SIR: The Board of School Trustees of the Town of Moncton herewith respectfully submit their annual report of the schools under their supervision, for the school year ending December 31st, 1888. The term of office of John H. Marks, Esquire, having expired, John McKenzie, Esquire, was appointed by the Town Council to fill the vacancy. The members of the Board appointed by the Governor-in-Council, having resigned, the following appointments were made in the order named: William J. Robinson, Esquire, Chairman; Henry A. Whitney, Esquire; Alexander Girvan, Esquire. In the teaching staff of the town the following changes occurred: Miss Anastasia DeVere having resigned during the first term, Miss Lottie O'Neil was transferred to her department, and Miss Frances Halden engaged to take charge of the department vacated by Miss O'Neil. After the summer holidays Miss O'Neil was transferred to St. Bernard's School, and Miss Augusta Parlee, of Sussex, engaged to fill that vacancy. Sister Gertrude, of St. Bernard's School, having resigned, Sister Julie was employed to succeed her. Miss Eunice J. Brown supplied relief during the first term, and Miss Serepta Charters during the last term. These changes, though unavoidable, could have no other than an injurious effect upon the schools. There has been a good deal of sickness among the children. The measles, in the first term, nearly depleted some of the departments, while the scarlet fever thinned their ranks, to a much less degree, in the last term. This will account largely for the enormous amount of lost time; yet far too much of it is attributable to the lack of proper interest and control at home. A different system of grading was adopted last Spring, which when perfected by experience and care, must work a decided improvement in the scholastic attainments of the pupils. Grading sheets were prepared in which to record the value of each scholar's attainments in each branch of study during a special examination of the departments. A certain percentage had to be made to entitle the scholar to grade. This fact being kept in view during the year had a good effect. When teachers carefully and thoroughly examine, and honestly mark the results, a decided improvement must be the outcome. The appointed" Arbor Day" was observed, and celebrated by setting out trees in all the school grounds of the town, and literary entertainments at some of the schools. During the summer vacation all necessary repairs and cleaning for re-opening were promptly attended to. It was my intention at last grading to have no one school teaching more than two grades, and as many as possible only one; but for want of more school accommodation I was obliged to have three grades at the Waterloo Street School, and three in each department of the St. Bernard's building. There are twenty schools under the control of the Board, an increase of one over last year: Four with three grades; eleven with two grades; and five with one grade. Before the term closed two of our teachers sent in their resignations: Miss Bessie Taylor, III class, married; and Miss Frances Halden, II class, leaving the Province. Miss Ella M. Veazey, I class, of St. Stephen, and Miss Annie Adams, I class, of Newcastle, late teachers at Shediac, have been secured to fill their places. Both come well recommended. Herewith please find tabular statements Nos. 1 to 7, showing state of the schools, and amounts received and expended for their support in the town. All of which is respectfully submitted. Moncton, December 31st, 1888. C. R. PALMER, Secretary. |