SCHOOL AFFAIRS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 10, Issue 17, 28 August 1946, Page 5

SCHOOL AFFAIRS

WHAKATANE COMMITTEE MEETS

-GENERAL BUSINESS DISCUSSED

The monthly meeting of the Whakatane School Committee took place in the High School last Wednesday eveninf, Messrs. J. W. Wilson (chair), H. G. Dainton, W. E. Armstrong, W. Whittaker, F. Clarke, F. W. Lysaght, J. H. Duthie and H. D. Paterson being present. An apology was received from the Ohope member, Mr G. E. Mahy. Accounts totalling £29 14s 5d were passed for payment. / As the result of a recommendation forwarded by the Committee at the request of the Parent-Teacher Association a revised plan of the new buildings was received from the architect, making provision for a -sick-bay and for inside conveniences. Road Safety With regard to the proposed shifting of the pedestrian crossing leading from the Infant School across Domain Road, the Chairman reported on a meeting which had taken place previously with the Road Traffic Instructor (Auckland) and Inspector Sharpe (Whakatane) when the whole matter had been discussed on the spot. After further discussion it was •definitely decided that the crossing -should be shifted to mid-way between McAlister and Francis Streets and that a new opening should be made in the fence to agree with the new site of the crossing. The Borough Council had agreed to the metalling of a pathway from the present concrete playing area to the new gate.

On a suggestion put forward by the Headmaster (Mr I. B. Hubbard) it was, decided to place the gate a little to one side of the crossing so that children coming out of school would be forced to turn and face the direction of oncoming traffic. The question of a school patrol system was left in abeyance, to be raised again by the Headmaster should he find it necessary in the future. Pupils’ - Towels Arising from the, recent discussion by Parents and Teachers regarding the school community towels, the committee decided that -these should be removed altogether. Groundsman A, sub-committee was set up to obtain a new full-time groundsman for the school; (to advertise and interview. applicants) and the-Head-master was requested to prepare a list of duties. Suggested New Board A further circular was received by the committee dealing with the suggested new South Auckland Education Board. The present Auckland Board, it pointed out, controlled almost half of the North Island, and one-third of the whole school population of New Zealand.' Its expenditure was almost one-third of the total education vote. 78,000 children were under its jurisdiction. The new suggested South Auckland Board, it claimed, would administer to 27,000 children.

The committee discussed the matter and decided to reply stating its attitude at the next meeting. School Cleaning

Intimation was received that the cleaning of the Ohope Side School at present being done by the two teachers, Miss Watson and Miss Chambers, who offered to continue for the sum of 12/6 per week, which they proposed to apply to school requirements. The .chairman stated that he felt sure the committee would be only too pleased to accept their generous offer. A resolution along these lines was passed. Matata Property

Advice was received that the Education Department had approved the purchase of property at Matata for the teacher driving the school bus from that point. ' The visiting committee for September was appointed in the persons of Messrs. F. Clarke and J. H. Duthie.