RANGIORA H.S. BOARD HOLDS MEETING.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17906, 23 July 1926, Page 4

RANGIORA H.S. BOARD HOLDS MEETING.

The Rangiora High School Board met on Wednesday evening; present—Mr C. T. Jennings (chairman). Rev \V. R. Hutchison, Hr T. M. Allen, Messrs W. A. Banks. C. \V. Bell. R. Ball, JT. K. Kippenlierger and R. Mlntosh.

The chairman reported that ho had made satisfactory arrangements for obtaining a lease of land opposite the school for a playground.

On the motion of Mr Banks, the principal, Mr J. E. Strachan, was congratulated upon his appointment to the office of president of the Canterbury Progress The Principal, in his monthly report, stated the roll number to be seventyfive boys and ninety-three girls, a total of 168. The attendance for the month had been good, considering the prevalence of colds and influenza. The school closed for one day, not because considered that a’ long week-end break might be a good policy measure. The staff took the opportunity to hold an all-day conference for the discussion of matters affecting the welfare of the school. The Department's inspectors, Miss Hetherington and Mr Parr, inspected the school on June 7 and S. The last inspection of this character took place four years ago. The school council had decided to prosecute plans for the erection of a girls’ common room in the school. A school committee and ladies' committee had been set up. The original intention was to hold a bazaar at an early date, and to endeavour to raise £IOO. The school council was prepared to supplement this by a donation from its funds, and it was hoped that a subsidy would be forthcoming from the Department. The Department, however, was not prepared to contribute a penny towards this elfort to add to the comfort of country girls, who have to wait long hours for trains. It was pointed out that the room would he used for dresscutting, but. the appeal was in vain. The i? d wl’ S C i o nSd , vi“aS.c Wa to O T,„^ i, a°? l aSa,before March. It had been decided, however, to hold a street of cakes. pupils’were'actively engaged in preparing for a to be hold at the later in freely, and success 1 was assured. S

The school council, by resolution, and ■with the unanimous support of the staff, recommended that the opening: exercises of the school, meantime limited to the recitation of the Lord's Prayer, be supplemented by the singing of a hymn, and the reading: of a suitable passage from the world's best inspirational literature. If the board was agreeable to the general policy details of the staff's recommendation, especially in respect to literature to be read, would be submitted from time to time. Tihe Ground Improvement Committee. in conjunction with the Sports Management Gommitt.ee, was

prosecuting its work of laying out the school grounds and completing tennis

courts and l.asket-ball fields. The wireless club bad been active during the month and a great deal of overseas communication had been effected. All stations gave favourable reports of reception. Tt was hoped at ah early date to increase the power of the station from 10 to 50 watts. Plans were being made for the installation of a telephone so that Ihe people in their own homes might he able to receive, even if they "■-1! V MO'-S" code,

The board, by resolution, approved of the proposal to make a change in the opening exercises of the school.

Tt was derided to endeavour to arrange with the railway authorities and their tenants to have a. right-of-way between the school grounds and the roadway running along the east side of the railway line, to provide a near cut to the station.

The report of the inspectors, Mr E. .T. Parr and Miss J. T. Met.herington, was received. Referring’ to the system o/ which had been in existent in 'the school for six years, the report stated that in the opinion of the Principal and staff it had worked very satisfactorily plied, it was evident that the system isr in siModifications had naturally been made, but in the main the original system adopted some six years ago had been adhered to. The school council, which consists of the Principal and staff and thirty pupils elected by class meetings had extended its activities in various directions, and had successfully accomplished several undertaking's of great value to the school. Recently, for example, it had raised and exand similar purposes last year. and over £2O had been raised already this year. The inspectors, in concluding their report, stated that they were well satisfied With the tone and discipline of the school. All forms of outdoor sport and recreation were in a flourishing condition, and a spirit of lovaltv and devotion to tho school was plaiulv evident. As far as the development of general school activities and interests were concerned the system of ss-pW.'s n c.;?^ n Aj'% tt ooa «<! ittiStrA'sr zssty'srtsmF “3 of T> the iScSTthl tion of the rural child was deserving of unqualified commendation. * The hoard considered the report to motion theVrinc.fpaf and SJ 8 , P h e e rr SoSrT S "continues them.