SCHOOL YEAR

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 1, Issue 97, 15 December 1931, Page 6

SCHOOL YEAR

GENERAL REVIEW ROTORUA HIGH SCHOOL, HEADMASTER'S REPORT AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION The annual report of the headmaster of the Rotorua High School (Mr. A. R. Ryder), presented at the breaking-up ceremony of the school last evening, stated inter-alia: — "The school opened with a total roll of 343 (177 in the Senior School and 166 in the Junior), compared with 307 for the previous yearv "The curriculum remains very similar to that in previous years. Arrangements have been made, however, for the appointment of an Agricultural Master as soon as the next vacancy on the staff occurs. This should result in a decided stimulus towards the development of this side of the school, and it is to be hoped that parents will support the school in its endeavour to train more boys for the land. At the same time it is our intention to branch out more fully into technical work, but operations are naturally limited to the number of specialists that the school roll can support. At the same time I trust that the widening of the curriculum towards agricultural and technical work will never be allowed to weaken the general efficiency in the academic and commercial courses. School Activities "The various school activities have been maintained at a high standard of efficiency. The school Rugby fifteen reaehed the usual high standard expected from teams in this school, and for the first time defeated the Hamilton High School first fifteen. The standard of cricket has never been so high in the school, the eleven being runners-up for the 1930 season, and at present shows promise of developing into a good team. Four members of the eleven have been selected to represent the Rotorua Associatlon in its first representative match. The girls' tennis team was this year the best the school has had, and a very fine effort against the Hamilton High School resulted in a draw. The school shooting team distinguished itself by winning the Weekly Press challenge shield, and, incidentally, gained the highest average for all schools in New Zealand. "This year has seen the development of our school orchestra, and I feel that vou will agree with me that the result of their six months' training under Miss Cameron-Johnson and Mr. Buchan most creditably reflects on their own enthusiasm and the assistance of their teachers. The boys' bugle band, under Mr. J. F. Tregilgas, has made wonderful progress. In addition the Dramatic and Literary elubs have done good work. Parents and Old Pupils "The year's work has been a very pleasant one, and I owe a great deal to the parents for their hearty cooperation. This has been a year of financial diffieulty to many, ■ but nevertheless parents have in almost every case assisted the school's activities by keeping up the payment of fees for library and games. Such loyal assistance in time of stress I heartily appreciate. "I look on our former pupils as part of our school, and I should mention here the very fine work that is being done in connection with their activities. Football, basketball and cricket clubs have been formed and are actively flourishing. Funds have been raised purely through the efforts of the members themselves, and I must congratulate them on their enthusiasm and on the fine progress made."