CENTRAL SCHOOL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 April 1942, Page 3

CENTRAL SCHOOL

COMMITTEE’S BIENNIAL REPORT GOOD WORK ACCOMPLISHED. ,* E.P.S. SCHEME PREPARED. ; The biennial report of the Masterton Central School Committee gives a comprehensive review of the school s activities during the past two years. 'The roll number had increased, to 585. As a result of the war there had been many staff changes and six men had left to serve in the forces. The most important happening during the period was the remodelling of the school which gave four open air class rooms, better and lighter rooms throughout the building and an excellent central heating system. The reports of the inspectors at the last visit stated, inter alia, that the school continued to perform valuable educational service and gave special mention to written expression, writing and general setting out of work. The general standard was very good and the order tone and discipline excellent. The fluid nature of the staffing prevented anything in the way of entertainments on a large scale being put on. Physical education work had come more into prominence during the last fifteen months. Good work had been carried out among the children by the staff in connection with games and swimming. A large number of distance certificates for swimming had been issued (each year well over 100) and also a number of certificates for life-saving. Four bronze medallions for life-saving were presented last month. The standard in cricket, football and basketball had been well maintained. In the combined schools swimming sports each year and in the last combined athletic sports Central gained highest points on each occasion. The School Band was still an excellent feature of the life of the school and maintained a high standard of playing and discipline. About £lO 10s per year was contributed to the Health Camp fund. The school savings bank continued to function and over £6O was banked for the pupils last year. During the two years past the school had taken an active part in all patriotic efforts including the National Appeals which were supported in a variety of ways. The free milk system which proved so valuable last year had unfortunately, not been continued this year. The apples in schools scheme commenced last year, had just recently been recommenced. A carefully prepared Emergency Precaution Scheme had been worked out and adopted for the school. It was being practised regularly and would, if such emergency arose, be a very effective arrangement. The committee placed on record its deep appreciation of the excellent work being carried out by the Parents’ Association. It was a little unfortunate that, in its major objectives of providing visual education and a school dental clinic, it had been temporarily held up on account of the war. For its assistance with the grounds, sports gear and seating accommodation the committee was deeply grateful. Thanks were due to the East School Home and School Association for excellent work done for East School. Approximately £5O had been raised and spent on the school and grounds. Thanks were due to the Trust Lands Trust for the great help given so regularly without which it would be very difficult to carry on and to the Borough Council for the use of the baths and for the provision of pedestrian crossings at the school. The committee was proud of the work ! being done and felt that, in the hands of the headmaster and his staff, the school would continue to give an excellent account of itself in the future.