Shipbourne School History L J Cope 1909

4^th Oct 1909 School resumed after vacation. 113 in attendance. Several children left, qualified by age or removed from district.

Laura A Owen Assistant absent on account of illness. (She returns 25^th Oct) On roll 128

22^nd Oct 1909 Rain has flooded the main room, leakage in roof.

29^th Oct 1909 Made out Inventory Form of Furniture for Local Education Committee

5^th Nov 1909 Better weather has resulted in better attendance; newcomers from Hampshire admitted.

12^th Nov 1909 Dr Roberts Medical Officer examined the entrants and inspected the infants’ premises.

19^th Nov 1909 I have asked for girls and infants yard to be levelled and asphalted, as girls and infants are unable to drill or skip properly owing to its condition which was commented upon by the Medical Officer last week.

26^th Nov 1909 I have again tested the Arithmetical work in the lower class and find results very poor. Received new mats and scuttles.

30^th Nov 1909 Registers examined and found correct. signed Thomas Dubben.

23^rd Dec 1909 F Maggs Esq MHI visited yesterday and inspected the school; Mr Dubben this morning checking the Registers and the Correspondent this afternoon. School closes today till 10^th Jan for the Christmas vacation.

1910

10^th Jan 1910 The school opened this morning with good attendance. I have forwarded a list of essay and composition subjects given during past 3 months to the local Managers.

12^th Jan 1910 The Master and Mistress having completed 25 years service here today entertained sixty past scholars to tea and social evening, and received silver presents as tokens of respect from Mrs Cazalet; Rev F Schreiber; the past scholars; the teachers and present pupils.

21^st Jan 1910 On Wednesday school was required as a polling station for the Parliamentary Election. Admitted two Cubberley children.

28^th Jan 1910 A L Owen absent this week on account of illness. Third quarter of school year ends, Registers re-written. Average for quarter 112.7

4^th Feb 1910 The Rev Alfred Schreiber came on Monday and handed the teachers their salary cheques for January. A L Owen returned on Monday to duty.

11^th Feb 1910 Received three dozen Prayer Books for use. Admitted Edward William Elery from Blean.

25^th Feb 1910 Notice of Diocesan Inspection in Religious Knowledge on 21^st proximus.

23^rd March 1910 School closes today for Easter recess resuming on 4^th April.

Monday was set apart under section 7 General Education Act 1870 for Diocesan inspection in Religious Knowledge. Requisitioned for apparatus, stationary and furniture.

8^th April 1910 Dr Roberts inspected the 13 year old scholars. The rain water supply is foul, possibly contaminated with surface water or drain leakage. Received supply of forms and cards for future Medical inspection.

15^th April 1910 Have examined the lowest class this week, the results are very moderate and as last year many children will have to work strenuously in the next higher class.

22^nd April 1910 Examined the middle class, results pleasing and work accurate and neat.

29^th April 1910 School year ends, re-organized scholars, entered Registers etc.

6^th May 1910 The various classes commenced work according to new schemes. Several removals from district of late. Sir John Hollams a benefactors of the school died on Tuesday.

13^th May 1910 The Managers met this evening and decided to have water tanks emptied as Medical Officer of Health and School Medical Officer have condemned the water as unfit by contamination.

19^th May 1910 No school on Monday. Bank Holiday. School closed tomorrow the funeral of His Gracious Majesty King Edward VII

26^th May 1910 Several cases of measles, Medical Officer of Health notified on Monday. Master absent part of this morning to appear before the Commissioners of Taxes.

28^th May 1910 Dr Roberts M.O.H writes “if possible close the class to which the infected children belong” As they pertain to each class in the school this course is impracticable.

3^rd June 1910 Dr Roberts M.O. H. visited yesterday morning and thoroughly enquired respecting each family affected by measles. As a result he ordered the school to be closed for a month, resuming on 4^th July.

8^th July 1910 School reopened this week with an average attendance of 96. The Board of Education’s Circular re revised accommodation of school received; the Managers suggest the classroom near Infants’ room should be reckoned as for elder scholars.

Mr Abram and Flints’ tender for coal and coke for ensuing year accepted. Received scissors for junior childrens’ use. List of absentees and irregulars sent to School Attendance Officer.

