LANSDOWNE SCHOOL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 November 1938, Page 5

LANSDOWNE SCHOOL

NEW BUILDING NEARING COMPLETION

MODERN OPEN-AIR TYPE. READY FOR OCCUPATION NEXT YEAR. After having occupied temporary quarters for some months past, the staff and pupils of Lansdowne School are looking forward to next year, when they will take possession of the new open-air school which at present is being rapidly pushed on to completion. The old school, it will be remembered, was condemned on account of earthquake damage, and pending the construction of the new building, the children have had to be accommodated elsewhere. The new building, which is expected to be finished -within the next few weeks, is 193 feet in length and 32 feet wide. It comprises five class rooms each 26 feet by 24 feet, two cloak rooms, each 24 feet by 14 feet and an administrative block. Provision is made for the addition of another class room at the eastern end. The new building, which is of wood, well reinforced with iron brackets, is of the latest open-air type that has found so much favour in recent years. Having diffused lighting from above the heads, of the children so as to avoid' shadows, with electric heating throughout, controlled by thermostat at a temperature of 65 degrees, and a radio and electric clock in each class room, the school will provide all the best facilities demanded by educationalist. A verandah runs the full length of the school on the northeastern side and each class room has folding doors that will enable the room to be thrown open to the sun and air. The two class rooms to be occupied by the infants, at the western end of the school, will be divided by a folding door, which will make it possible tc make one large room when the occasion demands it, such as for a social function or special school assembly. The assembly ground, which is being laid down in concrete, extends the length oi the school and will be 26 feet in width. The administrative block, which is located in the middle of the building contains a headmaster’s room. 12 feet by 10 feet, a teachers’ room 17 feet by 12 feet and a library 16 feet by 6 feet, besides a store room, janitor’s room, entrance hall and conveniences. The cloak rooms, which are located between the class rooms, will be heatcc so as to provide drying facilities for the children’s clothes in wet weather.

A grant has been made for the erec tion of new conveniences for the boys, girls and infants and a new shelter shed for the infants is to replace the present structure. The construction of the new school has necessitated a general rearrangement of the school grounos The croquet lawns will be required as a girls’ playground but the tennis courts will not be interfered with. It is proposed to erect a fountain in front of the school and to use the base for the rearing of tadpoles and fish in connection with the school's nature study classes. Another somewhat more ambitious project is the construction of a swimming pool 33 1/3 yards by 10 yards, south-east of the new building, with the necessary dressing sheds for boys and girls. It is hoped, if the pool is provided, to make it available for the general public as well. Other portions of the school grounds have been considerably improved. The contractors are Messrs Trotman and Son. Greytown.