J. Elbourn has passed his second class Intermediate Typewriting Examination. D. C. Potts and F. H. E. Vidler have obtained their Elementary Shorthand Certificates. E. C. Rowcroft has sat for his Army Entrance Examination and F. H. E. Vidler for his Civil Service Aircraft Examination. J. Elbourn has sat for his Senior College of Preceptors' Certificate, while H. Hogg, J. H. Piper, G. H. Goodchild, E. Shaw and K. H. Whibley have entered for the College of Preceptors' Preliminary Certificate. We trust that all these boys will be successful when the results are announced in due course.
The sale of poppies on Armistice Day realised 18s. 1d. The School attended a short service at St. Peter's and a wreath, provided by the Old Boys' Association, was placed on the War Memorial.
The hospital box contained 2s. 2d. when last opened and the R.S.P.C.A., 5s. 1d. About 16 lbs. of tin-foil has been collected this term. This has been handed to Kousin Mac, of the " Kent Messenger."
On two occasions this term the boys who have not been engaged in house matches have been taken by Mr. Bettle for a school walk. The "hikes" have been greatly enjoyed and prove a useful and healthy substitute for the boys who do not play football.
The growth of the School has made it imperative to increase the accommodation. With the exception of the rooms occupied by the caretaker, the whole of the premises at 8 London Road are now devoted to school purposes. There is room now for another 25 pupils, as well as a room which can be used by the upper boys as a private study and reference library. Another room has been reserved for music. Mr. Piper is now residing at 343 Loose Road. In consequence of these changes the "Interview Hour" has been changed to Thursday afternoons at London Road, and Thursday evenings at Loose Road during term time.
The premises at Loose Road are very commodious and include a large plot of land. In the past there have been several enquiries whether girls can be admitted to this School. We have pleasure in announcing that arrangements have been completed for the opening of a new school at Loose Road early in the New Year for boys and girls between the ages of 5 and 10. The new School will be run on up-to-date lines and will be known as "Mount Pleasant School," under the entire charge of Mrs. F. A. Piper, M.R.S.T., who has had varied and very successful experience under the L.C.C., being assistant Headmistress of one of the largest London Central Schools. The new School will work in co-operation with the McCabe Commercial School and the Girls' High School, and should form a valuable adjunct to Maidstone Independent Schools. A good nucleus of pupils has already been enrolled and we wish the new venture every success.
A party of 60 boys attended the Palace Theatre to see Capt. Knight's R.S.P.C. A. Film dealing with Wild Bird Life.
The beginning and end of each term will be marked by a half-hour service and address at St. Peter's Church. This service is held in conjunction with other Maidstone Independent Schools.
A Junior Branch of the League of Nations Union is in course of formation. Over 50 boys have already enrolled. In this connection we had a visit from the Rev. Moyle on Tuesday, 12th December, who gave an excellent address on the subject of "Patriotism."
This term the librarian, J. Elbourn, reports that the following boys have presented books to the Library :- R. J. Randall, C. Jessup, Mr. Williams, P. Sacr ée, R. Brett, R. Westbrook, D. Black, and J. Elbourn. All volumes which were becoming worn out were sent to the hospital.
In conclusion, we wish all our readers a very Happy Christmas and a Most Prosperous New Year.
UPPER SCHOOL NOTES.
Economic and modern history have had to make way for the more usual examination subjects this term, but will be incorporated in next term's syllabus. Meanwhile we wish all our candidates success.
II. Hogg has been a very hard working football captain, and we take this opportunity to register our thanks. The general standard of play has greatly improved; but boys must turn up regularly for practice at the School Ground at Aylesford.
Chess has also been rather neglected this term, but a House Tournament will be arranged next.
The chief feature of the term-Hard Work.