11^th July 1910 F Maggs Esq MHLI visited, measured the rooms and inspected the school all day. Fred Heskett examined and passed for total exemption.

15^th July 1910 The Board of Education notify that the revised accommodation of the school is as follows. For infants on 9 sq. ft basis 62

For Seniors on 10 sq.ft basis 82

Total accommodation of school 144

18^th July 1910 The scholars hearing and eyesight appear to have suffered from the attack of measles; several seem very dull and puny.

22^nd July 1910 The LEA have notified that they are prepared to grant a special reward not exceeding half a guinea to any scholar on leaving who has made seven or more complete yearly records of attendance.

8^th Aug 1910 Copy of Report made by HMI C J Phillips Esq after visit of 11^th July 1910.

Mixed: “The Head Master, who has conducted this school successfully for twenty five years, continues to teach with intelligence and vigour. The playgrounds are not well suited for drill purposes in wet weather. It would be a great benefit, if the playground, used by the girls and infants, were provided with a hard surface. Perhaps some part of the boys’ playground might be utilised for gardening instruction.”

12^th Aug 1910 The scholars were photographed on Wednesday

19^th Aug 1910 Tested the junior class in some subjects. I had to call Miss Owen’s attention to laxity in correcting composition and spelling exercises.

26^th Aug 1910 The Managers held a meeting on Tuesday evening to consider the question of the bad and uneven condition of the playgrounds as mentioned in the HMI’s report, and brought to their notice by the Local Education Authority.

The Head Master requested that application be made for gardening implements; and that arrangements be made for instruction of girls in Cookery.

2^nd Sept 1910 School closed today for hop picking holidays as picking commenced today.

10^th Oct 1910 The school resumed today. The girls’ approach and playground are being improved by cemented concrete thus giving a smoother surface as advised in Board of Education’s Report. Ten children have left school, result of change of employees at Michaelmas.

14^th Oct 1910 The Educational year commences in October after the summer vacation. As children are puny and backward on account of severe attack of measles I thought this an opportune year to make the change.

28^th Oct 1910 A new stove is required for the Infants’ room, the present one being cracked and permits smoke to emit.

4^th Nov 1910 Bertha Cripps, Assistant Teacher, absent from duty with Laryngitis today.

11^th Nov 1910 Bertha Cripps away all week by medical advice.

Received new dual desks for lower form. Attendance suffered through inclement weather and local circumstances eg pheasant shooting. New stove place in Infants’ room.

18^th Nov 1910 Bertha E Cripps absent all week through “goitre”. The lower class has been combined with mine for instruction.

25^th Nov 1910 B E Cripps resumed duty today.

2^nd Dec 1910 Mrs Cope gave a month’s notice to terminate her engagement as a teacher.

A desk broken on Sat evening when the school was let. Ordered a ton of coal.

7^th Dec 1910 No school today, the room being required for the Parliamentary election.

9^th Dec 1910 Examined lower class on work of first term.

16^th Dec 1910 Admitted a dull boy, Crowson, whilst the two boys Simmons have removed from the school district.

23^rd Dec 1910 Mrs Cazalet, Miss Eva Schreiber, Master Guy Cousanns and the Correspondent visited this afternoon, the children sang carols and songs. Elsie Pucknell was awarded a special prize given by the Local Education Authority for many years continuous regularity. Mrs Cope terminated her duties. The children received cards, oranges, and sweets. School closed for Xmas holidays which are curtailed this year on account of the closure in June for measles.

1911

2^nd Jan 1911 School resumes after recess. The Standard I children are for the present combined with Infants for instruction until appointment of a responsible Infant teacher.

6^th Jan 1911 Mr Fox inspected the cemented yard.

13^th Jan 1911 I have prepared new Time tables as the arrangement of lesson on previous ones doesn’t permit of revised and enlarge curricula. Received two dozen Princes No. 4 Infant Readers from Sevenoaks Weald Council School as authorised by the Local Education Authority.

16^th Jan 1911 Miss Ethel Pucknell commenced duty today as Uncertified Teacher for Infants; notified the Kent Education Committee accordingly.

