EDUCATIONAL

Hutt News, Volume 1, Issue 1, 25 May 1928, Page 5

EDUCATIONAL

The 14th annual report of the Eastern Hutt School, presented by the Headmaster, Mr A. Meßain, at the last annual meeting of householders.

The total number of scholars attendJng the school to-day is 780, an increase of 90 for the year; 245 scholars have been withdrawn and2s4 been admitted* These changes—in some measure—'mar the smooth running of the work in all classes. Sixty of the scholars who left had obtained either a Proficiency or Competency certificate in Standard VI and had completed their primary school course. The new school, opened at Waiwhetu, took a very small number of our scholars and there are still a fair number living within easy reach of that school who could reasonably be expected to attend there. Two of our classes are accommodated at Knox Sunday Schoolroom—a composite class of Std. 4 and Std. 5 and a class of Std. 3. When a count was taken of those likely to attend the new school in Fry's Lane the number was estimated at 58. It is expected that this school will be opened about the end of May. In order that we may relinquish the use of Knox rooms it will be necessary to transfer at least 90 scholars to Fry's Lane. This number can be provided if compulsion is used by the Education Board on those living within the newly defined school boundaries. In making this . arrangement I would prefer to exempt Std. 6 pupils who I think should be allowed to complete the year at the Main school. The average class is 52 and that of the infants 49—much too large for efficient teaching and work. The average attendance was 692, equal to 89 per cent. Doctors Shaw and Bakewell made | medical examinations of the scholars and gavo a good report on the general health and appearance of the children. A large number of our scholars take part in the outside games and compete in contests in tennis, cricket, football and basket-ball against the other local schools. Once a week our senior boys and girls are taken to Eiddiford Baths to learn or indulge in swimming; 67 * scholars secured certificates for distances ranging from 50 yards to half a mile. The fine spirit of co-OTdination which exists between parents and teachers is ; an undoubted factor for the making of success. The following ex-pupils of this school gained Junior National Scholarships at the end of last year:—Roger Doig, Alan Lowe and Graham Bond. Miss Dyer who is a probationer with us this year, ,is also an ex-pupil, she returns after a highly successful course of study at the Wellington Girls' College. In conclusion may I thank the members of the Committee for their fine efforts to improve the surroundings of the school—for the good feejing existing between themselves and the staff and for the unfailing courtesy and assistance shown to me as headmaster. The following balance sheet shows the Eastern Hutt School Committee to be in a vexy strong financial position, probably unequalled by any other similar organisation in New Zealand. SPECIAL ACCOUNT. £ s. d. Balance at Bank, 1/3/27 .. 48 5 0 Picnic .. .. 116 15 6 Voluntary Contributions .. 478 3 6 Contributions ' refunded to Education Board .. 49 5 0 Subsidies .. .. 55 13 1 Hire of Rooms & Grounds .. 17 2 0 Discount .. .. 3 0 £765 7 1 Payments. Proportion cleaning ... 79 3 3 Picnic .. .. 92 14 5 Contributions deposited with .. Education Board ..i 49 5 0 Phone, Library, Fence and Shed, and General ..i 91 16 8 Cash in hand &in Banks .. 452 7 9 £765 7 1 GENERAL ACCOUNT. Receipts. Grants for incidental expenses • • • ♦ 238 13 9 Grants for special purposes 3 13 8 P.O. Saving-bank interest..: 14 11 6 £256 18 11 Payments. Proportion cleaning .. 177 310 Fuel & Lighting .•• 29 5 8 Repairs . . .. 24 17 5 Books & Stationery .. 15 4 8 Expenses of Committee and postage .. .. 10 7 4 ! £256 18 11