THE HELENSVILLE SCHOOL.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 3 May 1917, Page 3

THE HELENSVILLE SCHOOL.

HOUSEHOLDERS' MEETING

AT the householders' meeting, held on Monday, April 30, the whole of the old Committee was re-elected, with the exception of Rev. L. J. Hodson, who did not seek re-election. Mr E. Thurlow Field, being the only other householder nominated, was duly declared a member. Mr Field acted as Chairman, and the following report of the outgoing committee was brought forward: — CHAIRMAN'S REPORT. Ladies and Gentlemen, —I beg to submit the following summary of receipts and expenditure for the twelve months ending 31st December, 1916 :— —Receipts—• £ s. d Bal. in hand Dec. 31, 1915 ... 7 5 3 Grants for ordinary incidental purposes ... ... 61 7 9 Special grant—Scoria ..: 2 0 0 „ „ Repairs lavatory 17 6 Voluntary contribution—Donation for prizes ... ... 1-0 0 72 10 6 —Expenditure—. ! £ s. d Cleaning school buildings ... 26 6 8 Fuel for school use ... ... 10 0 Cleaning drains (sanitary) ... 10 0 Repairs ... ... ... 2 8 8 Improvements to grounds ... 810 5 Sewing machine ... ... 5 0 0 School stationery ... ... 10 11 v 4 School prizes ... ... 10 0 Scoria ... ... ... 2 0 0 Lavatory repairs ... ... 17 6 Printing and advertising ... 1 5 0 Bank charges and chequebook 15 0 Balance ... ' ... 12 511 72 10 6 The average number of pupils on the roll" shows a slight decrease on that of the previous year, being about 238 in place of about 243. The average attendance also shows a falling off, there being an average attend" ance of 196.7, in place of 224.8 during 1915, This, however, was principally owing to the prevalance of epidemics, and cannot be considered 4s a fair criterion of what the average attendance would have been under normal •- conditions.

The Education authorities decided that in view of the recent epidemics, and in anticipation of a continued state of climatic conditions likely to be detrimental to the health of the children if confined too closely to studies" after the sickness many had suffered from, that the school should'only be opened half-time during February. This, to a certain extent, seems to have had a disorganising influence, and, as a consequence, the average attendance for the first quarter of 1917 was only 199.2. 'As the grade of the school will be lowered unless the average attendance for the year is 201, a more regular attendance is necessary, or the teaching staff. of the school will be reduced. As regards the efficiency of the school, it is only necessary to quote the following extracts from the Inspector's report: — "The scheme of work is full, clear, and well arranged. The teaching throughout the school is intelligent and thorough, and the pupils' work is- highly creditable. The p. classes are taught in accordance withapprovedmodern ideals. A pupil of the school has won the National Defence League's Dominion belt for rifle shooting. The grounds, and especially the school gardens, are very well kept." It may also be mentioned that at the examination at the end of the year, 19 pupils gained certificates of proficiency, and one a certificate of competency. Mr McKinnon, the assistant master, obtained leave, and left N.Z w'.th the Expeditionary Forces during the year; and Miss Alice Wilson has been appointed relieving assistant during his absence. At the end of the. March quarter (19.17), Mis.s Ganley, the infant rnistress^ resigned, and has been replaced by Miss Lucy Phillips. Miss Qanley will be much rqissed, as she endeared herself tQ the children, was very successful as a teacher-, and took a keen and active interest in every local entertainment participated in by the school children, and was at all times anxious to further the welfare of the school. —District High SchoolAs regards the, establishment of a District High School in Helensville, the public has been apprised through the; IqceU1 press of 'the efforts of the School Committee in this direction. The Committee was greatly disappointed that it was not established at the beginning of the present year (1917). " It \y.as thqught that all the, requirements had "been fulfilled, b.ut was fqund th^t the final decisicjn, rested' with, "ijlie

Council of Education, which meets in June-. However, the Committee does not think there can possibly be any further delay after the Council meets, as the Education Board and the Board's Inspectors are in favour of the establishment of such a school, and the Minister of Education has promised that the matter will be brought before the Council when it meets. This, coupled with the convincing representations of the urgent necessity for a High School here, and the earnest desire of the parents should ensure its establishment in due course. s —Tennis Court — With a view to proyiding healthy recreation for the children, and incidentally improving the school surroundings, the teachers and parents of pupils organised a garden fete, to raise funds to have a lawn tennis court, or courts, formed in the school grounds. The result is that the sum of £10 12s lid is now in hand for the'purpose, and the Education Board has promised to apply for a £ for £ subsidy on that amount. This will make the sum of. £21 5s lOd available for the purpose, and the "Committee feels confident that should the project cost, slightly more than that amount, there will be no great difficulty in raising it locally. A. Becroft, Chairman. After the householders' meeting was closed, the first meeting of the new School Committee was held. Mr E. Thurlow Field was appointed Chairman for the ensuing year, and Mr F. R. Eames Secretary. A vote of appreciation and thanks was passed to Mr Becroft, who had requested to be relieved of the office of Chairman, for the valuable services he had for so many years rendered the Committee in the capacity of Chairman.