PRIMARY SCHOOLS.

Waikato Times, Volume 113, Issue 18928, 24 April 1933, Page 8

PRIMARY SCHOOLS.

SUCCESSFUL YEAR. RAISING OF ENTRANCE AGE. REDUCTION OF STAFFS FOLLOWS. The annual meetings of the Hamilton Primary Schools are being held this evening. In cases where no election is necessary the names of the members of new committees are published, together with the annual reports:—

FAIRFIELD Committee: Alessrs G. Alead, H. R. Bishop, R. R. Paterson, A. A. Woodward, H. W. Fisher, E. G. Rollo, R. H. Page, J. G. Norman, W. H. Graney. The past year had been rather a difficult one for school committees, necessitating the adoption of a very conservative policy to conserve their limited funds as much as possible," ■stated the annual report of Fairfield School Committee chairman, Air A. A. Woodward. “The number of pupils at the commencement of the year was less than usual, due to the school age being raised to six years, and It appeared that the school was likely to lose a grade, In case it would probably lose the services of some of the higher-graded teachers.

“Under the control of Air F. AIoGrath and his willing staff the standard of work and general efficiency of the school had been most satisfactory, and the school buildings and grounds had been well cared for.

"The annual fancy dress ball was held in August, and the school sports, breaking up functions and picnic were well patronised, and were the means of bringing the parents into closer contact with the school’s activities. “The Fairfield school social committee had done valuable work in assisting the committee financially, and it was hoped that the parents would ogive their whole-hearted support to the social committee’s future activities."

FRANKTON JUNCTION. Committee: Messrs A. J. Hayward, R. P. Kilham, L. G. Marquand, G. Heppleston, F. Herbert, J. P. Coulter, H. Lee, F. Mole, A. Galbraith.

With a roll number of 463 the average attendance had been well maintained, stated the annual report of the Frankton School Committee. During the year there had been live changes in teaching staff and the direction of teaching effort had been more than usually heavy, while the headmaster himself had found it necessary to prepare the senior standard for its final examination. A pleasing feature in the school inspectors’ report was the reference to supervision and conduct of the school, which showed that general efficiency, order, discipline and tone were distinctly good. The school fancy dress ball was a held at Ngaruawahia. The condition of school buildings and property had been well maintained throughout the year, and the ground improvements commenced during the previous year continued.

A new garden has been prepared on the eastern side of the school between the tennis courts, and a number of bulbs and plants had been provided for the school garden and rockery by residents. A much needed footpath from the baths entrance to the parade ground had been formed and surfaced with cinders enabling all to reach the school dryshod. The parade ground had received due care and attention, tarred metal chips having been procured from the Hamilton Borough Council for patching prior to tarring and sanding. During the short time the Parents and Teachers’ Association had been functioning the provision of a water heater for the supply of cocoa to the scholars during winter, a new library and some 20 framed pictures had been paid for from funds raised.

The school baths last year were opened to the scholars only, but on the approach of the Christmas holidays the demand for public admission was such that the necessary sanction from the borough council was obtained and the patronage was well maintained until the end of the season. Dental clinic fees for 1932 were reduced to 3s 6d per child and the results were gratifying. Parents having realised the position with which the clinic committee was faced, and being satisfied the work commenced was an insurance on the good health of the rising generation made every effort to assist In the continuation of the work by forwarding the fees requested, notwithstanding the hard times experienced generally.

