OTAKI STATE SCHOOL

Chronicle (Levin), 6 March 1947, Page 2

OTAKI STATE SCHOOL

COMMITTEE'S MARCH MEETING The monthly meeting of the Otaki State S'chool Committee was held on Tuesday evening. The chairman, Mr. Harold Taylor presided and there were also present Messrs. N. Taylor, W. Wilson, H. B. Edhouse, L. G. Gimblett (secrefcary) , H. Nicolson and J. E. James (headmaster) . Apologies were tendered on behalf of Messrs. Calwell and Lumley. It was reported that Mr. Les. Walsh had started on his duties as caretaker at the school, and in consequence was not eligible to continue as a committeeman. It was decided to ascertain what the procedure was in regard to filling the vacancy, and to send a letter ~>f appreciation to Mr. Walsh for his excellent services as a member of the committee. The Wellington Education Board wrote stating that furniture applied for would be forwarded, and that repairs to the boundary fence would have attention. The matter of securing the Native School for extrn classrooms was discussed, it being stated that nothing definite had been received from the board regarding this matter. It was honed, however, that something for the benefit of the children, now cramped at the present school, would soon eventuate. The Manawatu Catchment Board wrote stating that -a film on soi3 erosion would be screened at Levin, and it was desired that children of the Otaki School attend. After discussion it was agreed to ask that the film be screened at Otaki, and that the schools from Manakau to Paekakariki be asked to send children. Mr. James advised that ^children had becn taken to the Waitohu River for instruction in learning to swim. Some had responded well. but the facilities were not suitable It was decided to again urge on the Education Board the necessity of a swimming pool at Otaki, and to take advantage of the committee's liberal donation and have baths constructcd at the earliest possible moment. It was considered that they were an absolute necessity. It was reported that there was still a shortage on the teaching staff and that Mrs. Eric Taylor. who was to relieve, was indisposed and unable to commence her duties. It was hoped, however, that Mrs. Taylor v/ould shortly be ablc to undertake relieving duties. It was stated that the grounds were being brought into good order by Mr. Walsh, but it was considered that a motor mower was necessary to cope with the whole of the playing area, including the football field at the rear of the school. It was agreed that this would have to be improved before a mower could be used on it. It is likely that a special effort will be made to raise funds for the purchase of a mower. The felling of trees at the rear of the school will have early attention. The chairman extended thanks to Mr. James and his staff on the successful issue of the picnic. which he considered to be one of the best being enjoyable from start to fin^h, and with the arrangements admirably carried out. His remarks were supported by other members of the committee. It was decided to write to the Otaki Maori Racing Club thanking that bodv for the use of its ground and buildings. It j was agreed that the nicnic could not have been held in a botter i nlace, the buildings and conveniences being all that could be 1

desired, while the grounds were well suited for sports. Messrs. Wilson and N. Taylor were appointqd visiting members for. the month. Headmaster's Report The headmaster reported that the number on the roll was 195 boys and 180 girls, a total of 375. The average attendance was 177 boys and 160 girls, a. total of 337 or 89 per cent. The health of the children generally was very good. Approximately 75 per cent. of the children received a bottle of milk daily. "During February," the report continued, "several children were taught to swim and some distances were swum. With better facilities it would not be long before the majority of the senior children could swim at least the minimum distance. Owing to a shortage of relieving teachers, the board -found it necessary to transfer Miss B. Richards to Paraparaumu. Miss Richards' position has not been filled. A donation of 10s 6d was received from Messrs. Hodder and Tolley towards the Boys' and Girls' Clubs, and was won by Michael Southcombe with his calf, which was the best all-round calf in the competition; thanks are due to this firm and the Rahui Dairy Company for their donations and interest. "The school was closed on Friday, February 28. in preparation for the picnic, which was held on Saturday, when an enjoyable time was spent on the local racecouse, kindly made available by the Maori Racing Club. There was a magnificent response from the public to an appeal for funds, which enabled thc committee to treat the children well. I thank those members of the public who supported the appeal, the committee members and others who worked to make the function a success. the staff for its untiring efforts, and the club for permission to use the course and buildings. "In tv/o infant rooms, lower and middle, are 51, and 36 infants. It has been necessary to have two teachers working in on>e room, and I should like to see the matter of the Maori College expcdi'ed. Mr. Walsh, who commenced duties as caretaker. has begun to trim *the front hedges. The asphalt is still in a state of disrepair, but a contract has been let for the repair of the worst section of it. Long grass in fhe playing area was cut by Mr. Aldworth last week. A truck of fire- ! w°od has been delivcrcd aJ- the j school. "The monthly meetings cf tlT^ Hmne and School Association will begin on March 20."