WORK EXTENDING

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 230, 27 June 1944, Page 6

WORK EXTENDING

Value Of Kindergarten Training As the numbers in the training centres developed, a wider distribution of kindergartens throughout the country could reasonably be envisaged, said the report of the president, Mrs. J. A. Doctor, presented to the annual meeting of the Wellington Free Kindergarten Association last night. Of the kindergartens in and round Wellington, the report indicated how the work was extending. The model building at Newtown would be ready for possession in a few weeks, and plans were being drawn up for up-to-date kindergartens at Miramar and Ngaio, sites having already been purchased. Local committees and mothers clubs had 'ecn active during the year, and in nearly every case a record had been achieved as far as money-raising was concerned. Local committees reported that the various branches of work had been marked by goodwill and co-operation, and today the'results were being seen of many years’ work on the part of many people for the pre-school children of Wellington. There were mothers’ clubs at Taranaki Street, B’erhampore, Wellington South, Petone and Miramar, the United Club report showing that all had worked enthusiastically, maintaining their previous high records for funds raised through bazaars, parties, concerts, and social events. The past year bad proved that the kindergartens were ready and able to accept the challenge made by’ a wartime communitv. and to extend their services successfully to meet present-day needs, said the principal, Miss Enid Wilson, in her report. The Taranaki Street Nursery School was now catering for its maximum roll of 50, and that at Petone still fulfilled the function of both kindergarten and nursery school. In connexion with the kindergartens the nim had been to keep capacity rolls in order to benefit as many children as possible, while nt. the same time maintaining a good educational standard. Parents of the children were among those who had given special help to the kindergartens. Througfai their cooperation a i-ecord amount of £977 had been contributed. Miss Wilson said the time had come for extension in many’ directions and for co-ordination of effort. "The work we have begun has a great future. Its development during the next, decade will be greater than at any time in history, she said - ’ , ~ An address was given by Mr. Alan Thom, recently’ in charge of an A.E.W.S. unit in the Solomons.