OTAKI STATE SCHOOL

Chronicle (Levin), 9 May 1946, Page 2

OTAKI STATE SCHOOL

— 1 ■*%■» committee meeting The first meeting of , the newlyelected committee for the Otaki State School was held on Tuesday. There were present: Messrs. , H. Taylor (chairman), L. Walsh, A. Immley, H. B. Edhous^, H. Nicolsoh, W. Wilson and L. G. Gimblett; and the newly-elected committeemen, Messrs. W. K. Berry and fi. Taylor, and also Mr. James (headmas'ter) . Mr. Gimblett was unanimously re-elected secretary. A letter was read from the Wellington Education Board, authorising the installation of a septic tank, thus confirming a'telephonic communication. — Reported that the work had been done.

The board also wrote stating that the capitation grant had been increased. It was pointed out that the increase, namely about 10s per month,'was far too small. The board wrote asking that arrangements be made relating to a c'lassroom at the Masonip . Hall, 'thus relieving the congestion at.the main school. It was stated that. the matter had been given attention, * As no timber had arrived for the erection of basketball 'posts, it was agreed to write to Messrs. Cunninghame, Ltd., on the matter, but it was later ascertained that timber had been deposited on the scnool grounds, and had evidently been taken by some unauthorized person. It was decided that unless locarea, the matter be placed in the- hands of the police, but in the' meahtime to order further timber. The chairman was appointed as representative of the committee on the D'ental Committee.

Regarding school garden's, it was pointed out that the adjacent property was likely to be. sub-div-ided, and if so would probably be lost to the school. It was sug'gested that a plot near the headffiastef's residence be inspected, with the view to having it made use of. Messrs. H. and N. Taylor and Walsh were appointed to view the land, with power to act.' It was reported' that Wood ordered from Raetihi had' not arrived, and that unless it was to hand shortly the order would be cancelldd. It was decided to extend the \ basketball area, and to erect two further Sets of posts. It was stated that basketballs were in fair condition, but that two footballs were needed. — Decided that these be secured.- ... ■ . • The chairman welcomed the new members of the committee, feeling sure that good work would be accomplished by both. The -committee had, he stated, worked. in perfect harmony in the past, and he saw no reason why that should not continue. -- Any suggestions that would be helpful would be welcomed. Thanks were accorded to the Rev. Temuera and Mr. Calwell for their efficient services while committeemen. Messrs. Walsh and Lumley were appointed visiting committeemen for the month, and Messrs. Wilson; and Gimblett were authorised to sign cheques or drafts. As there was a sum of £193 in hand for the installation of learn-1 ers' baths, it was agreed to place this amount in the post office, where it would earn interest till such time as the baths were erected. In connection with the installing of the baths, it was hoped that the ' board would push 011 with the work, so that all would • be in readiness for the summer season. The board will be written" to on the matter, and if the'teply is not favourable a deputation will make the journey to Wellington to appeal to the board to put the work in- hand. Headmaster's Report The headmaster (Mr. James) submitted the following repqrt:— - "The number on the school roll at; 1

May 3 was 177 boys and 182 girls, a total of 359, while the average attendance was 155 boys and 151 girls, a total of 306 or 84 per cent. The average roll for the term was 364. Several cases of mumps have aft'ected the attendance, especially in the lower division; Mr. J. J. ■ Stevenson, agricultural instructor, visited the school on May 6 and has niade ' .several'. suggestions' for -improvmg. the;. environment- of the school. The use of the Masqpic;Hall has eased the accommodation difficulty, there being' a class ... of ,30 pupils there. t This : has- been used since April 15. The .school was. •closed for the usual Easter period, for AnzaeDay and will be closed for ,-the term vaeation from May 11 to .26 inclusive. .1 A school service, conducted by Canon Fry and addressed by General Young, was held in the scnoql -grounds. 011 . April 24. Children attended . the public service on Anzae Day.' \ - * "A meeting to form a--*'Parents' and Teachers' Association is being called for Thursday night next. I believe it is the custom to have the one hour dinner recess during rne second term, and to close at 3 p.m. ! Further results of judging in tlie j Girls' and Boys' Clubs have come to ihand, June Fogden receiving the . medal for the best record in the icalf groups and Earl Walsh the j champlonship medal for the best , garden. These two children are to ; be congratulated on the high qualiity of their work. It is hoped to , have large entries this year for all j ccmpetitioiis. The matter of fires ;should be discussed so that a boy can be appointed to attend to the fires during the. coming term.." ! The matter of appointing a boy 1 to attend to the school fires was j discussed, when it was decided to j pay a boy for his labours. - The questioning of altering the | school hours was left in the hands I of the headmaster, who said that ; in winter it would be better if the ; school closed earlier for children i living at a distance.