FREE KINDERGARTENS

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 60, 4 December 1919, Page 5

FREE KINDERGARTENS

PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES. Yesterday evening the Wellington Free Kindergarten Council,held an "at home" in the, Masonic Hall, Boulcott Street, at which a presentation of certificates and exhibition of work done by students and children belonging to the Free Kindergartens was made. Professor T. Hunter occupied the chair at tho request of Mrs. Gill, president of the council. Mrs. Gill read tho examiner's repoyt of Hie work of tho senior students, in which, after commenting upon its various phases, the opinion was expressed that "it was pleasurable to see the character development which enabled these students to take complete charge of a morning kindergarten with such apparent confidence." Favourable comment was also mado of the junior students' work. The examiners, however stated that in their opinion tho standard of tho kindergartens would suffer in spite of the good nnd earnest work of the principal and directors unless moro stiulents were forthcoming next yea,r. The Teporfe emphasised tho fact that during the two •years of training a student received a good education in every sense of the word, and much earnest and careful work was required from them.

. Miss Riley, principal of tho kindergartens, also made a few remarks, in the course of which she commented upon tho fact that this was the first occasion on which this presentation of certificates had not; taken place at Ihe homo of Mrs. Grady. That Mrs. Grady, however, was able to be present with them in the hall was a matter of great pleasure, and her kindness and great interest in the work of tho kindergartens had Mt them all very' happy memories. These remarks of Miss Riley's were applauded by the audience.

The Mayoress (Mrs, J. P. Luke) presented certificates lo Miss Cox and Miss Quaintrell, in the absence of Mrs. W. F. Massey, and also added a. few remarks appropriate Jo the occasion.

Several of the Christmas songs which have been taught to the children were sung by the students, and afterwards theirs and the handiwork of the children was viewed with Mie greatest interest, It was also very much admired, particularly -the gifts made by the little ones for their own home people. Tho students' work was also very interesting, particularly the liiodel' of a children's school and playground, with its flower-beds, grass, and trees, the scooter, the teddy bear, and the miniature stove. After supper was served, at which Mrs. Eicliclbaum and Mrs. Gibhs assisted, dancing and games foilowed, the chilliness of the ovening, adding extra enthusiasm to tho energies of those taking part. Miss Ohudley played, the accompaniments of tho songs which were sung.