SCHOOL COMMITTEES.

Waikato Times, Volume 100, Issue 16780, 24 April 1926, Page 8

SCHOOL COMMITTEES.

ANNUAL REPORT. HAMILTON EAST. The annual report of. the Hamilton East School Committee states: — "Owing to the epidemic of infantile paralysis and the Health Department's restrictions in that connection the schools did not commence work until April 27, thus leaving a very short period for the teachers to cover the year's work. "The roll number at the rc-opening of the school was slightly below that of the preceding year, but at the end of Ihe year the roll was 627, practically the same as the closing roll of the year 1024. The average attendance for the year was 537, and the average for the first quarter of the current year is also 537.

"During Ihe year there were several changes in the staff of the school. At the beginning of the year the appointment of a much needed .third male assistant was made, Mr .1. Melville being appoinled to the position which he has since held. Later in the year the two senior lady teachers —Mrs Bcynolds, infant mistress, and Miss O'Donncll were a'ppointed to other schools and their places were taken by Mrs Staples and Mrs Carter respectively. At the end of the year Miss Dclaney was appointed to Tc Kowhai school, and at. the beginning of the present year Misses Blacklock and Ticrncy were appointed assistants at this school, and last month an additional assistant, Miss Speight, was appointed. "The work of the school has been carried out in a most amicable spirit and the relations between the teachers and your committee were most cordial. We wish to express our warm appreciation of the work of the. teachers, both in regard to. the education of the children, as well as in connection with their physical well-being. The teachers have ungrudgingly given much of their own time in connection with the games and sports of the pupils.

"During the year some minor repairs were effected in the older building. We arc, however, .of the opinion that the time is rapidly approaching when the older of the two buildings should be replaced by a more up-to-date structure, and with that object, we would urge the incoming committee to press the claims of your large school to the serious consideration of the Education Board.

"Further work has been done in the grounds. A fine level lawn, sown about a year ago, now replaces the unsightly section left after the removal of the old residence, and a further portion of the ground has been graded and added to the playing area. The side of the gully, which has been a constant source of trouble has been cleared again, and more young trees have been planted by the masters and boys. This, in time, will greatly improve what has long been an eyesore, and it is hoped that, the trees will eventually overcome the rank growth that has covered the side of the gully. Although considerable work has been done there is much still to do. A further section could be graded and made available as playing space, and some thing should be done at the bank overlooking the lower flat. In connection with future ground improvements it seems very necessary lhat a comprehensive scheme of surface drainage and disposal of storm water should be undertaken, in order to check the erosion that is constantly going on on the sloping portion Of the ground during wet weather. "Your committee is glad to notice lhat the Borough Council is widening the roadway in School Gully, by filling in, and hope that this work is preparatory to the formation of the long-de-layed and much-needed footpath on the west side of that street. "in conclusion we wish to express our thanks to Hie local members of Hie Education Board for their interest -in the well-being of the school; and to the headmaster and his staff for the efficient way in which they have carried out their duties during the year.

FRANKTON. The report by the president (Mr F. J. Carr) to be presented to the Frankton Junction School Committee slates: — During the past year two class rooms have been added to the school and this, together with the fact that two new schools have been opened, locallv, has done much to case the disabilities of the headmaster and staff due to past over-crowded condition. Attendance: The average attendance during Ihe year ended December, 1925, was 408, whilst the number now on "the roll is -150, as a result of which the school is lowered from grade 7 lo grade 0.. School Grounds: These were in a vcrv bad state, especially during the winter months, and with a view to improvement the committee has made representations to the Education Board with the object of having the grounds regraded and drained. Levels were taken and plans prepared in connection with this matter and a meeting of householders was called in February last to consider ways and means ot raising money for this purpose. It is lo be regretted, however, that the meeting was very poorly attended there being only about six householders present. It was then suggested that we run a "ijucen Carnival" to raise necessary funds and wilh a view to considering this proposal Mr has been in louch with Ihe headmasters of Bayfield and Otahuhu schools where Queen carnivals were successfully held. This will be a mailer for consideration of Ihe incoming committee. Cocoa: During the cold weather coooa was supplied al a nominal charge of .id per week to each child partaking thereof, the committee bearing Hie balance' of cost amounting lo £t 15s 9d. , , . Staff: The committee wish to express their appreciation of Ihe manner in which the headmaster and staff have carried out their duties and also to acknowledge Hie good work of .Mr Smith, caretaker, who has. at all times, taken a keen interest in Ihe school and grounds. . Sports: In the matter of sport it is pleasing io record Ihe success of the school'teams. The Bugby "A" team were Ihe runners up for the "L irrade competitions, whilst Ihe girls won the senior baseball championship. During the year a very successful home garden competition was held—certificates being awarded to lour scholars, whilst a certificate ol merit for rural science was also awarded to Ihe school by the Education Board. Dental Clinic: About 00 of the iml ior children have received treatment at Ihe Clinic. I,'inanre: The finances of he com milter- are sound and as shown b> H,o financial statement lb- year ended with -i good credil balance.