HAMILTON EAST. Committee: C. M. Muir, H. E. Jacka, E. L. Watkins, E. J. Watkins, F. Best, J. Irwin, F. Mead, N. C. Bowe, 11. M. Baker. The committee had had rather a hard year to face —capitation had shrunk owing to decreased attendance, due mainly to the exclusion of the ‘five-year-olds’; subsidies from the Education Board had been discontinued in most tilings, such as ground improvements, library, music, etc., and the expense of supplying all stationery and hand-work material now fell on the committee, stated the chairman of the Hamilton East School Committee, Mr H. M. Baker, in his annual report. Added to these factors was Hie financial worry being felt by most parents. ]» spite of the difficult times, however, the parents had lent very generous support. “Notwithstanding these adverse conditions, many improvements have been effected. The school library lias been reorganised and added to and cupboards built to house it. As in the past the school lias maintained ils standard in athletto sr.rt other competitions and lias its full share of primary school cups and trophies. “A number of improvements have been made to Hie grounds. It is recognised that Hamilton East School is situated in probably the worst possible position as regards a playing area, but in spite of this disabilitiy Hie grounds have been transformed during the past few years. The large lawn lias been levelled and at present, a concrete drain is being laid down at the bottom of the slope to catch and carry off all surface water and seepage. This should keep this

flat dry in practically all weather. The smaller lower fiat has been enlarged and levelled and wire-nelting guards have been erected at the hack. The ground now makes au excellent one for basketball. The paths and top flat have had dressings of bitumenous material. “The buildings, some of whloh are over 56 years old, needed quite a lot of attention and the necessary repairs having been done, the whole school is generally in good repair. The teachers’ and headmaster’s rooms have received attention, but neither are In keeping with the size of the school. However, we have hopes of netv buildings in the near future and no doubt improvement will then be effected to the staff rooms.”

The year was commenced with a balance of £BB 14s, representing £65 0s 4d in the general account and £23 13s 8d in the committee’s own account. The year closed with a total balance of £lOl 13s 2d, £9O lis 2d In the general account and £ii 2s in the committee’s account. Since the closing of the accounts on March 31, the proceeds of the Gala Day held by the sohool and amounting to £ls have been placed to the credit of the committee. “Against this, liabilities amounting to nearly £3O have been incurred in ground improvements, stationery and library." HEADAIASTER’S REPORT.

The year 1933 opened with a roll number of 484 and at present stands at 498, as compared with 539 (at the commencement), and 51S (at the conclusion) of last year, reported the headmaster, Air W. A. Cur.teis. On account of the falling attendance the school lost the services of two of its teachers and dropped a sub-grade. The school was successful in winning the Cambridge Choir Cup f-or the third year in succession. It also scored its fair share of successes in cricket and football and maintained its reputation in tennis by winning the junior and senior championships. An Thirty-nine swimming certificates were issued and at the inter-club sports the rose bowl was annexed. Nearly all the pupils presented passed the proficiency examination. HILLCREST.

“I regret to say that owing to th» school age for admittance being advanced it has made a considerable reduction in our roll number. Instead of an average of 99 it is now from 79 to 81. The present number is 84," stated the chalripan of the Hillcrest School Committee, Mr E. M. Masters, in his annual report. “Seeing that we' have to maintain an average of 81 to hold our present grade and staff, the committee has been much -concerned. We called a meeting of parents to ascertain what the prospects for the future were, and are assured that there are eleven children available for the second and third term. We are In hopes that Air Sealy will accept the appointment of headmaster In the place of Air Barnby, who has been transferred to Waimana, and that the Board of Education will hesitate about reducing our staff should the average not be quite as good as we anticipate.

“Last year’s proficiency results were exceedingly satisfactory, the whole number that went up either gaining proficiency ior competency. “The tennis courts were top-dressed during the year and now possess a very fine surface. The swimming sports were the best we have had and I compliment the staff on their excellent management. It is most gratifying to see the number of -children that are keenly interested and are making quite good swimmers. Hillcrest school baths were the first erected In the Hamilton district. The western side of the grounds was ploughed and harrowed with the idea of grassing, but owing to the lumpy state of the turf, have decided to leave It fallow and sow grass in the spring. Most of the good work in the gardens goes for little as the holiday terms are just at the time most of the plants are at the best. However, much useful work is achieved. “An inter-house shield was presented by Mr Edgecumbe, and the school now' has a scholastic and a sports shield for Inter-house competition. “The school is now well equipped with tennis courts, football ground and baths, and the last lap to complete the basketball grounds* is well under way. "There is a small credit balance in the bank and all accounts have been paid.