OKATO SCHOOL WORK

Taranaki Daily News, 11 September 1940, Page 10

OKATO SCHOOL WORK

MEETING OF COMMITTEE

The headmaster, Mr. H. A. Moffitt, in his report at the last meeting of the Okato school committee, stated that the roll number was now 255, boys 127, girls 128. This number raises the school a sub-grade to 5B. The senior inspector had recommended the appointment of an additional assistant. The dental nurse, Miss B. Innis, had been transferred from Okato to Kaponga, work at the local clinic being completed. Shingle had been delivered and was being used as required on bare patches near the assembly area. A start had been made improving and clearing the area in front of the residence to provide more suitable access. Messrs. H. V. Roberts and P. C. Hill had given valuable assistance. The increase in' the number of pupils from Puniho had overcrowded the bus, necessitating a double trip to Hoani Road. It would now be possible to convey Kaihihi Road children from the South Road corner. Messrs. A. L. Williams and A. Moffitt were appointed delegates to the annual meeting of the school library committee. Mr. R. A. Warner was accorded a vote of thanks for his offer to act as supervisor to the calf competitions and pig club. The chairman reported that an application to the Dental Hygiene Department for permission to utilise a room at the domestic science centre at Pungarehu to treat patients from that school had been refused. The application will be renewed. The highly satisfactory nature of the inspector's report was the subject of favourable comment by the committee. Not only was it one in which the staff could justifiably feel pride, but also in which parents would feel general satisfaction, said Mr. Hill, in extending the committee's congratulations to the teachers. Mr. H. V. Roberts' tender for forming and metalling was accepted. It was resolved to hold a working bee on the Saturday following the completion of the new road. The question of improving the area on the north side of the infant room was discussed. A hedge had been cutting off the sun from the verandah, and an extension of the school grounds in this locality would give a much needed playing area for the infants. A suitable location for the recently introduced physical culture and drill classes would also be provided. In the interests of the pupils Mr. Moffitt agreed to the proposed improvement which will encroach on the residential site. The question will be discussed with the education board's architect, Mr. C. H. Moore.