SCHOOL COMMITTEE

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2286, 7 June 1921, Page 2

SCHOOL COMMITTEE

The ordinary meeting of the local State School Committee was held last night. Present: Messrs Hornblow (chairman), F. D. Whibley (treasurer), Geo. Coley, W. Nyc, Jno. Ross, P. Robinson, and the head master (Mr Furrie). Apologies for absence were received from Messrs Pearson and Stevenson. v-' Correspondence was received from the Board confirming the appointment of Miss Beard as fourth assistant, and Mr S. J. McDonnell as first assistant, and accepting the resignation of Miss O. M. Kay, the latter to take effect from the 30th •June. The janitor wrote, making application for certain requirements, which lie was authorised to procure. Accounts amounting to £29 18s lid wore passed for payment. The headmaster’s action in procuring waste paper baskets for the class rooms as previously authorised was endorsed, also the procuring of an urn for boiling water for children’s lunches. It was pointed out by the Chairman that the cost of fuel, for steam heating apparatus would be greatly in excess of the old heating method, this in conjunction with the gas instal* lalion would make a big hole in the capitation grant. The.head master reported that the attendance lmd been maintained despite a mild epidemic of chicken pox. The HaTlA’ Inspector on a recent visit was asi tonished at the good average ■ tendance as compared with other schools in the district. . The mean ~- average attendance for the past five weeks was 367 out of a mean roll of 396.6. The absentees for the past five weeks has been* only 7.5 per cent. The truant officer recently examined the rolls, ami noted two or three cases where parents have been lax in connection with their children's attendance. lie pointed out that in all cases of absence the onus is on the parents to make application for exemption according io*the provisions of the Act. Under instruct ions from the Committee, certain requiremetils lmd been ordered. It was proposed to celebrate Arbor Day at the end of this month or early in July. The term exams had been commenced, and would he completed in about ten days time. Special mention was made of the manner in which tint janitor was carrying out his duties, and if the present standard of work was maintained, the school would he the best kept under the Board’s jurisdiction, The Health Officer had expressed entire satisfaction with the manner in which the work was being carried out. The report was adopted, and the visiting committee authorised lo carry out certain repairs mentioned. Messrs Nyc and Pearson were appointed visitors for the month. Mr Geo. Coley donated a suitable tree to be selected by the head master, for planting on Arbor Day. Messrs Ross and Robinson were .appointed to inspect and report on water spray for furnace, to protect the fire bars. Other minor matters were discussed, and the meeting rose.