NGATEA HIGH SCHOOL.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5089, 16 February 1927, Page 3

NGATEA HIGH SCHOOL.

MEETING OF COMMITTEE. The Ngatea District High School Committee, met at Ngatea last evening, Mr W. McDuff presiding over the following : Messrs C. S'. Foster, G. T. Davidson, W. J. Clare, R. Buyke, W. Lawrence, .and E. C. Barriball (secretary). STAFF. Several letters were received from the Auckland Education Board with reference to the appointment of temporary teachers for the secondary department. The position was being advertised, and a permanent appointment would be made as soon as possible. Members commented that it was not fair to the pupils to have so many changes in teachers. DENTAL CLINIC. On the reading of a telegram date* December 22, 1926, advising that the school dental officer had been temporarily withdrawn for relieving duty, the chairman reported that he had asked the Power Board to cut off the electric power, so that a saving of £1 7s 6d a quarter would be effected. — Approved. HEADMASTER’S REPORT. The headmaster, Mr N. J. Crabbe, reported that the roll numbers were : Primary, 148; secondary, 23. The average attendance 'for the period to date was, primary 117, secondary 18. Miss Sullings had resigned, and her place had been taken by Miss Monaghan. Mr Gillespie had taken up a. position in the Auckland Grammar School, and Miss F. Elliott was sent to fill the position. After being at Ngatea a week she resigned to take up a post in the. Seddon Technical College, and Miss I. V. Jenkin arrived on Monday to temporarily act as teacher for the secondary department. Slight repairs were necessary to some desks, and it was desirable, to cut the grass at the back of the school. The curtain should be removed to another room, as there were now two teachers ip that, room. Thfe chairman was authorised to have the work asked for done. • Mr Foster commented on the lowness of the average attendance. The secretary stated that there was a fair amount o'f sickness, and some parents did not like to send their children to school during the present ■hot weather. Mr Foster said that there was little chance of extra accommodation being obtained with such a low average attendance. SAVINGS BANKS. Details of the scheme of school savings banks were forwarded by the Education Board. Members commented that the idea was a goood one, and it was decided that the letter be handed to the headmaster. ACCOUNTS. Accounts totalling £3 0s 6d were passed for payment. SCHOOL PICNIC. Mr Davidson asked what were the first steps to be taken in connection with, the annual picnic. The chairman said t.hat the first step was to issue subscription lists. It was necessary to fix a date and a place. Mr Davidson said that New Brighton had proved very satisfactory. Mr Barriball advocated .the Thames Coast on account of the shorter distance and all metal roads. Members agreed that in the event of wet weather making the roads bad the trip coud be diverted .to Puru. It was decided that the picnic be held at New Brighton on Friday, February 25. Subscription lists will be arranged by the headmaster and all arrangements made by the committee. NOXIOUS WEEDS. Mr Lawrence urged that steps oe taken to have- the daisies removed from the playground. Mr Clare pointed out that there was also clumps of tall 'fescue. »’ The chairman said that the matter would certainy be attended to SWIMMING BATHS. Mr Burke, asked had the question of school swiming baths ever been considered. The chairman said that the matter had been carefully considered, but allowed to drop on account of the great cost. Mr Foster pointed cut that the Education Board would grant a liberal subsidy. It was decided to ascertain what action the board would take. HOT WEATHER HOURS. The chairman reported that the ■headmaster had asked tor a ruling as to whether .the school should be closed during the afternoon when the temperature wa& high. Authority for such action had been granted by the Education Board, but the local difficulty was the number o'f children who travelled by motor buses. Members expressed the opinion that the headmaster should have absolute, discretionary powers.