SCHOOL PRIZES.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 23, 21 December 1916, Page 3

SCHOOL PRIZES.

[To Thr Ebttok Post.] Sir, —Hurrah! Break-up time is always looked forward to by all school children with pleasure and a certain

amount of expectancy as to whether tlley will receive a prize or not for ; their good and diligent work during • tiie "year':'-"All hopes in this respec};, a's rt fur' as the scholars attending jtjje. iSeratford School, were concerned were bUJilished, when Mr McMillan, Chairman of the School Committee, announced at the School Annual Concert held in the Town Hall last evening, that no prizes were to be awarded this year. There are scholars who have throughout the year attended regularly, worked diligently and were expecting to receive their reward, either for regular attendance, good conduct, being the most popular member of their class, or having best general knowledge thus attaining the highest marks and the honourable position of "top of the class." Mr McMillan gave as his reason that the proceeds from the concert, about £ls, were to be devoted to improving the school grounds, making Lhem second to none in the Dominion. Now, Sir, I think this is very unfair and disappointing to many scholars who throughout the year have studied hard and furthermore journeyed to school in rough and boisterous weather— surely this is uol very encouraging to the scholars to work hard during, the year in the I.ope of receiving some reward at break-up time. The teachers, especially, niusl feel sorry and sympathise with those scholars who they know are deserving of recognition for their faithful and consistent work during the year. As regards improving the school grounds I think funds could easily be raised for that purpose later on and not take the school children's prize money. What is more pleasing at a

school concert than to have .during the evening distribution of prizes and sec the children with smiling faces and feeling proud of themselves stepping forward to receive I heir reward. If encourages the children to work bard at school, to excel at their lessons, makes them happy and brighter and gives a befitting ending to their school days for the year. I think' the School Committee should reconsider the matter and award prizes like all other schools in the district are doing. Thanking you for vour valuable space.—l am, etc., A PARENT.