WEST END SCHOOL.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 December 1916, Page 6

WEST END SCHOOL.

■BREAKING-UP CEREMONY. The West End School's breaking-up ceremony was held last evening, the secretary of the Committee (Mr. W. W. Thomson) presiding, in the absence of the chairman. The Mayor and Mayoress (Mr. and Mrs. Burgess) were present, a~, was also Mr. SjG. Smith, a member of the Education Board. After the distribution of prizes, Mr. Smith addressed the children, and expressed his high appreciation of the good work of the head mistress, Mrs. Dowling., He said the Education Board rgardd the claims of West End for a larger playing area anl increased accommodation with favor. The Mayor wished the children the compliments of the season. The children contributed a number of delightful songs, and the ceremony concluded with the singing of "God Defend New Zealand" and the National Anthem.

HEADMISTRESS' REPORT Mrs. Dowling (headmistress) gave her report as follows: — Another school year is over, and we meet again for the "breaking-up" ceremony. At the beginning of the year wo promised the children prizes, and we are keeping to that promise. Though both School Committee and teachers recognise that economy is a necessary factor during war-time, yet we feel that the books which the children get foi rewards of merit and attendance will encourage reading, and in this way further the education of the children. We have, in our school lessons, tried to interest the children in patriotism, and have tried to make them understand that by self-denial, by their love for those whoy are suffering, by their prayers, they are each doing some small service for their country. Since the war ebgan this 'school has given through special and weekly contributions over £llO to the various patriotic funds. This year has been a year of epidemics. Children throughout the Dominion have suffered through illness, and our school has had its share of sickness. Where children are gathered in large numbers there is sure to be some spreading of disease, but it is my opinion that the schools get more than their share of blame in this respect. The teachers and committee are most careful regarding the eleanliiiess of the buildings and surroundings; disinfection and the ventilation of the rooms; thus it can be seen every precaution is taken to preserve the health of the children.

The gymnasium was lined and ceiled this year, and though this made the building more suitable for a classroom, yet we missed its use as a shcltoi for the children at play hours on wet clays. The actual class rooms, when the gymnasium is being used, cannot be flushed with pure air at intervals in wet weather, for we have no sheltei to give a class for the time. Sickness and Wet weather nave interfered a great deal with the regulai attendance of the pupils. This year only 71 (30 boys and 35 girls) have made full attendances, as against 102 pupils last year; and 40 (24 hoys and 10 girls) have not missed more than five times. All these gain good attendance certificates, and those flvho have made full attendance are rewarded with a prize book as well.

As I have'-said, the year's work has been much interrupted through illness of both teachers and scholars, and consequently many children have failed to reach the standard of work necessary for promotion. I hope the parents of those who have not been promoted wilU take a sensible view of the situation, and will understand that it is much better ..for their children to remain in the standard another year to be thoroughly grounded before attempting the liarder work of the next standard. The infant-room work is still in the capable hands''of Miss Mynott.. The little ones have" made good progress. When visiting the rooms, one sees a very happy band of little workers. Of the senior scholars, 32 sat for pre* ficiency examination. Of these four failed, four gained competency, and 2'4 gained proficiency certificates, These —v.>..--:<^M,M^.«-tf^^Y; < j!AA'C.>.:;.l,;l-'"'"

results reflect great credit on the first assistant, Mr. Baryj who has had charge of the class. We wish every success to those who are leaving this school to continue study in secondary or technical schools. We watch their progress witli, pleasure, and are glad when they are successful in passing 'higher examinations. Some are leaving to begin work. To all we say, be true to your Christian principles; do your duly bravely; be loyal and obedient to those in authority; and work as diligently as you have done in West End School, and yon will become good and loyal British citizens.

During the year, Mr. Haworth was appointed to a position on the staff. He has had charge of the Fourth Standard, a class of 84 children, since his appointment. He is a good disciplinarian, and 'has proved himself to be a useful and capable teacher. In each standard the class teacher has done good work: but Miss O'Brien is deserving of special praise for the splendid work she has done with the Fifth Standard

Out-door 'Work.—During the early part of the year, swimming classes for both boys and girls were held, Mr. Schwartz, caretaker of the Municipal Baths, being the instructor. Certificates were gained by 21 girlp and la boys, for swimming distances ranging from 100 yards to i 1 miles; Physical drill is given in tlie open air to all classes, and organised games are played. Our small playground prevents our having athletic games to any extent, yet Mr. Bary and Mr. Haworth have interested the boys in football and cricket. It is a pity there is not more playground, for good healthy games huve great moral and disciplinary value. They create good and pleasurable feelings between scholar and scholar, and allow the teacher to understand the dispositions of the children more thoroughly. Sewing.—This year the Sixth Standard girls knitted 52 pairs of socks for the soldiers, and the Fifth Standard have knitted washers. This has 'been extra work, for the teachers felt that it would be unwise to neglect the actual teaching of sewing as„set down by the syllabus.

Bible-reading. These lessons have been attended by at least ninety per cent, of the children. The Church of England minister has attended regularly to teach Standards 5 and fi, but no other minister of religion has taken a class for six or seven months. The teachers, recognising the value of the work, have ke"pt up the lessons, but it is extremely disappointing to find suoh lack of interest on the part of the ministers.

Merit prizes.—A first and second merit prize has been awarded in each class. Term examination marks, steady work, improvement and regularity have Till heen taken into account before allotting, the prizes. The 'behaviour and conduct of the children during the year have, been excellent. A very good feeling exists between scholars and teachers; and the members of the staff work amicably together. I have to thank my teachers fo*-the zeal shown in' their school work and for their willing cooperation in all matters in connection with the welfare of the'school. I wish also to thank the Schools Committee for their consideration and help throughout tlie year. It is a grea't pleasure to feel that the parents, the School Committee and the school staff are on such good terms, for it is only by thus working together that our school can be a success. I .wish parents and children a very happy Christmas and New Year.

