OTAKI STATE SCHOOL

Chronicle (Levin), 4 December 1947, Page 2

OTAKI STATE SCHOOL

iVIEETING OF COMMITTEE * The monthly meeting of the Otaki State School Committee was held on Tuesday night, Mr. Harold Taylor presi'ding. There were also present Messrs. N. Taylor, W. A. Calwell, W. Wilson, A. G. Kirkwood, L. G. Gimblett (secretary) , H. B.. Edhouse, H. Nicolson and J. E. James (headmaster) . An oil painting was received from Mr. W. G. Rhind, to be disposed of for the benefit of school funds. It was decided to write and thank the donor for his generosity. and to arrange later how to dispose of the gift to the best advantage. The matter of School buildings was again discus'sed, but at present it was agreed that very little could be done. The buildings and the play area are totally inadequate for . present day requirements, and the committee's representative on the Education Board will be asked to assist in the matter at the opportune time. The question of swimming baths was mentioned, it being stated that cement was available for watersiders' huts, but evidently not foi a most useful purpose — the construction of swimming baths at the school. The matter of buildings was left in the hands of the chairman and headmaster. The hope was expressed that the dental clinic would be given attention, it being' understood that the work would be 'done if a suitable tender could be secured. A donation of £16 was received from the Licensed Victuallers, through Mr. T. V. Cahill, part of the proceeds from a recent ball, for school funds. It was decided to write to Mr. Cahill and thank him for the gift. Eulogistic reference was made by the chairman and other members to the recent flower show held by the school children, and which it was considered did themmuch credit. It was mentioned that such shows would be the forerunner of bigger objectives, and that the Otaki H. and D. Society would reap an advantage through the splendid efforts of the children. It was agreed that never had there been a better show, and credit was given Mr. James and his staff fqr the time and energy they had put into their work for the benefit of the exhibition.

Christmas and New Year greetings were exchanged between the comniittee and headmaster, the latter being asked to convey seasonal greetings to the staff. It was mentioned' that the harmony which existed between the teaching- staff and the committee had never been better. They had all worked together for the benefit of the school generally. Headmaster's Report The headmaster reported that the number on the roll a-t November 28 was 199 boys and 191 girls, a total of 390. The average attendance was 185 boys and 178 girls, a total of 358 or 90 per cent The health of the children appeared to be good and few eases of infectious complaints had had to be reported. ' "Form'II held a very suceo.^fful shop day at which £29 ,14s was taken," continued Mr. James. "The concert held by other sections i-i the school raised £6 8s 3d, the baiance of £35 12s 3d being handed to the committee. The annual flower show was an outstanding success, both in quality and quantity of . exhibits, the children certainly excelling themselves in their work. A most pleasing feature of the show was the number of adults who attended, and who expressed appreciation of the event. Messrs. Bartosh and Evans, w7ho acted as judges, are thanked for their interest and work. The Otaki H. and D. Society's action in lending its equipment is much appreciated. "Tcgather with all North Island schools, the school was closed as a. precautionary measure against infantile paralysis. All teachers reported for duty as usual 011 Monday. The annual surveys were completed before the school was closed, with the exception of a few cases of reading, and the teachers . have been busy writing up the reports, cards, etc. Parents may collect the children's reports at the school office from Thursday." ' • !