WEST SCHOOL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 22 April 1940, Page 8

WEST SCHOOL

j RECENT ACTIVITIES REVIEWED CHAIRMAN’S REPORT. I DELAY IN ERECTING NEW BUILDING. I ; The biennial report of the Master•jton West School Committee, to be I presented at the annual meeting of . I householders to be held at the Side . | School tonight, states: “In presenting the biennial report JI would firstly extend my thanks to ' | the members of the committee for ■ their co-operation and enthusiasm in the work carried out during the last ■ two years,” states the chairman. Mr F. Shearer. "The most important matter during our term of office was the condemning of the main school building in March of last year. The school was exacuated immediately on instruction from the Education Board. Ar- , rangements were made whereby St. 1-6 were accommodated at Wairarapa College. Later Stds. 1-2, together with the primer classes, were housed in comfortable buildings in the main school grounds. The demolition of the building was completed about the end ■ of last year. Since then the plans of • a new modern type school have been prepared for and approved by your i committee. Nevertheless, we are somewhat concerned over the delay in commencing the erection of the new school buildings, and are in constant communication with the Education Board endeavouring to speed up the work. “Your committee records with gratification the splendid result of the Gala Day on March 24 of last year when approximately £BB was raised by the efforts of the parents and children towards school funds. It is the wish of your committee to reserve this sum intact until such time as the new school is completed. This fund will then be most useful to supply necessary equipment. A Parents’ Day was held during last year, consisting of a display of arts and crafts, drill, fancy dancing, a flower show and a parade of decorated bicycles. The splendid efforts of the children met with the warm approval of the parents. The combined primary schools of the district held an arts and crafts display in the Municipal Hall on August 9 and 10 last. Works of merit were selected to be sent for display to the Centennial Exhibition. It is pleasing to record that a goodly percentage of our children’s exhibits were selected.

The children were given an opportunity of visiting the Centennial Exhibition recently which was greatly appreciated by them. Our thanks are due to the teachers and friends who so willingly assisted in conducting and controlling the children on that day. It is gratifying to report that all branches of sport are receiving attention. The staff of the school are to bo congratulated on the fine results they have obtained. During the summer months, our baths were again well patronised by the children. “ no lower than 113 New Zealand Swimming Association certificates being gained for distances ranging from 25 yards to 2 miles. Some 50 children were taught to swim during the summer. "Our congratulations are extended to the headmaster and his staff on the splendid report received from the chief inspector of schools regarding the work of the children. The report shows that careful training is given to our children. Our thanks are due to Mr Farrell and his staff for the manner in which they conduct the work of the school, and for the friendly co-operation which exists between the staff and the committee. The following principal changes in staff have taken place: Mr D. Rust replaced Mr W. T. Mr J. j P. Farrell replaced Mr Rust. The 8 grounds of the school are in excellent I order and our thanks are due to Mr | E. Leete, our caretaker, for keeping I the school clean. I would make re- | ference to the resignation of our late secretary, Mr W. V. Madden, during last year, who has assisted your committee so ably and with enthusiasm for a number of years. I feel that an expression of appreciation should be recorded on behalf of- the outgoing committee. Mr W. A. Clarke has been appointed to fill the vacancy. "It is the considered opinion of your committee that a Parents' Association be formed and urge that this matter be given the support and co-operation of the parents at this meeting. Ten nominations have been received for nine vacancies on the committee; an election will therefore be necessary. Our thanks are due to the Trust Lands Trust for the manner in which they have supplied funds for special purposes. Your committee extends its I appreciation and thanks to the principal, staff and pupils of Wairarapa' College for the many kindnesses shown to our pupils and the harmonious relationship existing during this unavoidable disorganisation of our school. In conclusion I wish to offer our thanks to the Press for the generous publicity given to the activities of the school during the past two years."