SAD OCCASION

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20988, 15 December 1939, Page 9

SAD OCCASION

HEADMASTER’S COMMENT

SOUTHWELL SCHOOL YEAR BREAK-UP CEREMONY “Little did we dream in 1918 that, within such a short space of time as 20 years really is, another stupendous conflict would be facing us. We can but feel deeply sad that again human lives must be sacrificed because oi broken promises and the low state oi international morality,” said Mr H G. Sergei, headmaster of Southwell School, in his annual report at the break-up ceremony yesterday. “It is therefore in no particularly cheerful mood that I stand here to report on the year.”

Mr Sergei said the school roll had been practically the same as the previous year, over 100. Referring to scholastic work, he said that two boys, P. and J. Apthorp, had won Duller and Ray Exhibitions. However, public examinations for young boys had become almost extinct.

“Possibly an undertaking unique of its kind was the tour of the Southwell Players, a party of 14 boys under the direction of the school chaplain, and accompanied by Mr E. H. Apthorp as business manager,” added Mr Sergei, “presenting in various country centres four Little Plays ot St. Francis, taking all scenery, lighting apparatus, bedding and so on on a large lorry. They spent several weeks most pleasantly, and, what is more, arrived home looking extremely fit and well, after having donated over £3O to various charities Production of “Gondoliers” “It is in the production of a Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera that the school as a whole is interested, and the choice of the year, ‘The Gondoliers,’ was an outstanding success. More and more is it being recognised that dramatic work has a definite educational value, and does arouse self-confidence which is essential to progress in the individual. “Most of you. know that the preparatory schools of New Zealand, like those in Great Britain, stand for three things—religion, discipline,,-and sound learning—our object being to produce good and able men to serve God and their country. We therefore endeavour to teach our boys certain fundamental truths, and in that endeavour our chapel plays an important part.” The football season had been an unusual success, said Mr Sergei. This was due very largely to the enthusiasm of the staff. It had been the same in the cricket season, and the valuable effect this had had, not only on the enjoyment of the games and the development of skill in them, but in the association between masters and boys, could be appreciated.

Mr Sergei concluded by extending thanks to the staff for their wholehearted support.