ANOTHER YEAR ENDED.

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 17898, 19 December 1929, Page 10

ANOTHER YEAR ENDED.

HAMILTON EAST SCHOOL. BREAKING-UP CEREMONY. HEADMASTER HONOURED. Sixty long years have rolled by since the first pupils of the Hamilton East School began their studies in a small building surrounded by wild scrub-covered country. But times have changed, and where once stood a small shed now stands an imposing structure. In which about 620 children are being fitted to face the battles of life. The scrub-covered land which once surrounded the site is now taken up by smooth asphalt playgrounds and green tennis lawns, which become the largest school in Hamilton. Yesterday afternoon the activities of school work were suspended, and the scholars, as well as a large number of parents, assembled to celebrate the conclusion of another year of studies. The rooms of the school had been tastefully decorated by the pupils, and many cleverly executed examples of their work adorned the walls. Parents and visitors sfftmt much time inspecting the school, and many complimentary remarks were passed on the high standard of the work displayed. Even in the primary classes there were some striking examples of childish Ingenuity in plasticine and paper work. Some of the drawings of the upper classes were remarkably well done, and attracted considerable attention. Around the playgrounds stalls were arranged, and these received good support. The proceeds derived from this source are to be devoted to the dental clinic fund.

The Break-up Ceremony. After they had inspected the display in the school the parents and visitors gathered on the tennis lawns, where the children were already drawn up in classes. Mr W. A. Curteis, the headmaster, in opening his remarks, said that this was thfe first occasion on which he had had the opportunity of addressing the parents. lie thanked them for coming as they had to this, the closing day of the school year. Speaking of the progress made in the school during the past year, Mr Curteis said that much good work had been done 'by the committee, and the children had derived great benefit from the results of their efforts. The new sports paddock had solved the problem of inadequate. playing grounds, while the musical side of the children’s education had been catered for in the provision of gramophones. The library, also, had been considerably augmented. Special mention must be made of the very enjoyable trip which the children had to the Auckland Zoological Gardens. This was organised by the School Committee, and to them the children owed a debt of gratitude. Continuing, Mr Curteis expressed appreciation of the manner in which the staff had worked at all times. Their inyal assistance had been a deciding factor in the progress of the school, and he wished to take this opportunity of thanking them. (Applause.) j An innovation which had done a tre- j rnendous amount of good in the school j was the prefect system. For the first j time, this year prefects were appointed and he was pleased to say that their influence had been uplifting to a marked degree. The prefects had been responsible for the cocoa scheme which was so popular during the cold months. He called for cheers for the prefects, and these were given in no uncertain manner).

The School Magazine. A publication which had not previously made its appearance in Hamilton primary schools was the School 'Magazine, which Hamilton East inaugurated this year. Mr J. S. Leech, one of the masters, was responsible for the compilation of the magazine. Originally it was intended to be a class chronicle, but it achieved such success that it was adopted as the school publication. In the magazine are chronicled many items of interest which have occurred in the Hamilton East School during the past year. It is an attractively printed little journal, and worthy of such a school as Hamilton East. Next year it is intended to embark on a more ambitious scale, and include photographs in the publication. At the conclusion of Mr Curteis’ address the younger children entertained with several pretty little choruses, which were much appreciated. The Chairman’s Remarks.

Mr C. Speight, chairman of the Hamilton East School Committee, welcomed the parents and visitors, especially Miss Tring and Mr Bagley, two old members of the staff who have now resigned from active participation in the affairs of the school. Speaking of the school, Mr Speight said that harmonious relations existed between the committee and the staff. The committee were greatly indebted to the teachers for their efforts in upholding the reputation and traditions of the schooL. (Applause.) He then called on Mrs S. Craig, a member of the committee, to present the proficiency certificates to the sixty-two successful candidates, and competency certificates to the five pupils who qualified for this award. Mrs A. Seal presented swimming certificates to those pupils who had passed the necessary tests. The highest award went to Lester Johnston, who qualified for the 880 yards certificate. He received his certificate amid applause. Mr Speight urged the pupils who had gained their proficiency certificates, and who were leaving to continue their studies at other schools, to carry on the traditions of the Hamilton East School. Presentation to Headmaster.

