CENTRAL SCHOOL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 May 1938, Page 8

CENTRAL SCHOOL

BIENNIAL REPORT OF COMMITTEE. The following is the biennial report to be presented at the householders’ meeting tonight:—The committee has pleasure in submitting their report for the past two years as follows: The roll numbers and attendances for the years 1936 and 1937 have been remarkably alike, remaining very steady, the average roll for 1936 being 601, and for 1937 was 606; the average attendance for 1936 was 565 and for 1937 was 562. The number on the present roll in the Main School is 510, the Side School 72, and Special Class 18—a total of 600.

Apart from the usual changes in connection with probationary assistance there have been two changes in the staff. Mr Duffin took up a position near Te Kuiti. Miss Calwell is on leave in England; Miss Hornerman is on exchange duty in England and Miss Green from England is putting in a term in her place. Miss Bliss commenced duty this year. Mr Bishop replaced Mr Duffin and Mr Tamblyn was added to the staff because of increased numbers. Except for the probationary assistance the remainder of the staff is the same. For a number of weeks at the beginning of 1937 the school was closed on account of the epidemic of infantile paralysis and only by hard work was a satisfactory standard maintained. That the results at the end of the year were so satisfactory is due to the hard work of the staff.

On Sept 18 last the new side (East) school was opened by the Hon Minister of Education (Mr P. Fraser). The school commenced with a roll of 52, which has soon increased to 72. This school has relieved pressure on space at the Main School and is a boon to children in that neighbourhood. Miss Rayne was placed in charge as headmaster’s deputy, and Miss Goodall as assistant.

The learn-to-swim week was taken advantage of to teach a large number of pupils to swim. Thanks to High School staff and their Sixth Form an excellent result was obtained, over 95 per cent of pupils in Standards IV, V and VI being now abl'e to swim.

The Parents’ Association formed at the last meeting of the householders has functioned splendidly, having not only performed valuable social functions but also raised over £l6O. This Association has paid for the reconditioning of the recreation ground, which was a much needed work. The association has bought a fine set of drums and trumpets for the school band which is making excellent progress and will prove a valuable asset. The association has also provided funds for library books and towards a new radio set having nine loud speakers, one for each of the main rooms. These amenities are very highly appreciated. In connection with the association two garden parties have been held for an exhibition of school work, which have been very highly commented upon, especially the last when a large variety of very finely executed work was shown. A very interesting and highly successful experiment has been carried out in oiling of the school floors; this has completely done away with the dust nuisance and will prove a tremendous benefit. Representations have been made that in the near future the Central School will be re-modelled; indeed this matter has been placed on the list of works to be carried out. Your committee desires to express thanks to the Masterton Trust Lands Trustees for the generous grants made during the year for the benefit of the children in various ways. The progress of the school has been excellent and the headmaster and his staff will merit the appreciation of the parents and all of the committee for their enthusiastic and successful work and cooperation at all times. The sanitation and cleaning of the buildings has been well done by the caretakers, whose work is much appreciated. The thanks of the parents and committee are also, accorded to the Press for the generous publicity of the school activities. Messrs J. E. MeV. Calwell, W. R. Nicol, C. J. Braggins, A. V. Dixon, G. R. Beecroft, F. A. R. Wesney, A. Newman (retiring members), P. H. Shaw, A. Cretney, A. I. Gibbs and J. H. Cole

have been nominated for re-election, being two exceeding the required number a poll will therefore be necessary at the meeting but no further nominations can be made. Members of the committee have attended the following number of meetings during the past two years: —Mr J. E. MeV. Calwell 21, Mr W. R. Nicol 20, Mr C. J. Braggins 20, Mr G. R. Beecroft 19, Mr A. V. Dixon 18, Mr F. A. R. Wesney 19, Mr A. Newman 11, Mr B. Heath 5, Mr G. Masters 4, Mr R. Frater 3.—J. E. MeV. Calwell, Chairman.