Gisborne School Committee.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIV, Issue 1962, 22 December 1906, Page 2

Gisborne School Committee.

HOLIDAY QUESTION,

»-« ; | ! I 1 I The above Committee linot last ovoning’ Present: Messrs J. Somervell (chairman), Brow, Nisbott, Barlow and Darton. The headmaster (Mr F. J. Rowley) presented the following report: “Tho attendance for the quarter has averaged 838, and the roll now stands at 943. During tho month various examinations have been held in connection with tho school for ono or more of the following:—Matriculation, Junior Civil Service, Senior Boards, Schloarship and Junior National, Queen’s and Board’s Scholarship. Standard VI. were examined on December 3rd. I have examined the school from P. Upper to Standard V. for promotion. One hundred and three children are entitled to medals or bars for previous medals for full attendance. Last year’s number was 60, and the previous year 28, Tho orders for the medals have been given, and will be ready after the holidays, I have to report that (inale pupil teacher, has absented himself to-day in order to attend a picnic, although he had asked my permission and been refused. All the outlying schoolrooms have been vacated. The furniture should be completed before the closing of the holidays.” With reference to the holidays, Mr Brown entered a protest against .the closing of the school on Wednesday afternoon He moved that a vote of censure be passed on the headmaster for closing the school on Wednesday night instead of Thursday, the time fixed by the Board, This was seconded by Mr Barlow.

Mr Somervell said that the reason the school was closed was to convenience several of the teachers who wanted to catch the boat on Wednesday night. The spirit of the Board’s instructions were carried out, but not the letter. He did not give permission for this to be done, not being able to do so without the consent of the committee.

Mr Darton moved as an amendment that the Headmaster be asked for an explanation. Mr Rowley was not present, and it was only fair that he be asked to do so-

The Chairman seconded the amendment.

On a show of hands the vote of censure was passed. This concluded the business, In regard to the pupil teaoher who had absented himself without leave, it was resolved to ask for an explanation. Messrs Nisbett, Brown, Darton, and the Chairman were appointed to arrange works about the grounds and have them oarried out during the holidays. The oredit balance was etated to be £8 7s.