FOXTON DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume LI, Issue 4422, 4 March 1930, Page 2

FOXTON DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL.

OOAIMITTEE MEETING

The ordinary meeting ■of the above committee was hold last night, presided over by Air. J. K. Horuhlow (chairman). There were also present Messrs R. Roore (lion, sec-.), A. Cf. Huntley, John Ross, G. E. Smith and the headmaster (Air. F. A. Mason).

A statement in connection with the picnic and excursion was submitted disclosing a credit balance of £3 1/-. The statement was received and it was decided to send letters of thanks to the teaching staff, Air. -Sorbic and the secretary and to publicly thank all who had donated cash, etc. The headmaster made special reference to the work done by the secretary, which was endorsed by the committee. It was decided to thank Messrs Ilart and Chaffey for free transport of children. Formal correspondence was received from the Board. Accounts amounting to £4O were passed for payment.

Air. Doel, ALA., wrote resigning his position as a member of the staff. He paid a tribute to the staff and committee and stated it had been a pleasure to be associated with all connected with the school, lie wished the school and all interested iu it every success and prosperity iu the future. It was decided to write Air. Doel appreciative of his work and wishing- him success in his present position.

HEADMASTER’S ,REPORT. “There is very little alteration in the rolls and attendances since last, month. The roll number of the primary school is lower than usual lor this time of the year hut, as 1 pointed out last meeting, this is due to the abnormal number of standard 6 pupils leaving, having gained certificates at the end of lust year, rather than from any otticr cuusc," said Mr. J-\ A. Mason in bis report. “In all, 4t) pupils left mi this account last year, while for some years previously the average number leaving- was 32. In order to bring the rojl number ujJ to normal I would like to ask that part ids of children f) years of age who are not yet attending school, should send their little oiios along now and not delay enrolling them. The school will he assisted by retaining the services of a teacher who will have to he transferred if the roll number does not increase and the little ones will henelil by making an earlv start-in the school career.

“Air. 0. Doel, senior secondary assistant, finished up duty here on Friday last and Miss C. Buchanan, ALA., is acting as relieving- assistant, pending the appointment of a permanent successor to Air. Doel. “Miss E. Ala reliant, who has been relieving in the infant department since the beginning of the year tin - islies up on Friday nexl and Miss Aloimtforl, infant mistress, returns to duly on Monday next, after a long- absence due to sirikness. All these changes are not only disor ; ganizing, but are detrimental to the progress of the children and the welfare of the school.

“Application has been made to the Education Department through the Education Board for the establishment of commercial classes in connection with the secondary department. The subjects to he taken are shorthand, book-keeping and type-writing, and two local residents well qualified in the practice of these subjects have offered their services as instructors: Miss A. Brewer in shorthand and typing ami Mr. \V. Trueman in book-keep-ing. The establishment of these classes with such instruction, should mark a forward step in the usefulness of pur school in meeting the requirements of the community. Application has also been made for typewriters for these classes.

"Every effort is being put forth to have classes in dress-making and possibly millinery recognized and established. Tin* difficulty being met wit'li is to obtain a qualified instructress free to tafke the work. This can be obviated if pupils from outlying schools could he brought in to .Foxton for one half-day a week and this requires a solution of the transport problem. The matter is receiving attention and I am hopeful that something definite will he accomplished before long, for without a doubt there is a distinct demand in Foxton for classes for post-primary girls in both commercial and domestic courses of instruction.

“Oil Saturday last two athletic teams from the primary department in charge of Mr. Procter and Miss Bindoii journeyed to Bulls in order to compete for the Vile Shield which the school has held for the past two years. Only three schools i-unipotod and the shield was won b\ Mnrton .Junction school with foxton second. "In a few weeks the same teams will be competing for the MrKelvie Shield at Sanson.” The report was adopted. Messrs Smith and the chairman were elected as the visitors for the ensuing month.