ST. JOSEPH’S SCHOOL.

Evening Star, Volume VII, Issue 2069, 22 December 1869, Page 2

ST. JOSEPH’S SCHOOL.

Preparatory to the Christmas vacation, and following the example of the High and District Schools, an examination of the boys and girls of the St. Joseph’s School took place today at 11 o’clock. We are indebted to the influence of Mr Sproule, the headmaster, for this novel but necessary feature in the conduct of the school. The school-room was tastefully hung with festoons, garlands, and banners, and presented a pretty and pleasing appearance. The walls were garnished with some beautiful specimens of penmanship, including maps, monograms, and pen and ink sketches of decidedly artistic merit; whilst the tables were covered with articles of a plain and fanciful character, admirably illustrating the pi-olicicncy of the girls in needlework. There are some maps mounted and hung iu therof-m, very cleverly executed by seme of the boys, to which we are disposed to devote a special word of commendation. We refer to a Map of Australia, by Master D. Popplewell, 13 years of age, well drawn, with the emblematic figures of the Emu and Kangaroo nicely co'ored at the top. Another map, namely, that of South America, hy Master De Bazin, is also very clever. But besides the productions of the boys, with which the room is amply furnished, there are some finished pen-and-ink and pencil sketches hy the master, Mr Sproule, which were skilfully hung, so as to give additional interest to the exhibition. There was a tolerably large attendance of persons interested —chiefly ladies—to witness the examinations. The Be vs. Father Moreau and Maloney, and Mr A. E. Bridget's, undertook the duty of questioning the children. The programme of subjects up >n which an examination was made included English grammar, geography, arithmetic, reading, writing, &c. ; and it must he admitted that the children were searchingly questioned, and that their prompt and ready rep’ies were alike creditable to the pupils and their tutors. The following is a list of the persons to whom prizes were awarded ; boys’ side. Fur General Proficiency. well ; 2nd, Essenhardt. Mapping. - Ist, Popplewell ; 2nd, De Bazan. Book-keeping. Tierney. Geography. Spelling and Arithmetic. —Ist, A. F. Austin (eight years). Recitation (first class). 2nd, De Bazan. Eceitation (junior class). —Ist, Haggarty (six years). DIKES’ HIDE. Writing.—Kate Sampson, Ist; Mary Ami Dougherty, 2nd. Grammar.—Mary Jane M‘Gormaek, Ist. Beading and Arithmetic. —Frances Bourl e (10 year ;), Ist. General Sewing and Fancy work. —Margaret Fitzgerald, Ist ; Annie Martin, 2nd. The examination must he pronounced an unqualified success. The visitors were perfectly satisfic I with the proficiency of the children; an I the master and mistress (Mr Sproule and Miss Austin) thus received though indirectly, the highest compliment to their general efficiency. We congratulate them on the satisfactory condition of the school. Now that the system of examination is inaugurated, we hope to have the opportunity of witnessing many similar exhibitions in the future, and the public will assuredly have np occasion to complain if they only maintain the high character of that to which we have this day drawn attention.