CONVENT SCHOOLS, QUEENSTOWN.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2, 11 January 1900, Page 24

CONVENT SCHOOLS, QUEENSTOWN.

On the occasion of the annual prise distribution at St. Joseph's School, Queenstown, conducted by the Dominican Nuns, a very enjoyable entertainment was given by the pupils, consisting' of vocal and instrumental selections and recitations. The Rev. Father O'Donnell, in dismissing the children (says the local Mall), referred briefly to their work during the year, and wished them a pleasant holiday. The following received prizes :—: — Girls— M. Bonner, M. Connell, E. Jones, K. Kelly, M. Kelly, N. Marshall, M. M'Bride, M. M'Carthy, A. M'Neil, C. M'Leely, J. M'Leely, M. M'Leely, E. Price, M. Richards, and K. Smith.

BoyB — J. Black, A. Bonner. P. Busbridge, J. Busbridge, J. Connell, S. Firth, D. Ferry, T. Kelly, C. D., F., and L. M'Bride, J. M'Chesney, J. M'Neil, and P. and T. Richards.

There was a fair attendance of the friends of the pupils and others at the prize distribution in connection with St. Catherine's School, Queenstown, when an excellent entertainment was given. The first item on the programme was a scene from ' The Merchant of Venice.' One end of the room had been fitted up for the purpose, and the staging reflected great credit on the Sisters who had also trained the yonng performers with great care. The performance on the whole would compare favourably with that of many amateur dramatic societies. The remainder of the programme consisted of pianoforte solos by Misses Jopp, N. Douglas, M. Carr, and Allan ; a pianoforte duet, Misses V. and M. Firth ; a recitation, the French class ; choruses, singing olass ; a recitation, Misses Butler, Marshall, and M'Neil ; vocal duet, Misses K. and M. Robertson ; and a vocal solo, Miss Hotop. The accompaniments were efficiently played by Miss A. Douglas.

At the conclusion of the entertainment the Rev. Father O'Donnell congratulated the pupils on the high standard of excellence attained by them. He hoped that they would strive to do as well in the battle of life, and that each succeeding year would place them higher and higher on the ladder of knowledge.

One of the schoolrooms had been set apart for an exhibition of art work done in the convent. This room was tastefully decorated with the various articles, the paintings and other work being excellent. Amongst those deserving of special mention, were several paintings in oils by Miss Douglas, panel paintings by Miss L. May, mirror paintings by Miss Jopp, panels by Miss Mcßride, carving by Miss B. Allen and Miss J. Black, and art and needle work by Misses D. Butler, M. Carr, L. Carr, B. Clancy, N. Douglas, R. Walde, N. McNeil, and M. Sorensons. Taken throughout the work was of a high standard, and very creditable to pupils and teachers. The following is the prize list : —

Intermediate Grade— Class B.

English. — Ada Douglas ; hon. mention : T, Jopp, J. Black, N. M'Neil, C. Marshall, R. Walde, D. Butler, and B. Clancy. Arithmetic. — Nellie M'Neil ; hon. mention : A, Douglas, T. Jopp, C. Marshall, B. Clancy, R. Walde and D. Butler. French. — A Douglas ; hon. mention : T. Jopp, and J. Black. Latin. — A. Douglas. Euolid. — A. Douglas ; hon. mention : N. M'Neil and C. Marshall. Algebra. — A. Douglas, won by cut ; equal : T. Jopp, N. M'Neil, J. Black, C. Marshall, and R. Walde. English Literature. — A. Douglas ; hon. mention : T. Jopp, J. Black, N. M'Neil, B. Clancy, C. Marshall, R. Walde, and D. Butler.

Intermediate— Class A.

English. — Nellie Douglas ; hon. mention : Mollie Carr, L. May, and M. Sorenson. French. — Rose Walde ; hon. mention: N. M'Neil, M. Carr, L. May, C. Marshall, D. Butler, N. Douglas, B. Clancy, and M. Sorenson. General Prizes. Religious Knowledge. — Mollie Carr ; hon. mention : B. Clancy, D. Butler, N. M'Neil and C. Marshall. Painting. — T. Jopp ; hon. mention : A Douglas and L. May. Music. — Mollie Carr. Class Singing. — Jeannie Black. Freehand Drawing. — C. Marshall ; hon. mention : N. Douglas, J. Black, N. M'Neil, D. Butler, R. Walde, M. Carr and M. Sorenson. Fancy Needlework. — Lillie May, won by cut ; equal : A. Douglas, T. Jopp, J. Black, N. M'Neil, and M. Sorenson. Mountmellick Work. — B. Clancy, won by cut ; equal : A. Douglas, T. Jopp and N. Douglas. Politeness.— Lillie May. Order. — Mary Sorenson. Good Conduct. — Ada Douglas. Wreath for amiability awarded by the votes of her companions to T. Jopp. A. Douglas, T. Jopp and L. May each received a silver medal for general excellence, the first named being dux of the school.