OTAKI STATE SCHOOL

Chronicle (Levin), 3 April 1947, Page 2

OTAKI STATE SCHOOL

- MEETING OF" COMMITTEE The monthly meeting of the Otaki State .School Committee was held on Tuesday night. There were present: Messrs. H. Taylor (chairman) , W. A. Calwell, A. Lumley, H. B. Edhouse, W, Wilson, N: Taylor, H. Nicolson, L. .G. Gimblett (secretary) and J. E. james (headmaster). A letter was received from the Wellington Education Board relative to the resignation of Mr. Les. Walsh, and .stating the committee was at liberty to elect a householder to fill the vacancy. — Mr. A. G. Kirkwood was elected. A tribute was paid to the fine work done by Mr. Walsh while a member of. the committee, while reference . was made to the splendid manner in which he was carrying out his duties as caretaker at the school. The board also wrote in regard to the Native College schoolroom, the use of which was desired by the committee on account of the congestion at the school. The board advised that it had been in communication with the Mission Board, but that nothing could be done till the latter had held its meeting, which would be during this month. The board r.eferred to the shortage of teachers and asked the committee's co-operation in this matter. — Decided ; to do all possible, and those likely to accept positions will be communicated with. Messrs. Calwell and Gimblett were appointed visiting members for the month. It was stated that holes in the asphalt needed repair, a matter which will be attended to. Headmaster's Report Mr. James reported that the number on the' roll at March 31 was 194 boys and 180 girls, a total o'f 374. The :average attendance was 169.5 boys and 156.8 girls, a total of 326.3. An epidemic of chicken pox prevailed at present, but otherwise the health of the children was generally satisfactory. "Fifty-one swimming certificates for varying lengths swum this season were gaihed by children, several of whom learnt to swim this year," continued the report. "At the last meeting of the Home and School Association, itwas announced that a parents' day would be held ih the school on the afternoon of April > 16, commencing at I.30 p.m.' Mr.' L.. J. Wllcie addressed the meeting on the history of the Feilding Community Centre. "The sch'ool was closed on March 27 and 28 when teachers from this staff and surrounding schools attended a course in art. The school will be closed fromFriday, April 4, to Tuesday, April 8, inclusive for the Easter vacation. Mrs. E. Taylor has joined the staff in a relieving capacity. Mr. Phillips. the board's superintendent of works, visited the school recently, when he authorised the felling of trees at the rear of the school grounds. Mr. G. H. Stubbs, senior

inspector, visited the school on the days of the refresher course. "Both pianos at the school are in neecl of tuning, and crne has oorer in it. Footballs and basketballs are needed for winter games. The drill material requires replenishing, ropes, tennis balls (second hand would do) , and tenniquoit rings. The buildings have been well attended to and are a credit to the caretaker who is also making the grounds attractive." . It was agreed to proc'ure ?-tht necessary sports material, while it was pointed out that the Horo- 1 whenua Rugby Union, as usual, would no doubt present footballs.