ST. THOMAS’ ACADEMY, OAMARU.

New Zealand Tablet, 20 January 1921, Page 37

ST. THOMAS’ ACADEMY, OAMARU.

The annual distribution of prizes in connection with St. Thomas’ Academy; Oamaru, was held in the Recreation Hall on Thursday, December 9, Rev. Father O’Connell presiding. The Very Rev. Mgr. Hackett (Auckland), Rev. Fathers Furlong (Devonport, Auckland), Herbert, S.M., and Foley were also present. The following report was submitted:— “Another year has ended, and the chronicle of its events adds one more bright chapter to the praiseworthy history of the Academy. The roll for 1920 is the longest on record, showing 64 boarders in residence. Many fresh applications have already been made for 1921. “The boys, by steady application and sustained interest, have made very satisfactory progress in their class work. Two were successful in obtaining their Sixth Standard Proficiency Certificates at the annual examination at which all classes were presented in September. The religious training of the boys has as usual held the first place, and thanks to their co-operation the instructions given have not been in vain, as is evinced by the general tone of the school, which has been all that could be desired—the boys’ conduct being exemplary. Number’s made their First Holy Communion in July and December. Daily Mass and Holy Communion for the boys date from their First Communion Day. One boarder is leaving for Mosgiel College to test his vocation for the priesthood. We congratulate him, and while we beg God’s blessings on his efforts, we cherish the hope that many more will follow in his footsteps. . “The boys showed keen interest in all out-door games, especially in football and cricket, and attended swimming at the baths. The football team was highly commended for its efforts in the field, whilst competing for the- shield. “During the year two picnics were held—one in March and one in November—at Teschemakers.” The following is the prize-list:— Junior School. Grade I: Phonics and recitation, Patsy Dunn; drawing— John Kelleher, Billy Higgins and Jack Daly; reading, Dan Flett; spelling, Francis Flett; writing, Jack Dunn; word-building and number, Leonard Earl; plasticine modelling, Jack Foss; reading and recitation, Laddie Bowater; spelling and tables, Jim Murphy; catechism and writing, Denis. Kelleher; writing and tables, Stan. Murphy; number and drill, Neville McKay; improvement in reading and writing and politeness, Desmond Nolan; catechism and drill Gus Hill; drawing and drill, Hori Blackett.

Grade II: Class prize (equal in merit) —'Bertrand McLaughlin and Jim McVeigh; nature study and singing, Bertrand Dunford; geography and drill, Jack Conlan; reading, comprehension and plasticine modelling, Lawrence Nathan; writing and singihg, Jimmy Jones; reading, Hugh Kennedy; composition, Terry Chapman; drawing, Tertius McKinnon; improvement in writing, Jock Kean; politeness and writing, Kenneth Bennell; plasticine modelling, Pat Matthews; catechism, Bertrand McLaughlin. Senior School. Grade I: Class prize (silver medal), Geoffrey Thomas; arithmetic (first prize), Lennie Mangos; improvement in arithmetic Mid writing, Jack Charles; reading and writing, Frank McCormack ; drawing and improvement in writing, Frank Usherwood; arithmetic and spelling, Jim Kearns; spelling, Frank Toomey; geography and drawing, Peter McShane; composition, drill, and attention to miusc, Bruce McKenzie; nature study and spelling, Jack McKay; reading and recitation, Jack Hodgson; singing, Bernard Nottingham; general improvement, Willie Foss. Grade II .‘ Class prize (silver medal), Tom Fitzsimmons; second in merit, Jack Gavegan; arithmetic 1, class work 3, Rupert Cuddon-Large; composition and reading, Bernard Nolan ; reading and recitation, Jack Gavegan; drawing and brushwork, Desmond Crosbie.

Grade III: Class prize (silver medal), Willie Quirk; second in merit, Pat Murphy; arithmetic 1, class work 3, Bernie Mangos; arithmetic 2, and writing, Pat Mangos; improvement in arithmetic, Jack Kennedy; writing and composition, Brian Toomey; general improvement, Jim Daly; composition and reading, Willie Quirk; attention to studies, Pat Kelleher; drawing, Pat Murphy. Grade IV: Class prize (silver medals, equal in merit) — Edward McCullough, Jim O’Farrell; second in merit, Theodore McKay; arithmetic 1, class work 3, * Arthur Mangos; spelling and botany, Gerard McQuilkan; geography and reading', Jim McClintock; reading, recitation and games, Jack Greer; spelling and improvement in writing, Denis Toomey; general improvement, Jack McClintock; composition and. drawing, Edward McCullough; history and brushwork, Jim O’Farrell; order, Denis Toomey; history and improvement in reading, Jim O’Malley. Grade V: Class prize (silver medal), Clarence Campbell; composition and . general improvement, Harry Gallien; reading, Tom Quirk; Irish historv. Clarence Camnbell; attention tn studies, Jack O’Malley. Special Prizes: Christian doctrine—Juniors, first division (sjlyer medal), Jack McKay; prize, Geoffrey Thomas; second division (silver medal), Tom Fitzsimmons; prize, Bernard Nolan; seniors—first division (silver medal), Willie Quirk; prize, Pat Murphy; second division (gold medal), Jim O’Farrell; prizes—•hm 9’Malley and Jack McClintock; Bible history, Edward McCullough.

Pr^zes ’. Silver medal, Arthur Mangos; prize, Jack O Malley; class singing (silver medal), Denis Toomey; violin prizes—-Willie Quirk 1, Pat Kelleher 2, Desmond Crosbie 3. Politeness: Silver medal, Jack Greer; most popular boy

(result of pupils’ votes), gold medal, Jack O’Malley: good conduct, Pat Kelleher. '

Rev. Fattier O’Connell said he was very pleased to preside, but that he regretted the circumstance which caused his instead of the Rightßev. Mgr. Mackay presiding that evening. He apologised for the absence of Monsignor who, he was sorry to say, was indisposed. He congratulated the boys on the progress made in their studies during the year and referred in terms of praise to their good conduct and manly behaviour. Of the many interesting items on the programme, one in particular appealed to him, and he felt it also appealed to others present. This was “The Christmas Story,” a novel little item centred round Bethlehem’s Crib of the Infant Saviour. (Applause.) He wished them a happy Christmas, and hoped that the spiritual training they had received at St. Thomas’ would bear fruit in their homes. He hoped they would show the. same deference, respect and ready obedience to their parents and friends that they had shown to their teachers. He then called on the Hight Rev. Mgr Hackett (.of Auckland) to address the boys. Right Rev. speaker said his visit to Oamaru had been a series of pleasant surprises. The first was that of seeing such a magnificent temple—quite a miniature St. Peter’s. It was a testimony of the work done by the revered pastor of Oamaru. Then he saw St. Thomas’. He had no idea that such an -institution for boys existed. Outside he saw the material. work accomplished, and now inside he was witnessing the spiritual work done. He, too, was touched by the spiritual lesson given by the novel but simple “Christmas Story,” told by a class of boys arranged round the Crib. He hoped the boys would always remember and put into practice the beautiful lessons inculcated therein. He congratulated the parents on sending their children to St. Thomas’, and hoped that the good. example of the latter would make others envious of their training, and encourage other parents to send their children also. He wished the boys a pleasant holiday, and asked each one to bring with him a companion on his return. He promised a gold medal to the boy who brought back next year the greatest number of additional boarders for the Academy. Rev. Father O’Connell then asked Rev. Father Herbert, b.M. to say a few words. He responded by telling the bovs s °n}e comical stories. The ripple of laughter and merriment which ensued bore testimony to the wit and humor displayed by the. Reverend story teller r J