OTAKI STATE SCHOOL

Chronicle (Levin), 6 November 1947, Page 2

OTAKI STATE SCHOOL

MEETING OF COMMITTEE The -monthly meeting of the Otaki State School Committee was held on Tuesday night, Mr. H. Taylor presiding. There were also present Messrs. N. Taylor, H. B. Edhouse, A. Lumley, A. G. Kirkwood, H. Nicolson, L. G. Gimblett (secretary) and J E. James iheadmaster . Apologies for absence were received from Messrs. W. A. ! Calwell and W. Wilson, at present on holiday. The matter of improvmg the appearance of the school memorial and a'dding the names of those who made the supreme sacnflce during the recent war was discussed, but as prices for the work were considered too high the matter was held in abeyance till next i meeting. The Wellington Education Board notified that there would be m increase in school capitation as from October 1, and it would be paid from that date. A -discussion ensued in regard to the present site of the school. It was felt that the playing area was too much restricted for the benefit of the children and their sport, and it was thought advisable that 'a move be made to secure more suitable land for buildings where- ! on a technical school could be erected. The matter will have ! f urther discussion at the next 'meeting of the committee. | Messrs. H. Taylor and A. Lumley 1 were appointed visrang members for the month. Headmaster's Report j The headmaster reported that the number on the roll 011 October 31 was 204 boys aird 193 girls, a ! total of 397. The -average attendance to date was 184.3 boys and 171 ! girls, a total of 355.8 or 89 per cent. The general health of the children was good. Milk was still being distributed daily. "Miss Richards resumed duty on October 13 after being absent on leave," continued the report. "Messrs. G. Stubbs, W. Robinson and J. F. Bell, inspectors, visited the school on October 14, 15 and 16. Mr. A. G. Kirkwood, visiting member of the committee, mahe a thorough inspection of the buildI ings and grounds. Miss Borthwick, art specialist from the Education Department, was at the school on October 6. . "There were 12 entries m the senior calf rearing competition and 1 five in the junior, but two in the ! latter have had mishaps and been j withdrawn. The judging takes place on November 18, when Mr. I. , D. Parsons- will be the presiding ! judge. : "Permission was obtained from , the Borough Council to hold a I street shop day on Friday next. 1 During the afternoon the other ! sections of the school will be giv- ; ing a concert in Raukawa Hall, commencing at 1.30 p.m. The i funds are for general purposes, i extra rea'ders, sports material, etc. J The annual flower show is to be held on November 27, commencing | at 130 p.m. Donations towards j the prize fund are solicited, but a general appeal is not being made |'as a small balance is held from last year's contributions. The next meeting of the Home and School Association will take the form of a ! demonstration of road safety films 1 as presented to schools by the Wellington Automobile Associa- ' tion school patrols. This takes [place tonight." i Mr. Kirkwood, visiting commit- ! teeman for the month, reported that his general impression of the buildings and grounds was that they were well- cared for and rcflected credit on the caretaker. Boundary fences were in a deplorable condition, and the play area at the rear of the school could be improved. The hedge was badly affectcd with borer, and a new hedge was recommended. The memorial fountain showed signs of cracking and needed attention. Standard 4 and their .teacher were deserving of congratulations on account of the school garden. The laying of a cricket pitch was needed, but the limited playing area presented difficulties. Congestion of classrooms was drawn attention to, and it was considered an approach should be made to the board for improvement.