SHANNON SCHOOL.

Shannon News, 20 December 1927, Page 3

SHANNON SCHOOL.

, CLOSING CEREMONY AND PRIZE

GIVING.

The breaking up and annua! prizegiving of Shannon School took place on Friday afternoon, when there was a large gathering of parents and friends, including the chairman and several members of the committee. The afternoon was devoted to addresses, the singing of choruses by the pupils. The singing of the pupils was accompanied by Mrs Clifford-Jones (piano) and Mr White (cornet). / The chairman (Mr R. L. Tippler), in addressing those present, said it was pleasing to see such a good gathering of patents, which showed they took an interest in the children’s welfare. He complimented the teachers and children on their year’s work and expressed the hope that a still further improvement would be made next year. ■ He'then presented the attendance and proficiency certificates, also the prizes awarded for. most marks during the year (the list, of which was published on Friday). Special prizes were presented to Trevor Inglev and .to the school’s drummer boy, Mervyn Taylor, in recognition of the latter’s services, the chairman pointing out that he had attended regularly for two years without a break. In conclusion the chairman said he was pleased to notice that there was an increase in the percentage of proficiency certificates gained. “They can be won by all,’’ he said, “and every pupil in , Standard VI should try to get his or her proficiency. He hoped that those who have been successful, would take full advantage of the opportunities offered at the High and Technical Schools. The headmaster (Mr. White) said the chairman had mentioned that proficiency certificates “could be won by all.” This was so, if pupils in Stand- ( ard VI put in the necessary kick to get the result. There was no reason why all should not get through. He would like parents to watch the term results arid if their children did not get 62 per cent, of marks they should make enquiries. If parents would co-operate with the teachers betters, results would be obtained. He believed in homework, but not a lot. From enquiries.he had made he ascertained that the time on written work averaged five minutes to a quarter of an hour. Parents had asked him if their children had home work. Certainly they had. Taking the school as a whole it was satisfactory, and the moral tone was good. With the co-operation of the parents a higher standard could be reached. The fortnightly attendance at the technical sehool had been disappointing. Excuses made-for being absent were that they had other work to do or had missed the train. . In reference to the McNicol Shield, which the school had won for two years, they were going to receive a handicap so as to give some of the smaller schools a chance. He had been informed that if the latter were not up to the mark the shield will come back to Shannon. He thanked the committee for their help, also Mr.. J. V. Burns and the committee for donating the prizes Mr. E. Butt foi the Dux Medal; and those who had made donations and given help to the school. 'He said the takings at the sehool concert was £3B 25,-which after expenses have been paid would leave ; a credit balance of approximately £33. The teachers were handing this money to the committee on the condition that it go to the septic tank fund. On these conditions the chairman ac- ' cepted it on behalf of the committee. The teachers were heartily cheered for their splendid effort. The chairman then called on the Mayor (Mr. E. Butt) to present the gold medal, which had been donated by the latter, to the dux of the school, Allen Bowler. In congratulating the recipient on his success, the Mayor said his achievement proved that he had studied and worked hard and he hoped that he would take the same interest in all his undertakings in life. In years to come he hoped the medal would serve to remind him of his tbachers and fellow scholars and the pleasant times he had spent at the Shannon school. He impressed on the boys to follow the example” set by Allen Bowler. He then called for cheers for the recipient, which were heartily given. A very happy gathering was brought to a close by cheers for the teachers, school committee and scholars, the chairman wishing them all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

MAKERUA SCHOOL PRIZEGIVING. There was a large attendance of parents on Friday at the annual prizegiving to pupils attending the Makerua School. Rev Father McDermott and the Rev. Mr. Williamson, who impart religious teaching to the pupils, were also present. The chairman (Mr. Anderson) piesented the prizes, wishing the children a Merry. Christmas and a Happy Aeu Year. ' The headmaster (Mr. Taylor) then referred to the valuable help he had received from the Rev. Father McDeimott and Rev. Mr. Williamson, who by conducting classes in religious instruction throughout the year had not only helped to maintain a high tone in the school, but had also inculcated principles of inestimable value to the pupils. He was more than every convinced that their work was the most important work in the school and in confirmation of this quoted a recent address delivered by the Governor-Gen-eral to a large gathering of teachers at Cambridge in which His Excellency stated that neither morality or citzenship were the foundation of national life, but that “righteousness exalteth a Nation and that the fear of the Lord was the beginning of wisdom.” He had much pleasure on behalf of the children in asking their acceptance of small gifts in recognition of their work. Rev. Mr. Williamson, in thanking the children for their appreciation of his services referred to the exemplary con duct and tone of the school and the interest they took in their lessons. He

congratulated Mr. Taylor and the children” for the splendid results of their year’s work. In doing so, he wished particularly to compliment the dux of the school,'Mary Martin, who had passed Standards V and VI this year and gained her proficiency at the age of cloven years. She had proved herself a very diligent student and the result reflected great credit on her teacher. Father McDermott heartily endorsed the previous speaker’s remarks and stated that, having been a constant visitor at the school for nearly five years, he was certain there was no school in the Dominion with a better moral tone than the Makerua school. In congratulating the dux, Mary Martin, on her success, he mentioned that she had received spiritual instruction from him, therefore lie was aware of her marked ability. At the same time great credit must be accorded her teacher. - Mr. Coley, on behalf of a number of the parents, then presented Mr. Taylor with a handsome marble clock and other gifts. He said he hoped the recipient would realise the. deep esteem and regard in which he was held by the donors. , . Mr. Taylor briefly returned thanks and assured them that he deeply appreciated their kindness. The following is the list of passes:.— PROMOTIONS. Passed St-ds. 5 and 6, and gained Proficiency Certificates.— Mary Martin Passed Std. 5. —Edward Russell, Joe Andersen. . , Passed Std. 4. —Ned Judd, Alfred Wood, Douglas Dalzell, Joe Smith, f (iris | Andersen, Albert Coley. Passed Std 3.—Colin Dalzell. Passed Std. 2.—Mavis Wood, George Wood. Passed Std. I.—Hannah Andersen, Maureen Judd, Pat Martin. Passed Primer 4. —Ethel Wood, Joy Andersen, Leslie Wilton, Ronnie Wood. Passed Primer I—Morris Coley, Alva Andersen. Rose Wood. SPECIAL PRIZES. Good Concluct.—Boys: Edward Russel, Girls: Rose Wood. Attendance. —Boys: Chris Andersen, Girls: Ruth Andersen. Writing Prizes (presented by Mr. Swallow.)— Boys: Alfred Wood. Girls: Hannah Andersen. Sowing Prizes. —Sybil Lange, Pat Martin. Conduct (presented by Miss Blyth). —Ethel Wood, Hannah Andrew.