VALEDICTORY.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 32, 29 May 1914, Page 6

VALEDICTORY.

MISS ELLA KINC. Before breaking up for the winter holidays the children attending the Stratford School were lined up before tiie school this afternoon to bid formal farewell to Miss Ella King, who is resigning her post as assistant mistress in view of her approaching marriage. All the members of the School Committee were present with the exception of Messrs Hancock and Sanderson, who sent apologies for absence. -Mr Tyrer also apologised for the absence of Mr R. Masters, member of the Education Board. Mr P. Skoglund, chairman of the Committee, said on an occasion of this kind it was difficult to express one's feelings. It would not be right to say they regretted Miss King's departure. The better way was to say that while they regretted her leaving the school they were glad of the happv circumstances which caused her to resign. She was leaving one important position in life tp take up another important position. He was sure the whole of the teachers and children woidd regret that Miss King was leaving. She had gone right through the school, starting as a very, small girl, and had put up a record of steady progress and success which everyone would do well t<> ropy. There could be no dqubt that during the time she had been teaching she had left her mark on a great many, of her pupils. Those whom she bad fed lett the school better prepared to face the world. One phase of Miss King's work should not be forgotten. She had taken much interest in music and the success of the recent school concerts was a tribute to her. efforts. As to her loyalty to the school, all the pupils would do Ave 11 to follow in her steps. T)u> children should always remember that they were pupils of the Stratford School and be loyal to the teachers and to the school.

Mr Skoglund then presented to Miss King an illuminated address from the School Committee, of which the following is the text:—To Miss Ella King on her resignation of the post of assistant mistress, the whole of the mernbers of the School Committee hereby tender their appreciation of the very line record he has made during her career at the school, in the coui-se of which, commencing as a little girl-pupil in the Infant School, she. passed through the, successive stages of pupil of the primary and secondary schools, pupil teacher and assistant teacher, in the latter capacity becoming one of the strongest and ablest teachers on the staff. The school is greatly indebted to Miss King, and the Committee offers, on behalf of the district, hearty thanks and best wishes for her future happiness and prosperity. The address was handsomely framed, and was executed by Mr J. McAllister, being headed by a fine colored photograph of the Stratford school. He also presented Miss King with an, entree dish from the children and an etfg cruet, from the teachers. Mr Tyrer said that as regards loyalty to the school, Miss King could give an example to even the biggest boys present, and if they "played the game" as well as Miss King had done they would grow into ftne men.

Mr*N. J. King returned thanks on behalf,of Miss King." He said he appreciated very much the kindly sentiments expressed towards his daughter. The children's handsome present showed that they appreciated her. He also expressed thanks (for the gifts from the teachers and the. Committee. He |iad no doubt that inafter years his daughter would look at the address and look. back with pleasure on her association with the Stratford School. Mr King concluded by thanking Mr Tyrer for the uniform kindness ami courtesy he hud always extended to Miss King. After three, hearty cheers had been given for Miss King the children dispersed for Hiejr holidays.