PRIMARY SCHOOLS BEGIN NEW YEAR IN DULL WEATHER.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17759, 1 February 1926, Page 7

PRIMARY SCHOOLS BEGIN NEW YEAR IN DULL WEATHER.

NO FALLING OFF IN ROLL NUMBERS. Sunbrowned and glowing with health hundreds of youngsters, schoolbags on backs, were seen stepping gaily along the suburban streets to school this morning. It was raining and the wind held the nip of the Antarctic snows, but Tommy, wrapped in his overcoat, gave no thought to the cold. He was happy just going to school, with here a puddle to jump and there one to walk through to test the quality of his new watertight boots. The smile that shone through the rain on his face soon would gladden the heart of his teacher. How could she help thinking of this young imp in a quiet moment, and loving him. Daisy, in her new frock that the rain had forced her to hide under an overcoat, was arm in arm with Ethel, and the two skipped daintily along a dry patch in the shelter of a hedge, or stepped precariously round a muddy puddle. The flowers in their hands were for teacher. llow she would like them. This morning all State primary schools were reopened in dull weather. Rain fell earlier in the morning, making the roads muddy, and in some places large puddles were lying about. It was bad luck that the children had to go to school under these conditions, and stand the risk of getting wet feet or even colds, when the weather of last week had been so fine. The head masters of the main schools report that there has been no fallingoff in the number of entries to their schools. They are generally of the opinion that when the few stragglers have returned, the rolls will show an increase over last year’s lists. The Boys’ High School assembled this morning to make preparations for the official opening of the new school to-morrow. First year pupils to the Technical College met to-day for grading, and to receive instructions. The school year begins to-morrow.

PUPSLS ENROLLED AT NEW SCHOOL.

Ninety-two scholars were enrolled at the new school in Lyttelton Street, Spreydon, this morning. For several it was the beginning of their educational career, and they will have the. advantages of the latest in school buildings. Other pupils formerly at. tended either the Addington, Spreydon or Somerfield Schools. The school comprises four good-sized classrooms, all facing east, splendidly ventilated, and equipped with a mdern heating system. Two of the main rooms are divided by folding partition, and as occasion arises they may be converted into a big community room. Drinking fountains, and wash basins are provided in the playground. T. o-day the work of levelling the grounds and making paths was in progress. The school is built on four acres of land, which is at present in the rough stage, but it gives ample scope for lay-out and judicious planting and gardening would give the school very pleasant surroundings. This morning the actual school work was confined to the enrolling of pupils, inspection of transfers, and giving instructions as to books, etc. After this the children were dismissed, but numbers of them were reluctant to leave, and scampered about the grounds and through the building. It may not be very long before some of the same bright-faced youngsters will be putting Lyttelton Street “on the map through their achievements in the domain of scholarships and sport. The school is in charge of Mr H. W HunnibeU, and he is assisted by Miss Steel (infant mistress), and Miss Bed-