Meeting Of Otaki School Committee

Chronicle (Levin), 8 April 1948, Page 2

Meeting Of Otaki School Committee

; Tlie monthly meetine: of the Otaki State School Committee was hel'd on Tuesday night, Mr. Harold Taylor (chairman) presiding. There were also present Messrs. A. G. Kirkwood, N. Taylor, A. Lumley, W. A. Calwell, H. B. Edhouse, H. Ni.colson, L. G. Gimblett (secretary) and J. E. James (headmaster ) . A letter was read from the Wellington Education Board, stating that wire suitable for the boundary fence was unobtainable, but granting permission for the committee to do what it could. The matter was left to Messrs. Kirkwood an'd Lumley to interview Mr. Ray Bills. Tne headmaster advised that as Anzac Day (April 25) fell on a Sunday this year, the Wellington' Education Board had suggested that ■school services be held on the preceding Friday. The committee resolve'd to take part in the service, the programme being left to Mr. j* Improvements and repairs to the tennis court were considered and it was resolved to obtain a quotation for the work. Members of the committee expressed regret that necensary work at the school had not been attended to by the board, the need for increased accommodation in the bicycle sheds being stressed. The provision of clocks for the school was discussed and it was left to the chairman to have- the matter attended to. A suggestion that a projector be.. obtained for the school was thought to be a good one. It was stated that the Home and School Association ha'd offered to assist in this direction. Additional accommodation to alleviate overcrowded class-rooms was considered. It was pointed out that members hoped to discuss the subject with the .board at no 'distant date, when Tepresentativcs of the ward would be invited to attend. It was decided to purchase three basketballs for school use. Messrs. Kirkwood and Lumley were appointed visiting members for the month. HeadmasteFs Iteport The headmaster (Mr. James) reported that the number on the roll on April 5 was 200 boys and 191 girls, a total of 391. The averagc attendance to that date was 183 boys/an'd 180 girls, a total of 363 or j '93 per cent. The health of the children appeared to be very good, he said. The supply of milk had been cancelled in the meantime. "Mr. W. Hesse, agriculture instructor, visitted the school when! he discussed. the various aspects of nature study work," continued the report. "Mr. Brebner, dental 'inspector, paid a visit to the clinic. "An authority from the Education Board has been received for the plpughing of the school plot in preparation for the sowing of green manures. Mr. Foster has been appointed to the B grade position and will take up his ;duties as from May 24. The term ends on Friday, May 7, and school re-opens on Monday, May 24. "The buildings and grounds have been kept in excellent order, but the dry weather has caused large 'ooulders to appear in the path to the rear entrance. If the stumps by the resi'dence could be dug out and the rough place nearby levelled, an unsightly part of the school grounds would disappear. Mr. Walsh has conipleted the removal of the large popular trees at the back of the section. As a | result the iron fence is in a weakened condition."