THE PARKHURST SCHOOL

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 11 May 1916, Page 3

THE PARKHURST SCHOOL

ELECTION OF COMMITTEE

AT the annual election, held on April 17th., the old Committee was re-elected, while Mr J. Archibald was re-elected secretary and treasurer, and Mr R. Nicholls to.the post of chairman. The Chairman, in his address, thanked the members of the Committee for their most cordial support. Another item referred to was the manner in which during the past year every member had done his share of voluntary work in the improve" ments of the school ground, which are extensive; also the increase of good attendance of the pupils, and the appointment of Miss Forrest as assistant teacher.

TEACHER'S REPORT

The following is the report as submitted and approved of: —

Dear Sir. —I have the honour to submit for your consideration the following annual report for the year ending 31st March, 1916: The present roll number of the school is 41, as compared with 39 for 1915, and 30 for 1914, showing a steady increase. The average attendance for the year ending 31st December, 1915, was 37.9, this entitling us to an assistant teacher, in which capacity Miss Forrest has been appointed. This ought to make a great improvement in the efficiency of the school, as it was well nigh impossible for one teacher to handle successfully so many children, apart from the fact that a large proportion of them are Maoris.

The school this year did not quite attain the high state of efficiency which it maintained in the previous year, but taking all things, into consideration, the year has been a successful one. However, with the aid of an assistant, we hope this coming year to excel our own good records, notwithstanding that during the first quarter we have been handicapped by a very poor attendance —so poor, in: fact, that for two weeks only was the attendance over half. It is only by regular attendance that-we can hope to retain the services of Miss Forrest, and this is a matter which lies with the..j(parents of the children, If they would only realise that a good education is the cheapest and yet the most valuable inheritance that they can bequeath to their children we would not have so many irregular attendants.

At the annual examinations Std. VI pupil gained,;a free place, and all the other pupils^ 'with the exception of two' Maoris, were promoted.

During the year several sanitary improvements were made at the school. A new fireplace was built, and the grounds are now ready to be sown in grass. When thisr latter improvement is complete the grounds ought to present a very tidy appearance, and will afford a fine playing area either for tennis or cricket. The import ance of properly organised games cannot be over-estimated. They inculcate a better spirit of fairness, unselfishness, and honour than all the moral lessons ever given. Great enthusiasm was shown in the basket ball game last year. Several matches were played, in which we had to lower our colours to Te Pua, but were fortunate enough to defeat Helensville.

A Boy Scout unit, under the supervision of Frontiersman J. Nicholls, has been established, and although few in number, the boys are very enthusiastic and hope to do great things—in fact a camp is already being organised.

The children at the school are one and all still trying to "do their little bit" towards comforts for the soldiers, and many of the boys are now busy with the "two purl, two plain,"

In conclusion I would like to thank the Chairman and Committee for their unfailing courtesy and kindness during the year. They may rest assured that their efforts are much appreciated both by pupils and teachers,

Yours, respectfully, ELIZABETH MCLOUQHLIN, Head Teacher