A happy note was struck by the Me 'headmaster, Mr G. Bagiev, who rose to speak amid applause. He expressed pleasure at being once again among his old pupils, and he congratulated the successful candidates in the examinations. On behalf of the committee he asked the present headmaster, Mr W. Curlers, to accept a handsome engTaved gold eversharp pencil, as a small token of appreciation of his work during the year. Hearty cheers were given for Mr Curtcis, who suitably replied. Examination Results. Proficiency.—Percy Bath, Keith Blincoc, Mavis Bogue, Keith .Brady, Lorna Bradley, Raymond Branch, Nancy Brown, Albert Carlyon, Herbert Chcstcrman, Dorothy Cobb, Douglas Cook, Richard Couislon, Hugh Collision, Mervyn dimming, Rene Darnborough, Norman Dutton, Edgar Evans, Jean Findlay, Gordon Graham,

Jean Grant, Joy Green, Irena Harding, Joyce Harman. Constance Ilarns, Alison Lahrum, Selwyn Ladd, Albert Lonsdale, Lyall Loverldge, Nance Lysaght, Phyllis Major, Douglas Mcßeth, Gwynneth Moore, Loma Morse, Joan Muir, Travis Osborn, Harold Parsons, Phyllis Partridge, Molly Paton, Lorna Perham, Gwynneth Powell, Fred Puoh (dux), Harold Reid, Norman Robertson, Evelyn Robinson, Melvin Roper, Alice Ruck, Albert Scarle, Ruth Shattock, Annie Smith, Douglas Snelling, Raymond St. George, Montague Stott, Betty Syers, Garnet Tootell, Madge Troutbcck, Florence Tucker, Cyril Wallen, Harry Waller, Joy Smith, Constance Wheatley, Joan Mitchell. Competency.—lso’bel Baker, Leslie Dunford, Daphne Perry, Frank Webster, Harry Mitchell. Swimming.—-During the year the following qualified .for swimming certificates:—so yards: Isabel Baker, Ralph Bowling, Eric .Blincoo, Keith Illincoe, Leslie Dunford, Dorothy Fe- j lix, Gordon Graham, Joy Green, Lock- I wood Hogben, Jean Joseph i Rogers, Harry Morris, Phyllis Major, j Bernard Pomeroy, Evelyn Robinson, : Lorna Perham, Joe Rogers, Winnie ! Sutcliffe, Mabel Stacey, Douglas Snel- j ling, Jack Stewart, Madge Troutbcck, j Jack Taylor, Harold Waller, June j Ghesterman (deceased), Dorothy Fe- j lix, Loma Perham, Jean Grant, Win- j nie Webster. 60 yard’s: Evan Mor- ; ris. 66 2-3 yards: Kenneth Jaoka, N. j Jacka. 220 yards: Harold Reid, Ed- j gar Evans. 880 yards: Lester John- j ston. j Gardening.—There were eleven en- j tries in the home garden competition, I ten hoys and one girl. The best gar- 1 den was that of Arthur Hamilton, and 1 he was awarded the prize presented by : Mr Best*. There were ten vegetable j gardens and one of flowers in the com- i petition. Following were the points j awarded: Arthur Hamilton 83, Angus] Thompson 82, Curtis Lee 81, Douglas ; Snelling 78, Harry Morris 77, Barry ; ■Stapleford 72, Nancy Lee (flowers) | 71, Ivan Mitchell 70, Laurence Mit- 1 chell 60, Alf. Fleetwood 60, Travis ; Osborn 60. The school will close this afternoon ; for the annual vacation, and will rc- | open on Monday, February' 3.