SCHOOL COMMITTEE

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2440, 20 April 1915, Page 9

SCHOOL COMMITTEE

■ ISLAND BAY REPORT. The- Island ■ Bay School Committee's report for the year shows that although for eight months ~of its term war has been, raging, educational matters in the district have bpeii attended to as in times of peace to a very large extent. The average attendance has been well maintained, and the relationship between the teaching staff and the committee has been all that could be desired./ Two asphalt tennis courts have been completed for the use of scholars during play-time. After hours the Island Bay Tennis* Club has the use of the courts, : the rental'greatly assisting the oommittoo in ground improvement. Arbor Day was celebrated, the Mayoress and _ Councillors Frost and Wright planting trees/ adding to many planted by' teachers, scholars, and committee members—a most enjoyable function resulting. The usual children's picnic was not held this 'year, tho children having decided not to make a call on the residents at that time for funds for pleasure. so that the calls being made for Belgian relief should not suffer.

A grant foi-extra class rooms having been applied for, the' Minister of Education (the Hon. Jas. Allen) visited the school, and was satisfied from what he saw that extra room was needed, and the granting of £900 to narry out the work followed. The contractor is just about finishing ■ the extra accommodation, Which will mean two fine extra classrooms, with folding doors forming the partition. Theso can be folded back when a hall is "required. Electric light is being installed, and as 1 tho : annual meeting of liousenolders is likely to be held in this hall, the residents will have the opportunity of seeing the latest school improvements. '

A kinematograpb lantern' has been purchased by the committee, ar.ct will be installed, and moving pictures of au educatioual character will shortly bo interesting the children. As regards the committee s finance—the years work began with a small credit balance and dosed in the same satisfactory state. The committee wish to thank the Education Board and its officers for the way they have met its members when it has been found necessary to confer, and expresses the opinion that it has helped to make a school committee's work pleasurable. The Press also are thanked_ for interest shown in reporting various functions and meet'iigs. The expenditure for the year on buiMings and ground improvements totals £1100.