LANSDOWNE SCHOOL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 8 March 1939, Page 4

LANSDOWNE SCHOOL

PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION FORMED ENTHUSIASTIC MEETING. POSSIBLE ACTIVITIES OUTLINED. Although the attendance was rather disappointing the meeting of parents and others held at the Lansdowne School last evening to form a Home and School Association was a most enthusiastic one and every indication was given that a strong association was assured. The chairman of the School Committee, Mr H. E. Pither, stated that the meeting had been called for the purpose of forming an association of parents. Now that the new school was functioning, and the building was one to be proud of, it was upon the'parents that the committee relied to be able to assist with funds that were absolutely necessary to give their children all that modern education demanded. In the past the school had had the assistance of an energetic ladies’ committee whose work had helped very considerably in the raising of funds for the school. Mr Pither extended a welcome to those present and hoped that a strong association would be formed. Apologies for unavoidable absence were received from Messrs Dagg, Logan and Fly, and Mr and Mrs Snowsill. Mr J. W. T. Jones was voted to the chair and in his remarks he explained the objects of forming an association—in the first place to bring about co-operation between the school and the home. In many homes parents had no knowledge of the teachers of the school, nor had the teachers the opportunity of knowing the parents. An association would quickly bridge such a gap. Further, the school should be made the centre of education, physical development, and of social activities. On the education side a literary and debating society could be formed for young people, and arts and crafts classes could be established. On the physical side, sports clubs could be formed for young people, a junior football team for old boys of the school and basketball and hockey teams for the old girl pupils. On the social side card evenings, dances, etc., could be arranged. He assured those present that any effort undertaken by the association would have the whole-hearted support of himself and his staff. Mr T. H. Bell moved that a Home and School Association be formed and on the motion being unanimously carried the chairman called upon Mr W. R. Nicol, the Wellington Education Board’s district representativve to address the meeting. Mr Nicol expressed his pleasure at being present and stated that the main object of forming a Home and School Association was to get parents interested in school matters and to help financially. The new school was a big venture and carried big responsibilities. It was an impossibility for the committee to find sufficent finance to meet the liabilities of the new school and the parents, by assisting the committee, would also oe helping their own children. He felt sure Lansdowne would provide this help most willingly. Other districts with such associations had experienced a happy time in their different activities and achieved excellent results. I. given the support it deserved Lansdowne would forge ahead and he hoped and wished that an .association ot great strength would be formed. The chairman read over the constitution of the association and moved its adoption, which was confirmed by those present. Officers were elected as follow. —Patron, Mr P. J. Borthwick; vice-presi-dents, Mrs Pither and Mr J. W. I. Jones; hon. secretary, Mr R. N. Shaw, treasurer, Mr W. H. Snowsill; committee, Mesdames Bell, Ingley, Snowsill, Shortland and Davies; Messrs R. King, I. J. Ingley and L. R. Gordon. The annual subscription was fixed at Is per member and 22 members were enrolled at the meeting.