NEW CONVENT SCHOOL

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

NEW CONVENT SCHOOL

MODERN INFANT ROOM IMPROVEMENTS TO GROIfNDS It was a great effort by the parishioners of St. Peter's Catholic Church last year that resulted in a thousand pounds being raised to erect a modern open-air infant room at the Convent School. The queen carnival exceeded all expectations, and enabled a number of improvements to be carried out to the grounds and existing buildings as well. The roll at the Convent has increased in recent years, and was 91 last year when it was decided to build. When school opens on Tuesday, there will probably be 100 pupils. The new school is a few feel from the other building and is situated so that one wall of each forms two sides of a sheltered playing area that will receive the morning sun. The whole of the school has been painted cream and green, and presents a pleasing appearance. Large Folding- Doors The new building contains one large class room designed on the modern style of open-air schools. Along the full length of the northern side of the building is a porchlike verandah, providing an entrance. This side of the room is composed of eight large folding glass doors, which when open allow for a maximum ventilation. The interior is excellently finished in cream and green, and well lighted. An. electric heating system is being installed. At the western end of the building a useful cloak room is provided. It is fitted with lockers and a wash basin. The old Convent building of three rooms, which was erected in 1909, is still in good order, and will have additional facilities as a result of alterations that have been carried out. It has been repainted inside and out. Bicycle Shed The erection of a shed to hold 30 bicycles is included in the new work. In addition, two-thirds of an acre of land have been purchased at the north of the school to more than double the playing area. The property now extends from Alpha Street through to Queen Street. Many trees have been, cut down to make the grounds as dry as possible. The hedge has been removed from the Alpha Street frontage, and a rail fence erected. There is a good deal yet to be done -to the grounds, but when the scheme of work is completed, the playing facilities for the children will be excellent. NEWBTJILDING MAUNGATAUTARI No. 2 SCHOOL. OFFICIAL OPENING TODAY The new Maungatautari No. 2 open-air school, on similar lines to the Convent infant room, is being opened this afternoon with fitting ceremony. The old school was not of great age, being erected less than. 20 years ago, but it was not suited for teaching the young children, both pakelia and Maori. Strong representation was made several years ago to have a new school erected, and mainly as a result of the efforts of Mr A. F. Moncur, member for Rotorua, in whose electorate the Maungatautari district was then situated, a grant was made by the Department of Education. The new building embraces the latest ideas and should give good service for many years. It may be stated that when the scheme for the consolidation! of schools in the Cambridge district was investigated, it was found that it would not be practicable to include Maungatautari No. 2. In appreciation of his efforts, Mr Moncur has been asked to open the school this afternoon. He will be assisted by Mr W. S. Goosman, member for Waikato, and Mr A. N. Macky, ward member of the Auckland Education Board. A feature of the proceedings is to be a w r elcome by the Maoris of the district. After the ceremony the ladies will serve afternoon tea. The chairman of the Maungatautari No. 2 school committee is Mr • At C. Gagen, and the headmaster is Mr R. D. Ward.