ASHBURTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1347, 9 December 1885, Page 2

ASHBURTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE

The usual monthly meeting of the Ashbarton School Committee was held at the Borough School last evening Present— Messrs J. Orr (chairman), A. Orr, Alcorn, Collins, Sileock and Andrews. CHANG* OF BOUNDARIES. A letter was read from the Board of Education stating that the Secretary to the Board wonld visit Ashburton on Monday next to interview the Committee with regard to the intended change in boundaries of the district. PUPIL TEACH SR, On the motion of Mr Silcock, it was resolved to write to the Board of Education stating that the average attendance now entitles the school to another pupil teacher and requesting that Mias Isabella «7ilkie be appointed. caretaker's cottage.

Mr Alcorn reported that the caretaker’s cottage needed certain repairs, On'the motion of Mr Oollins, it vr»a resolved that the renovations and repairs referred to la the Committee's letter of 18th iost be again brought under the notice of the Board, aad that the necessary repairs be effected during the holidays The Ohairman was authorised to arrange for the execution of the repairs required. APPonmfESTs. On the motion of Mr Silcock, it was resolved that it be a recommendation to the headmaster to consult with the Committee before recommending children for appointment as pupil teachers BTAKOIBDS.

A letter was read from the East Oxford School Committee, enclosing memorial to the .Board of Education, praying that masters be not allowed to put children back from one Standard to a lower one at their discretion. On the motion of Mr Alcorn, it was re* solved that the Clerk write to the East Oxford Committee, stating that the wording of the memorial is incorrect, in so far as Clause 1 of the petition, and Clame A copy of resolution is concerned, but that this Committee would be in favor of having that , portion of the Order in Connell, having Inference to the master having it in his discretion to pat back children from a Standard in which they may be studying to a Standard already passed, expunged.

master’s r sport. The Master’s report was read as fol* lowa: —The attendance at the Borough Schools for the last four weeks is as follows:—On roll—Main School: boys, 219 ; girls, 216; total, 431 Side School: Boys: 96; girls, 99; total, 193. Average attendance—Main School: Boys, (68 ; girls, 166; total, 333. Side School: Boys, 79 ; girls, 81; total, 160 -Since last meeting the Inspectors’ examination baa been hole when the Main School made 61 per cent and the Side School 76. With the exception of saying that the examination was a fair one, and that I was much pleased with the style «f the Inspectors, 1 defer making any remarks until the reports are submitted to me. I would suggest to the

Committee the advisability of always considering a report and the teacher’s remarks on it at the same time. The pupil teachers are away at present attending their annual examinations, and we are therefore this week working the schools with the aid of the girls In the VI Standard. The new room at the Side School is completed, and I have therefore to request the Committee to make requisition for the neoesaary furniture, namely—3 seta of desks (3 in a set), same number of seats, sufficient ink wells, 2 black boards, and easels, 1 table and chair. I recommend the Committee to close the school on the 11th instant, and reopen on the 21th of January. Also that the usnal treat and distribution of prizes be postponed till Easter.

FURNITURE. It was resolved to obtain the furniture for the Side School referred to ia the master’a report. HOLIDAYS. The master’s recommendation in respect to the holidays were adopted. ANNUAL TREAT. The question of the annual treat was deferred until a subsequent meeting. INSPECTION. The Inspectors’ report on the Side School was read as follows :—“The School has been conducted under somewhat unfavorable conditions during the year. In one room three standard classes have been taught along with four large infant divisions, and as a consequence the higher classes have suffered from the want of that quiet which is so necessary to sustained mental effort. Although the results in Standard passes are not very high, yst they must be considered reasonably satisfactory. In arithmetic only was there marked weakness. All the extra subjects required by the regulations have been taught and satisfactory progress has been made. The order and attention were good. On the motion of Mr Collins, it was resolved to hand the report to the mistress of the * v ide School.

FATMENXS Accounts amounting to Ll2 12s 8d were passed for payment, and the Committee adjourned.