QUEEN’S PARK SCHOOL

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 87, 13 April 1938, Page 5

QUEEN’S PARK SCHOOL

COMMITTEE'S ACTIVITIES

THE BIENNIAL REPORT.

The biennial report of the chairman of the Queen’s Park School committee will be placed before the meeting of householders to-night. The following is the chairman’s report:— Committee.—At the last meeting of house holders held on April 27, 1936, the following committee was elected: -—Messrs. A. G. Tishy (chairman), K. Rivers (hon. secretary), E. Buller, W. J. Winter, N. Hessey, J. Courie and Mesdames Totty, Courie and Scott. Mr. J. McColl later took the place of Mr. Hessey who met an untimely end while engaged in topping the pine trees in the school grounds. Mr. Hessey was indeed a true friend to all members of the committee and worked unceasingly in the interests of the school. All members have worked assiduously in the interests of the school and in this respect I refer especially to our late chairman. Mr Tutty held the position of chairman of this committee since 1933 and did most invaluable work in furthering the interests of the school. He was beloved by pupils, teachers and parents and it is pleasing to record that his memory will be perpetuated by the A. y. Tutty Memorial Prize (given by | Mrs. Tutty) for the boy or girl who each year follows most closely the motto “Service not Self” —the outstanding feature of Mr. Tutty’s life. It is with regret that I have to record that cur secretary (Mr. K. Rivers) is not seeking re-election as he is outside the school district. For several years he has acted as secretary and carried out the duties most efficiently. Staff.—On the rolls. May, 1937, Mr. C. Liggins (headmaster since 1933), j aevered his connection with the school, owing to its rise in grade. During his term of office the school was conducted most efficiently and I am pleased to say that the same standard of efficiency has been maintained under his successor, Mr. J. A. Engebretsen. Finance.—On taking office two years ago. the credit balance was £4 3s 5d while the balance on March 30 last, was £55 Os sd. This has be?n brought about principally through the provision of greatly increased grants by the present Government, which have enabled us to carry out much which was before impossible. Improvements.—Libraries to the value of £2B have been purchased so that ea r h class now' has its own lib-1 rary. A radio has been installed en-I abling pupils in three rooms to “listen | ’n” simultaneously to the educational' weekly broadcasts. The telephone has • been installed while an electric bell and an electric clock are at present being Installed. Owing to the increased attendance a new room has been added to the aehool. This room is the latest •in classrooms and reflects credit on the boards architect (Mr. Hodge). The board has also commenced replacing the old. dilapidated desks with new ones. It is hoped to have two rooms thus attended to this year. This .year extensive improvements totalling £BOO will be undertaken by the Public Works Department. Extensive asphalting and levelling are contemplated. This matter of ground improvement is a very big one and will need special consideration by the incoming committee. Dental Clinic.—All pupils from this school are eligible for treatment provided treatment has not been broken). The yearly fee is 2s 6d per pupil, but I regret to report that a large number well able to pay neglect to do so. This is most unfair as any deficiency has to be made up by the committee. The matter of payment of fees is in need of a drastic overhaul and will need special effort to make it self-support-ing. I feel that more publicity should he given to dental clinic matters in Wanganui per medium of the Press, as parents would gain much valuable information in this way. Physical Education.—Rugby and association football for the boys and basketball for the girls have been en-

couraged to the full during the winter months. Owing to the uneven nature of our ground baseball has been introduced during the summer. Exceptional progress has been made in encouraging swimming in the school. Since last November 165 learn-to-swim certificates (issued by

; the local Centre) were gained. Cer--1 tificates issued by the New Zealand Swimming Association were gained as follows:—s4 learners (50yds.), 18 proficiency (220yds.), 7 merit (880yds.) and 13 life saving. For this fine result the committee extends, thanks to Mrs. Quirke, who was at the baths every day to instruct pupils. Thanks are also extended to those parents who sent in donations totalling £7 8s 3d towards our sports fund. Parents’ Day.—This was held on December 9 last, and proved a great success. Our thanks are extended to the headmaster and his staff and it is the committee’s hope that the function will become an annual one.

Pupils who should attend our school. —For some years past a number of pupils from our area have attended a school outside their own area. My committee does not object to this, but most strongly objects to the teacher of that school personally conveying pupils by picking them up from inside our area. We feel that an unwarranted slur is being cast on our school through this being done.

Parents’ Association. —This body has now been in existence for several years and has raised much money, all of which has been expended in the interests of the school. My committee owes a debt of gratitude to this body, for without its active help it would have been almost impossible to carry on during the depression period. We sincerely hope that it will continue to flourish as it has done in the past.

Thanks.—ln conclusion, I wish to thank the Press for the space which it has always given to matters in connection with this school. I also trust that the same friendly co-operation

will continue to exist between the committee and staff and also with the board, which has always been most courteous and helpful.