A FINE SCHOOL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 December 1938, Page 4

A FINE SCHOOL

INSPECTION OF WAIRARAPA COLLEGE

PARENTS’ INVITATION DAY.

INTERESTING & SUCCESSFUL OCCASION.

There was a particularly bright scene at the Wairarapa College on Saturday afternoon when a very large number of parents and pupils gathered at the college on the invitation of the Board of Governors, who provided an opportunity for seeing the facilities available at the school for post primary education. From 2 o’clock till 3 o’clock parents and pupils alike availed themselves of the privilege of making a tour of inspection of the college, being especially interested in the technical side —wooodwork, engineering, etc. To most of the parents the high standard to which technical education has reached at the college was a revelation, and on all sides praise was to be heard for the facilities which were available to pupils in their work. In every section of educational work there is at the command of the pupils equipment and instruction which is of utmost value to them in the work in which they engaged, thus fitting them for the battle of life after school days have been left behind. It was agreed by those who have experience of other secondary schools that the Wairarapa College stands out pre-eminently for the service which is available to pupils and the personal interest which is taken in them individually in their studies. After an inspection had been made of the college, those present assembled on the lawn, where the girls gave a physical culture display under the direction of Miss Edwards, who has shown exceptionaly ability in teaching the girls very useful health-giving exercises which keep them fit and build up their constitutions. Each item by the girls was warmiy applauded by the onlookers, and deservedly so, for the pupils went through their various exercises in a most rhythmic manner. Mr W. R. Nicol, chairman of the Board of Governors, in thanking the parents for having attended in such large numbers, said the performances of the girl pupils demonstrated that there was another side of college life besides that of education —the building up of the human frame so that it might be put into such a healthy condition as to be able to resist sickness and disease and grow strong and vigorous displaying that deportment which signifies a healthy body and a healthy mind. While it was right that the pupil should receive the best education that was available as a preparation for the battle of life, there should not be neglected that other side which built up health. It was the object of those who controlled the destinies of the college to see that no part of the pupil’s education was neglected. Parents would have had the opportunity that afternoon of seeing what the college was doing in relation to fitting out the pupil for his or her place in future life. Mr Nicol thanked Miss Edwards and the pupils for the excellent display which they had presented. He congratulated Miss Edwards on the -splendid work she had accomplished in connection with the physical culture class.

■ At the conclusion of the physical culture drill, Lawson Pither, a member of the Pipe Band, gave an exhibition on the lawn of bagpipe playing and marching which was warmly applauded. The ! music for the drill was provided by means ‘of a loudspeaker operated by Mr H. Byrne. During the afternoon Mr W. R. Nicol presented to Beryl Linton, who is leaving the college shortly, the senior tennis championship cup won by her. and wishing her every success in her future tennis development. An excellent afternoon tea was served, the cakes, etc., being made by the girl pupils.