iris opening rem-.rks the Archdeacon said “The day we have been looking forward to for so long has come. Twelve months ago many cf us were very worried about the school; its very existence hung ir. the balance. Thanks to the generosity of the debenture holders and church people in South Canterbury Me were able to convince the Diocesan authorities that Craighead should continue, and that South Canterbury should have another chance. We had faith in the school, but in our minds this faith was conditioned by one factor over which we had no certain control. We all said ‘lf only we can get the right headmistress the school will prosper.’ We are full of hope and thankfulness to-

day because we are confident that in Miss Clarke we have been given the very person we were looking for.’’ The Archdeacon paid a high tribute to the work done by the acting-head-mistress, Mrs M. F. Ledingham, and asked her to accept the thanks and appreciation of the Board and the parents. “We want Miss Clarke to know that we appreciate the fact that she comes to us from one of the best schools for girls in England, and one that has been described as the loveliest. If one feels disappointed at the lack of certain things, we want her to know that we are conscious of our deficiencies, and we assure her that as the life of the school continues to revive, it will be our policy to spend every penny available until we make Craighead the best school of its kind in the South Island, and not unworthy of comparison with the school which she has left.” In conclusion the Archdeacon assured Miss Clarke that -ne and all combined in wishing her welcome and assuring her of their loyal support.

Enjoyable musical Items were then given by the school, two part songs by the senior pupils and Maori songs by the juniors. When Miss Clarke rose to reply she was greeted with applause and presented with a beautiful bouquet of freer '.as by Judith Cunningham. Miss Clarke said she was not going to make a speech but would like to -ay how very grateful she was for the warm welcome she had been given on her arrival and for the many kindnesses received from old Craighead girls ever since she had decided to come to New Zealand. When she left Tilbury her cabin was filled with beautiful flowers and numerous letters wishing her God speed. From what she could see “Craighead” was situated in beautiful surroundings with a splendid view of the mountains, and she was sure she would be very happy in South Canterbury. Afternoon tea was served at tables decorated with mauve and purple pansies and -he school colours. By a coincidence, yesterday was Miss Clarke’s birthday, so a birthday cake decorated with the school badge had a place of honour on the table. Those present were the members of the Board and their wives, including Ven. Archdeacon H. W. Monaghan and Mrs Monaghan, the Rev. Nelson Wright and Mrs Wright, Mr and Mrs G. A. Bridges, Mr and Mrs H. SinclairThomson, Mr and Mrs W. H. Wal‘on, Mr and Mrs A. Fleming, Dr. and Mrs F. F. A. Ulrich, Mrs Ledingham, Mrs A. S. Elworthy, Miss Dorothy Raymond (president of th > Old Girls’ Association), Messrs L. V. Talbot, C. G. Bryan King and members of the staff. The visitors took the opportunity, of inspecting the Chapel which has been beautifully furnished and was opened last week.