SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 854, 18 June 1910, Page 3

SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the Foxton School Committee was held in the Schoolhouse on Thursday evening. Present:— Messrs Hornblow (chairman), Betty (secretary), Rev. Aitken, G. Coley, T. Henderson, Hussey, Levett and Alex. Speirs. An apology for absence was received from Mr Bullard. The action of the sub-committee in granting £5 for extras to the front picket fence was approved. The Headmaster reported that the average attendances for the past four weeks were 306.7, 318.2, 321.5 and 305.5. The average for the whole period was 312.9, out of an average roll number of 368. The present roll number is 365. Mr Cowie, pupil teacher, has been absent for the past three weeks, having broken his leg while playing football in the school ground on May 30th. A start is to be made with the school gardens next week, and the headmaster asked that the path to the front entrance and certain filling be done. Several other minor matters were also referred to. —The report was received and adopted.

It was decided to ask Dr. Mandl to deliver a lecture to the children on the method of application of the material contained in the first aid cabinet as soon as it comes to hand. The Chairman and Messrs Coley, Speirs and the Secretar y were appointed a sub-committee to draw up a report and estimate of work to be done in improving the boys’ playground, and to report at next meeting. Also to undertake any necessary works that may be required to be done in connection with drains, etc.

It was decided to employ the caretaker to put the fence round the horse enclosure in repair, material to be provided by the Committee.

The Chief Inspector’s report of the inspection made on May 25th was very favourably commented upon by the Committee. The report stated, inter alia, that the prevalent tone of the school is entirely to his (the Inspector’s) liking. There is an evident feeling of solidarity among the teachers that makes for the success of the work, and in the various classrooms the pupils appear to be thoroughly at home. The classrooms are, without exception, neat and attractive, and the children, by their gifts of flowers and specimens, are taught to take a direct interest in them. When the outside is made as attractive as the inside, Foxton will have reason to be proud of its school. The teachers, one and all, appear to realise the vital part of their work, the instruction and disciplining of the children. The lessons, so far as I could judge, were the outcome of previous study, and they were given in a quiet and earnest manner. The school is fortunate in its pupil teachers, who are interested alike in their work in school and in their own professional studies. Referring to physical training and games, the report stated that much importance is attached to these phases of school work, not merely with respect to physical development but also with respect to self-control and respect to others.

The visitors’ report, dealing ■with several minor matters, was adopted. The Chairman’s action in letting the room in old school for football practice was endorsed. It was decided to grant the children a holiday on Friday next, on the occasion of the Winter Show at Palmerston N. It was decided to write to the secretary of the Foxton Amateur Dramatic Society, asking whether the Society would stage a drama in aid of the school ground improvement fund. It was decided to again write to the secretary of the Education Board, asking for particulars re appointment of truant inspector. It was pointed out by one member ■of the Committee that a number of children were to be seen loitering about the streets, either with or without their parents’ consent, instead of attending school. An application was made by the caretaker for an increase in salary. —The Committee, whilst appreciating the faithful manner in which the caretaker carried out his duties, regretted their inability to grant the request, owing to the reduction of the capitation grant. It was pointed out that the caretaker \Would be given any extra work that may require to be done about the .school premises. It was decided to make application to the Borough Council for two trucks of limestone.

Several accounts were passed for payment. Messrs Henderson and Hussey were appointed visitors for the month.

Other minor matters were discussed, and the meeting rose.