HEADMISTRESS OF NGA TAWA REVIEWS SCHOOL’S ACTIVITIES

Wanganui Chronicle, 14 December 1949, Page 2

HEADMISTRESS OF NGA TAWA REVIEWS SCHOOL’S ACTIVITIES

Reporting on a very satisfactory year the headmistress (Miss P. Evans) in her report presented at the annual break-up ceremony of the Wellington Diocesan School for Girls held yesterday afternoon in Marton, stated that one girl won a National Boarding Bursary in art subjects, 10 girls passed their matriculation by accrediting or by examination, and 23 of the 28 candidates who sat passed their school certificate examination. Post-primary inspectors spent three days at. the school and saw every activity of the school being carried out. They gave a good report and said that in biology, geography, and art, the school was doing work that, was fully equal to the best in any school in the country. For a school of this size this was most encouraging, stated Miss Evans’ report. A number of the pupils’ art. pictures were chosen to go into a travelling exhibition of school children's work round New Zealand, while some of the juniors’ work was exhibited in Marton in an exhibition of work of children under 13. Miss Evans said she was pleased to see that the tendency was now developing for girls to stay longer at u school. Unquestionably, it was worth- ’ while for the majority of girls to have a post-certificate year, even if they did not intend going to University. Parents of those girls who had stayed a second year, also in the sixth form, had spoken warmly of how much their children had gained. The music of the school had developed this year, continued the report, particularly on the theory side. The choir sang in a choir festival with four other choirs. Pupils had been fortunate this year in the amount of music they had heard. Four good recitals were held at the beginning of this term, using the newly acquired grand piano. Visits were also made to operas in Wanganui and Palmerston North. "Considering that we are a country school, I do feel that the girls get good opportunities for musical education,’’ stated Miss Evans. One of the most important events of the year was the school .play. In spite of all difficulties this play, which involved more than half the school, was brought to a high standard of finish and gave to the girls concerned an experience of great educational value, stated the report. A junior drama festival was also held in which plays were produced by the girls themselves.

The school experienced a good season with games. Nga Tawa beat Marsden at tennis and hockey but lost to Woodford :n both. The swimming went very well and a large number of pupils passed the Royal Life Saving Society’s examinations. A gymnastic display was given by the different forms. The trend in physical education today was rather away from the formal p.t., but there was a great value in it in teaching perfect control and finish, stated the report. The display of dancing showed the other aspect of physical education. Here the girls were taught grace of movement and good posture, rhythm and an active understanding of how to interpret music in movement, concluded the report. AMBULANCE NOTES (By “Splints.”) The final official and social function for the Marton St. John Ambulance Brigade has been held for the year and it can safely be said that both sides of the programme were an achievement for those responsible. It brought a successful year's work to a conclusion. The committee this year decided to entertain the nursing cadets and their families, rather than hold a public dance as the cadets had not held any "breaking-up" social.” So the first Christmas party was staged alter the official inspection, with all the trimmings, Christmas tree, streamers, greenery, tinsel, coloured lights, presents, ice creams, clowns and Father Christmas himself, who later in the evening distributed the presents from the tree. During the evening there were many highlights, the chief being the lighting of the tree and the items by the cadets who sang the “St. John Ambulance Cadet Hymn” for the first time in Marton. Flashlight photographs were taken throughout the evening and these are available at the local studio. "Splint” wishes all members and readers a merry Christmas and thanks one and all for the assistance given the brigade during the year.