IMPORTANT FEATURES

Waikato Independent, Volume XL, Issue 3663, 3 February 1940, Page 5

IMPORTANT FEATURES

NEW OPEN-AIR SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS IN CAMBRIDGE The opening of the new school year next Tuesday is of special significance for Cambridge, as it mirks a progressive step in the educational facilities of the district. While the major objective of consolidation and intermediate schools is still far away, modern 'openair buildings have been erected at Maungatautari No. 2 and the Consent schools, and the Cambridge primary school has been painted and repaired. The Cambridge District High School suffered a severe loss at the end of December in the death of Mr J. G. Catran. His kindly nature combined with strict discipline, and his ability as a headmaster will be sadly missed. A number of start changes have been necessary, and as the primary school has advanced a grade, an additional teacher will be provided. St. Peter's School will commence its fifth year next Wednesday. . A COAT OF PAINT CAMBRIDGE PRIMARY SCHOOL RE-FLOORING OF ROOMS Some disappointment was felt in Cambridge when, tenders were let for the painting of the primary school last year, as it proved that the new consolidated school project had been shelved by the Department. The painting was carried out during the holidays and the old building now appears much more presentable, even though it has practically reached the end of its usefulness as a school. The colour scheme is of dark cream, with white facings to the windows, and touches of bright green in pleasing blend. The roof has been re-painted red. The front fence, the dental clinic and all outbuildings have been painted, as well as the manual training school in Victoria Street. In order to use the school, it was necessary to re-floor practically all of the oldest part of the building. New flooring was laid in Standard 1, the upper infant room, half of the lower infant room, and the corridor from there as far as the headmaster's room. It had been hoped that Standard 4 room would have been re-floored also. A Higher Grade The acting headmaster, Mr W. H. Barton, stated this week that it would be difficult to tell the strength of the roll until school opens on Tuesday. There will be a number of pupils on transfer, but the five-year-olds commencing school, to replace those who left last year from Standard 6, have the biggest effect on the roll. There will be eight additional pupils from School for Standard 5. Last year the Cambridge School was advanced a grade, as a result of an increase in the roll, thus entitling the school to an additional probationary teacher as from 1940. The two probationary assistants who will commence on Tuesday are Masses M. H. Andrew and J. T. Rob•"ertson. *-. ■ Mr Barton will continue as acting headmaster until an appointment is made by the Auckland Education Board, which meets next Wednesday, and then confirmed by the Cambridge School Committee. It will probably be March before the new headmaster arrives. Mr N. F. Cummins has been appointed a relieving teacher at the Cambridge Primary School in place of Mr H. F. Scott, who has been granted leave of absence during the time he is on active service. Secondary Department Five passes out of nine candidates who sat for the University Entrance examination last year, maintained the good record of the secondary department. A new teacher on the staff will be Miss F. M. Nicholson, B.Ss., a young science mistress. The high school is well equipped for full academic and commercial courses, and it is hoped that the roll will be maintained this year. The Cambridge School Committee will hold its first meeting of the year on Monday evening.