SCHOOL AFFAIRS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 54, 22 March 1946, Page 4

SCHOOL AFFAIRS

COMMITTEE’S MONTHLY MEETING GENERAL BUSINESS DISCUSSED The last monthly meeting of the present School Committee, before the biennial election, which takes place on Wednesday, April 10, at the school at 7.30 p.m. was held at the High slhool on Wednesday evening. Messrs. J. W. Wilson (chair), H. G. Dainton, W. E. Armstrong, W. Whittaker and T. C. Johnston were present.

Arising from the minutes, the matter of laying a concrete path from baths entrance to the school grounds, to the rear of the primary school building, involving an area of 165 square yards, was discussed, and the chairman reported that Mr F. G. Mahy was prepared to undertake the woi'k at a totai cost of £B7 15s for materials and labour, the latter being valued at £57. The chairman explained that under the present system, the Board granted the cost of materials only, therefore, if the committee wanted the work done, it would be required to pay the sum of £57 out of its funds. However, the committee had in hand £46 consisting of previous dpnations, and if this were put towards the cost, it would mean that only £ll would have to be drawn from funds. It was decided to write the Board, asking for a supply of materials sufficient to undertake the work, and that the Secretary be authorised to have the job commenced. Other accounts totalling £2O 7s 7d were passed for payment. Staff Appointments

Intimation from the Board was received to the effect that Mr T. H. Wilson B.A. had been appointed as Grade A 5 Secondary Assistant, in place of the late Mr W. N. House. The letter also contained information to the effect that the Board had authorised the appointment of Miss J. L. Moore as Specialist Additional Assistant in Physical Education, with headquarters at Whakatane, as from the commencement of 1946. Although this teacher would be ap« pointed to the Whakatane District High School, she would be required in addition, to carry out work at other schools, to be determined by the Senior Inspector. Headmaster’s Report

The report of the Headmaster (Mr I. B. Hubbard) which was received, showed the school rolls to be as follows: Primary School 505; High School 233. The attendance at the Primary School had been .affected by the recent outbreak of measles. Both Primary and High Schools were still each a teacher short. The report concluded with a brief summary of work done on the grounds, and the improvements effected. On the recommendation of the Headmaster, it was decided to purchase two new 14 inch handmowers, at a price not exceeding £6 each, and to trade in, if possible, those which the new models would replace. The question of showers at the school, for use by pupils after periods of sport, was once again thoroughly discussed, the main subject being a- type of shower that would accommodate over 200 pupils in as short a time as possible. Mr W. Whittaker briefly explained a simple idea, and at the request of the chairman, agreed to draw up a plan to put before the committee at its next meeting. A Parent Teacher Association

Arising from an advertisement which appeared in the Bay of Plenty Beacon, the matter of the formation of a Parent Teacher Association wag discussed by the committee, which asked the Headmaster to explain exactly the functions of such a body.

Replying, Mr Hubbard stated that it was generally to interest the public in matters of education. In nearly every district, Parent Teacher Associations existed already, and members met periodically for an address or a discussion, or perhaps to raise money for school purposes. The aim of the idea was to foster interest in educational activities.

The meeting was being convened for Tuesday, March 30, and the committee expressed the hope that a large number of parents and others interested would be present, to lend the Association the full support it warranted.