ROTORUA SCHOOL

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 513, 22 April 1933, Page 6

ROTORUA SCHOOL

THE PAST YEAR committee's annual report for householders' meeting ^ ORGANISATION REVIEWED The annual report of the Rotorua Primary School Committee to be submitted at the annual meeting of house holders states inter alia: — Buildings : — The school buildings, although of the old model, have been kept in good order and minor repairs carried out. School Grounds: — Steady progress has been made in the school grounds. The lawns are kept in good order, the playing area levelled, the vegetable gardens laid out in sma.ll plots, and noxious ' weeds eradipated. Incinerator. — An incinerator of modern type has been constructed in the school grounds and serving the purpose of burning up rubbish. Staff and Roll. — The present staff consists of: Headmaster, Mr. B .M. Green; infant mistress, Misss E. F. Bull; a.ssistants, Mr. F. Robinson, Miss E. J. Mathews, Miss M. E. H. Faram, Mr.- C. H. Ludgate, Miss M. Vugl-ar, Miss H. W. Hillcoat, Mr. I. S. Cruickshanks, Miss McDonald, Miss T. F. Johnson, and Miss 0. G. Watson. The roll number at the end of March, 1933 was 500, and .a.verage attendanifce 460. The roll number in April 1932 was 521. Owing to the exclusion of children under 6 years of age, the roll at present has fallen to 500. Bible Reading: — The Ministers' Association continue to give bible lessons. out of school hours, half hour each week. Attendance at these lesson is optional. The children of parents forwarding a letter to the headmaster stating that they do not wish their children to attend are excused. .Flag. — During the year, Mi*s. B. M. Green, who on learning that the school was without a flag, kindly donated a large ensign flag of good and lasting material. Thanks are due to Mrs. Green »for her generous gift. Centralised Control of Education: — • Your committee supported the protest of the Auckland Primary Sehools' Association against the Government's proposed centralised control of education entirely in Wellington. Age of Children Attending School: — 'During the year a new regulation excluding children under six years of age had come into force with the result that the school would most likely fa.ll in grade and the staff be rer duced. Sickness. — During the year the attendance was seriously affected by mumps, whooping cough, and heavy colds, no fewer than 400 children being affected in the second terrn. Staff Changes: — Miss L. E. M. Hill was transferred to Horsham Downs. Miss L. U. 'Ra.y, who had been a teacher at the school for 8 years, retired on superannuation. Sports: — During the year the school had won football, cricket, and basketball championships. Swimming: — It is very pleasing to know that swimming is encouraged amongst the school children, and last year 50 New Zealand Amateur Swimming Association Learners and Proficiency Certificates were awarded to pupils attending the school. Dental Olinic: — /The dental cl'inic which' was opened in June of last year has been giving valuable service to the school children. For a nominal j fee of 5/- per annum for each child dental service is given by a trained dental nurse. Children who otherwise would have had negelected teeth and perhaps bad health are receivig dental supervision. From the time a child onters the primers until he or she attains or passes through' the fourth 'tandard this service is available. National Federation of School Committees: — School committees in general were feeling that their representations were not receiving adequate consideration from education authorities. In answer to a circular received from a proposed national federation of school committees your committee decided to support the formation of this federation. Balance Sheet: — The pusition as it stands at present is after allowing for all commitments the sum of £40 9s 3d in hand to commence the-' current year with. School Dance and Christmas' Tree: — There was a feeling amongst thf committee members and teaching stafl that something in the nature of encouragement to the children shoulc be given. To secure money to this end a dance was given. This was gener ously patronised. A Christmas tre a.nd distribution of gifts to the children was made by the organising committees, and met with' general appreciation by parents and pupils. Staff: — In conclusion my committee expresses its gratitude to the Headmaster, Mr. B. M. Green and staff for their willingness and cooperation in anything done for the welfare-. of the school. ly plentiful.