INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL ELECTION OF COMMITTEE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 104, 4 May 1937, Page 12

INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL

ELECTION OF COMMITTEE

ANNUAL MEETING HELD The annual meeting of parents of pupils attending the Wanganui Intermediate School was held last night, Mr. D. McClymont presiding. The annual report and statement of accounts were adopted. It was disclosed in the report that this is the fourth year of the school’s existence. “And the committee is unanimously of the opinion that the school’s establishment has been fully justified,” the report stated. “There Is a steadily growing tendency to acknowledge the benefits derived from the system of the Intermediate School as is shown by the number of enquiries as to the working and results of it and also by the fact that over 60 children from outside the contributing area attended he school during the year. The number for the present year is SO. “Considerable opposition has been expressed in some quarters but that has been the experience also in cities where such schools are now well established, and the system appears to have been generally acknowledged in many countries as being on sound lines.

"The year commenced with a roll number of 366 and closed with 349. A good standard has been and the tone has been excellent and every attention has been given to the welfare of the children. The ‘house groups’ have always proved a great success.

"The careful grouping of the young adolescent, under discipline separate from younger children, into classes most suited to the interest and qualification of each is undoubtedly on right lines, the child being encouraged to do his or her best in every way possible and the response being very good. The scholars regard their teachers as leaders. The keen interest and co-operation of parents is welcomed by the teachers and many have taken advantage of the opportunity of personal interviews. It appears that in the interest of the children there should be a close co-operation between intermediate and secondary schools.

"Baths.—The baths were not used to any great extent owing to the unfavourable season and health restrictions.

“Functions.—These consisted, as in previous years, of the annual ball, open evenings, and competitions, and were most successful. The committee expresses appreciation of the efforts of the teachers and children and of the services of that band of women who help year after year at the annual ball. These functions are a very important part of the school life as they bring together the parents, teachers and scholars. “Sports.—These have been well catered for in football, cricket, basketball, swimming and athletics. “Library.—This is being steadily built up and is much appreciated. “Finance.—The year commenced with a credit of £39 11s 2d and ended with a credit of £44 15s sd. Particulars are set out in the balance-sheet. “Grounds and Buildings.—These are in good order except that the latter is old. The upkeep of the grounds is a large item and some better arrangement will have to be made about the mowing of the playing area. Certain storm-water drainage is urgently required.”

The question of coping with storm water in the level portion of the school grounds was raised by the chairman. He wanted more light thrown on what the committee had done in this matter. Replying, Mr. Jones said that the matter had not been shelved exactly, but it was a major work and application had been made to the Education Board. “And we are hoping and hoping,” Mr. Jones stated. He understood that the work was included in a major scheme of works in contemplation. Mr. A. Bullock moved that the meeting strongly protest at the condition of portion of the school grounds, owing to excess storm water. Other speakers spoke strongly on the matter. Mr. D. Murchie: The Education Board is responsible for these things. Can’t it be asked what it is going to do about it? The motion was carried unanimously and will be forwarded to the Education Board and to Mr. J. B. Cotterill, M.P. for Wanganui. Election of Committee. The following committee was elected as the result of a ballot: Messrs. G. A. Ammundsen, E. L. F. Buxton, A. P. Ralph, A. M. Rennie, H. N. Shires and the Rev. H. L. Ker, M.A. A vote of appreciation to the retiring chairman, Mr. W. S. Jones, was carried by acclamation.