■' PRIZE LIST Standard Vl.—Bovs: E. Smart 1, W. Rea 2. Girls: N. Wilson 1. E. Mouat 2. Stand-.rd V.—Boys: C. Hawkes 1, W. Moorhead 2. Girls: R. Jensen 1, F. Holmes 2. Standard IV.—Bovs: F. Newell 1. R. Rea 2. Girls: R. Aitkin 1. E. Sole 2. Standard III.—Boys: E. Gold water 1, J. Robinson 2. Girls: L. Bell 1, M. Heard 2. Standard II—Boys: G. Huthnance 1, W. Wall 2. Girls:' L. Loveridge 1, E. Smith 2. Standard I.—Bovs: P. Holmes 1, L. Maekay 2. Girl: J. Smart 1, T. Knott 2. Infants. —PWrner III: Boys, Rayiial Jensen 1, Albert Robinson 2; girls: Kathleen Ogier 1, Mona Thomson 2. Primer II: Boys, Bruce Bell 1; girls: Dorothy Coleman 1. Primer I.: Boys, Robert Trueman 1: girl:s Stella Jensen 1. Every child in the primer classes revived a prize. Sewing—Standard VI.: Amelia Build. Standard V.: Daisy Bocock. Standard IV.: Dorotby Smith. Standard III.: fcyce Edwards. Standard II.: Mildred DiifVin. Standard I.: May Goldwater. First English prize (presented by Carnegie Library Committee) a year's subscription to library. Standard VI., Phylli, 1 Mason; second, Nancy Wilson. Most interest in games, Standard VI.-Donald Yates. Playing for singing. Standard Vl. Doris Loveridge. General progress, Standard Vl.—Ronald o'Dowda. Most popular boy in school, Ronald Yates; girl. Edna Mouat. Best cricketer in school, Ronald McLean. Best .conduct, Standard V.—Rita Jensen. . Greatest, help. Standard V.—Ruby Sole. Best progress, Standard V.—Leslie Smart. Best recitation, Standard V.—Ken. Dutton. ] o Excclence in drawing, Standard V.— Fdnn Lnngley. Greatest improvement, Standard IV Alex Hardwidge.

Best behaviour, Standard lll—Joyce Edwards. Best .behaviour, Standard TlL—Ernest Taylor. Greatest improvement, Standard IT.— George Moorhead. Steadiest worker, Standard ll.—lvy Bennett. Steadiest worker (boy), Standard II Jack Kendall. General neatness, Standard ll.—Mary 'Wall. Best behaviour, Standard I.—Dolly Moorhead. Steadiest worker, Standard lll—DoroMiv Bennett. The committee wishes to thank the following donors of prizes:—Mr. and Mr. Blanchard, Mrs. Wilson, Mrs. Lash, Mrs. White, Miss Lennon, Mr. T. Avery, Mr. W T. Maunder, Mr. J. Johnson, Mr. Greinerj Mr. Smart, Mr. Tweedie, teachers. Full attendances—Standard VI.: Ronald McLean, William Rea, Ida Hughes, Doris Loveridge, Phyllis Mason. Standard V.: Erie Brokenshirp, Percj Rielly, George Cavaney, Ken. Dutton, John Logie ; Vietoi Graham, Myra Trueman. Standard IV.: Douglas Jillett, Laurence Heriiman, Arnold Mnsen, Dermot Jury, Clarence Hill. Leslie Loveridge, Henry Robinson, Alec. Shaw, Ruby Aitkin, Jean Hurle, Violet Hurle, Vera McPhorson, Irene Stewart, Cleata Pratt, Edna Murphy, Beryl Morria, May Smart,. Emma ..Martin...lrene Deigbton. Standard III.:

Gordon Hill. Ernest Hawker, Ronald Joffries. Jack Lynch. Michael Molloy, Leslie Worn, Joe Welch, Fred Oavanoy. John Eohir.son. Grace Baldoek. Ailoen Hoskin. Keiihn Loveridt'e. Standard IT,: Ronald Connett, Karl Christiansen, Gordon Mackay, Ken. Hamilton, Hazel Bailey, Esma. Blancliard, Lillian Hardwidfre, Flo. Hodge. Morrien Hoskin. Maida Morrison, Rita Trneman, Bcttv Welch. Standard I.: Alex. Cavaney, Hector Christiansen. Madeline Jeffries, Dnlcic Jnry, Ethel Marr, Leila Martin. Doris Sturmey. Infants: William Baldoek, Ronald Christiansen. Herbert Cavaney, William Divohail, Victor Bailey, Rnby Bailey, Nancie Forbes. Ida Gilbert, Zelda Jury. Good attendances. —Standard VL: Percy Johnson, Thomas Logie, Donald Maekav. Eric Smart, Amelia Bnllot. Gin yd' Hodge. Standard V.: Clifford HowTjos, Claude Russell. Richard May, Vera George, Frances Holmes. Forric Knapman. Standard IV.: Henry Ber.iiftt, Xorris Deare, Gilbert Ellis Samuel Medway. Fred Ncwell. Robert Rea. William Reed. Arthur Blanc, Violet Hodpie, Kate Shaw. Standard II.: Clifford Deare, Loo Farmer, Dorothy Bennett, Madge Kodder. Standard II.': lan Shaw. Ashley Petty, Hamilton Wilson, Audrey Brokenshire, Florrie Bripss. Glayds Reed, Bessie Sole, Olive Pole. ' Standard L: Ken. Harvey, Perev Holmes, Leslie Mackay, Dick Way, Elaine McPhcrson. Infants: Euiiiee Brokcnshire.