Teacher's Ability Eulogised

Chronicle (Levin), 6 May 1949, Page 2

Teacher's Ability Eulogised

11 1 . ^ On Thursday at the Otaki, S'fcate School teachers, parents, the School Committee and . Home and School Association were represented at a T'unction arranged to say farewell to Miss Katherine Keddeil, who for the past three years has been a member of the teaching staff at the school. Mr. W. H. Townrow, acting headmaster, in apologising for the unavoidable absence of the chairman and other members of the Schoo Committee, said that all would say farewell to Miss Keddeil with mixed feelings. Though some teachers iooked for the day of their fetirement to arrive, he knew this was not the case with the day's guest. Miss Keddeil was a happy member of a happy staff, who had he p'ed at all times to keep ihings moving. However, the speaker added. she had earned .her re iremenl and all would wish for her many happy years as she moved aitmnd New Zealand. He trusted thrt she would often recall her happy days spent in Otaki; and also the children. Miss L. Lochore, on beha'f of the teachers, assured all that Miss Keddeil would be greatly missed. "There is always a siiver lining where Miss Keddeil ris," added th'e speaker, who fe t sure their guest would look back with kindly thoughts on her profession, especially as her final working 'days had been spent in Otaki's p easant surroundings. Miss Lochore compiiinented Miss Keddeil for the good work she had accomplished in interesting the younger members of the staff and district iri p'ayreading, adding that Miss Keddeil had created for them an interest "they will have all their lives, the benefit of which they will pass on." It was not generally known, continued Miss Lochore, that the name of their guest was recognised not on]y in New Zealand, but also overseas, as a short story writer, and that she is the holder of a degree earned for oiocutionary and dramatic work. The speaker concluded by asking Miss Keddell's acceptance of a travelling bag, a compact and a necklet from the pupils, steff and committee; and extended her best wishes for, a happy re irement. , Musicaf,;. - honours accompanied the presentation, after which Mr. W. A. Calwe'l, on behalf of the School Committee, extended best wishes and .congratulated Miss •Keddeil and the,; other teachers present on choosing the best and, he felt, most importanc of the civil 'Services, adding that the future welfare and conduct of the children was in their hands and was a great responsibility. Mr. R. Bills, on behalf of the Home and School Association, .thanked the guest for .her kindly Interest at all .tiqies in the chi-dren and in the wofk of the association. :.He expressed regret that the school ,was to lose the services of sueh an 'accomplished Heacher. He ioined with other speakers in offering best wishes. Miss Keddeil was greeied with renewed app^use on her rising to reply. She said that she could say with all sincerity that she really had spent three very happy years in Otaki, where relations had always been of the friendliest. In making humorous reference to some of (the qualifications a teacher was supposed to possess, she mentioned "the strength and constitution of a draught horse, the duties of a nursemaid, live the life of a dog and receive the pay* of a navvy." She thanked the donors for the very useful gifts, and expressed her keenest appreciation of them and the good wishes. A large bouquet from the- pupils was also handed to the guest of the afternoon. Miss Keddeil will spend a week in Wellington before leaving for Coromandel.