FITZROY SCHOOL.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 December 1922, Page 6

FITZROY SCHOOL.

BREAKING-UP CEREMONY. DISTRIBUTION OF PRIZES. The Fitzroy Hall proved too small to accommodate all those who wished to be present at the breaking-up ceremony in connection with the Fitzroy School last night, many having to stand, whilst others were obliged to form a queue near the doorway. The chairman of the school committee (Mr. Roy L. Parkin) presided, associated with him on the platform being Mrs- Parkin, the headmaster (Mr. O. Johnson), and members of the school committee. An hour s was pleasantly spent in listening to a programme of music and recitations by the children. Gertie Skelton and Seton Richardson opened the proceedings with a pianoforte solo, followed by a chorus by Standards 1 and 2. Lottie Vickers recited “The Birth of the Opal,” and Gertie Skelton played a pianoforte solo. A recitation by Dorothy Barnitt was a popular number, and the little elocutionist had to respond to a recall. Another well-rendered item was a violin and piano selection by Freda and Audrey Duckworth. “The Hardy Norseman” was sung as a part-song by Standards 5 and 6, following which Herbert Bree and Harold W. Yatt gave a dialogue from the Shakespearean play “King John,” the well-known scene between Hubert and Arthur being very creditably presented. Bettie Richardson and Frank Bell each contributed recitations, and tbe fourth standard girls sang ‘Tse Gwine Back to Dixie.” THE YEAR REVIEWED. The chairman, in the course of his remarks said the Fitzroy School had been in existence for well over 40 years. In membership the school had increased very considerably, especially during the last few years, whilst the increase for the year just closing was over 50 on the previous year. The district, too, was increasing in every direction. “I would like to refer to the feelings existing among the committee, the teachers, and the children,” continued Mr- Parkin, who said these feelings had been of the brightest and best possible. The teachers, he could assure them, were backed up by the committee, who considered themselves fortunate in having such a fine set of teachers. It must be realised by all that the teachers had been confronted by a difficult problem in getting the best results from the children during the past two or three years, as the accommodation was so very much overtaxed. The committee had used every endeavor to rectify this, and he was glad to say that the Education Department had seen its way to start on the building of two classrooms. It was hoped by the committee that three would be erected, and even then the accommodation might not be adequate. The chairman concluded by wishing the children and teachers the season’s compliments. HEADMASTER’S REPORT. The headmaster (Mr. Johnson) presented his annual report as follows: “The roll number is gradually increasing and would have been greater still if the school accommodatipn had not been so limited. - The attendance in the standards has been particularly good, but, mainly owing to sickness, that of the lower school has not been so good. The results of the annual examinations just completed show that the school continues to do good work: and taking into consideration the condition under which work has had to be carried on, this is highly gratifying. Out of 26 scholars presented for proficiency certificates, 23 were succeessful in securing these, and one gained his competency.

“Organised games and physical exercises continue to take an important part in the school curriculum. Unfortunately, the playing area is too small to allow full activity in such games as football, cricket and hockey. Application has been made to the Education Department to allow the disposal of the schoolhouse, so that the grounds attacked thereto maj’ be added to the playground, and we have reasonable hopes that our efforts may be successful. Before long I hope to see a comprehensive scheme put into operation for the laying-out of the whole area, so that it may be a credit to our rapidly-growing district and not an eyesore as at present. I am pleased that the recently-formed tennis club has taken over the management of the courts. As soon as the necessary apparatus is procured, the scholars will be able to use these during school hours, up "to four o’clock in the afternoon, after which the club has the use of them. ‘‘Last season a number of scholars obtained their swimming certificates at the municipal baths. We find, however./the distance too great to permit of instruction being taken during tbe regular school hours. May I dare to hope that at no distant date the school will have its own swimming-bath? For the way in which they have ungrudgingly given up their time to the supervision of the school sports, I wish to thank both Mr. Binns and Mr. Stephenson. I again wish to point out that we have a school uniform, so that ail parents may be aware of the fact. Arrangements are being made for a supply of badges for both caps and uniform. “I am particularly pleased to be able to report that the new building for the accommodation of the infants is being pushed forward with all expedition. The board’s overseer hopes tp have this ready for occupation when school resumes after the summer vacation. This present scructure is only the nucleus of what will be a handsome building when completed. <A.s our district is developing so rapidly, I shall not be -surprised to find that during the coming year application will have to be made to the department to add to the building. The members of the Fitzroy habitation are again to be commended for the zeal they displayed in contributing to the Dr. Barnardo fund. The opening of the boxes resulted in the sum o£ £26 17s 6d being for.varded to the representative in Wellington. This work, I may add, has been undertaken by Miss Allen. "1 have nothing but praise for the conduct of the scholars during the year. It has been a pleasure to be associated with children who so willingly carry out any duties entrusted to them. 1 wish to thank the Inembers of my staff for their ztal and assiduity; the members of the school committee, for the courtesy they have shown to one and all; the members of the entertainment committee, who worked so ably to procure funds for general improvement purposes, and any who have worked for the welfare of the school. In conclusion, I wish you, one and all, the season’s greetings, and the teachers and scholars a very enjoyable holiday.” (Applause.), THE PRIZE LIST. T|ie prizes were presented to the successful pupils by Mrs. Parkin. Following are the awards: Standard 6.—Highest marks, boys—Herbert Bree; girls—lvy Rock. General progress: Harry George, Olive Abraham, Alma Christian, Rita Fenwick. Home work: Nancle Hunt, Clara Meredith. Standard s.—Highest marks, boys—Dennis Crapper; girls—Koa Day. General progress: Thomas Clarke, Lottie Vickers. Home work: Daphne Bird, Molly Lovell. Composition: Madge Taylor. Standard 4. — Highest marks, boys—William Bounsall; girls—H. Chivers. General progress and sewing: Grace Bounsall. General progress: Beryl Govenlock, Aroha Parkinson, general improvement: Mervyn White. Home work: Girlie Sorensen, Freda Duckworth.

Standard 3.—Highest marks, boys—Ronald Shepherd ; girls—Winnie McDougall. General progress; Myra Rock, Gwenyth Jenkins, Kathleen Gruszning, Elsie Worn, Queenie Worn. Home work: Eva Page. Standard 2.—Highest marks, hoys—Alap Rogers; girls—Dulcie Gallaher. General progress: Bettie Richardson, Joan Rennell, Fred Clarke, Jack Burr. Standard I.—Highest marks, boys—Keith Roberts: girls—Dorothy Barnitt. General progress, Geo,, Shepherd, Wm. Bounsall, Dorothy Main, Percy Page, Dorothy McKay, Donald Street, Trevor Martin. General Improvement: Jean Gifford. Shooting.—Vernon Hopkinson 1, Roy Eva 2, Gordon Shepherd 3. Gardens, boys—Don Parkin and Clarence Moles; girls, Lottie Vickers, Nena Inch. Sewing.—Senior division: Nena Inch. Intermediat® Gladys Bird. Junior: Lilian Beard, Alma cunningham. General helpfulness: Ivel Dickey, Clarence Moles, Wm. Duncan. Two prizes, presented by Mr. Avery, arrived too late for allocation, but will be awarded later. Before dispensing, the children gave cheers for the headmaster and staff, Mrs. Parkin, the ladies’ prize fund committee, the school committee, and all who had assisted the school during the year. The singing of the National Anthem concluded the ceremony, after which the floor was cleared for dancingThe infants will receive their prizes at 2 p.m. to-day.