GISBORNE SCHOOL COMMITTEE

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 84, 17 April 1901, Page 1

GISBORNE SCHOOL COMMITTEE

The following report is to bo presented to the meeting of householders :- •' Staff: During the year Miss Morgan and Miss Evans were transferred to the training school at Napier, their places being taken by- Miss Cussen and Mr Johnson. Miss Mills resigned her post in the secondary class in December, and Miss Buchanan, M.A., who has been appointed to succeed her, took up her duties in February. With these exceptions, the staff is the same as last year’s. Examinations : During the year a new regulation of the Department has como iuto force, under which the passing of the standards below the sixth is left in the hands of the headmaster. It is hoped that the change may prove advantageous, but it is, of course, too early to say whether this hope is being realised. At the Inspector’s examination in October all but one of tbe Sixth Standard were passed. In the scholarship examination the school did not achieve as great success as in some years in the past. The secondary class has, however, been exceptionally successful, ten pupils being sent up for the matriculation exaurnation, all of which passed—a result upon which Mr Maun is to bo congratulated. Tho five pupil teachers passed their examinations with credit.

Inspector's report: Attendance —As has bean seen in tho inspector’s report already published, the shortcomings of the school are mainly attributed to irregulaiity of attendance. The headmaster is making strenuous efforts to cope with this evil, but the matter requires the hearty co-operation of the parents. Irregularity of attendance not only affects those who are irregular, hut militates very seriously against tbe efficiency of the whole school.

Technical Education : During his roeent visit the inspector met your Committee and discussed the provisions of the new Act passed on the subject of technical education. The Committee has applied for a grant of £2500 for the cost of building with a view to establishing classes, and hope that’tbe Committee now to be elected will be successful in carrying on the arrangements to a satisfactory issue.

Finance : The balance-sheet shows £64 11s standing to the credit of the Committee, but this sum should be reduced by £49 11s due to the Technical Committee, which the Committee hold stock io the value of about £lo. A concert was given by tbe children on March 29th, and proved very successful, public patronage bringing in £SB 19s, the school funds benefitting to the extent of £47 18s, which is available for the purpose. There has been no alteration in the buildings during the year, the Board not having funds available for the suggested widening of the old room used by Standard 111, a matter which should be borne in mind by the incoming Committee. The grounds are in very good order. An alteration has been made by the Governors of the High School in the regulations for granting their scholarships, but as the present system is admittedly tentative, it may rest" with the next Committee to advise the Governors with reference to further alterations. The financial requirements of the Committee have been modest, and the applications made to the Board have been favorably met.