20^th Jan 1911 The Assistant teacher A L Owen complains of not being allowed to sit to teach. Mrs Haines writes respecting her child aged 7 years being put by Miss Owen to wash out ink bottle so soiling her new linen pinafore. I have asked the teacher to discontinue employment of children.

27^th Jan 1911 Henry Charles Jenner left school qualified by age.

3^rd Feb 1911 The third quarter of school year ends, re- entered names in Attendance Registers. The Kent Education Committee have notified that a special award for several years consecutive complete record of attendance must not be given in money but in kind ordered through then. The boys have commenced gardening by marking out their plots and lifting the turf. Attendance good.

10^th Feb 1911 Miss A L Owen asked for testimonial which was granted. The carton work is making progress. Many children away with influenza and heavy colds, average considerably lower this week.

19^th Feb 1911 Admitted two girls, Milliner, from Seal now resident here.

10^th March 1911 Franklyn Masters passed the Labour examination.

17^th Feb 1911 Received notice of Diocesan inspection in Religious Knowledge for 27^th inst. (Rev H J Powell Diocesan Inspector)

24^th March 1911 The Correspondent and Mr C L Fox inspected the defective parts of girls cemented yard.

Annie Laura Owen gave a month’s notice of resignation as Assistant Teacher.

7^th April 1911 The snow storm on Wednesday prevented many from attending; in consequence of only a few being present and those with wet feet, school was not held. The Masters family have left.

13^th April 1911 Tomorrow Good Friday, no school and usual Easter week vacation ensuing.

28^th April 1911 Elsie Tucknell engaged as temporary Monitress for lower class. The school year ends today. New attendance Registers entered up and dated.

1^st May 1911 F Maggs Esq HMLI visited this week , the teachers being required in musical competition at Sevenoaks on Wednesday.

12^th May 1911 Elsie Tucknell Monitress terminated, and Dorothea Helen Harris commenced temporary duty today.

19^th May 1911 The Supply Teacher will remain until 1^st July when the newly appointed Assistant Teacher can commence duty.

26^th May 1911 Form ix and the Stock Inventory which have been completed for some time past were today forwarded by the Correspondent to Kent Education Committee.

2^nd June 1911 I have asked the Supply Teacher to conform to the Modal Course of Physical Exercises.

9^th June 1911 The drain has been blocked by storm water causing in rush of silt the surface water got back into the water tanks and polluted the supply; the tanks are again being emptied and cleaned out.

16^th June 1911 Still no water on school premises; drains this week are being cleaned.

21^st June 1911 Dorothea Helen Harris terminated her duty today and left at noon..

The school closes from this afternoon till the 29^th for the Coronation celebrations. Received photos of their Majesties the King and the Queen from the Local Education Authority for the decoration of the main schoolroom.

3^rd July 1911 Miss Ellen Maud Sherlock, Uncertified Teacher commenced duty.

7^th July 1911 Fortnights fruit gathering vacation.

26^th July 1911 The sessions today will be from 9 till 11 am (religious instruction not being given) and from 12 till 2 pm to enable children to attend their Sunday – school treat. The Parks children have removed to Tonbridge.

3^rd Aug 1911 There has not been any available water on the premises since 1^st Oct; and it is very difficult this hot weather to maintain a proper condition of cleanliness.

11^th Aug 1911 No school on Monday Bank Holiday. Conducting examination throughout the school, this month ending the Educational year. Mr Bignold visited on Tuesday afternoon and gave money prizes to boys for best cultivated garden and best collection of vegetables. The Correspondent supplemented these with prizes for second and third best. The Rev Alfred Schreiber also visited and praised the children for their singing, and costume play at Fairlawne on Bank Holiday. The Horticultural Committee sent a letter of appreciation and gratitude.

18^th Aug 1911 Five weeks hop picking vacation.

5^th Sept 1911 School resumed. Promoted the children to their new classes and commenced work of next educational year.

13^th Oct 1911 The Hardbattle children remove to Liverpool.

27^th Oct 1911 Miss Duncan wrote notifying her intention to visit on Monday re suitability of room for cookery centre.

3^rd Nov 1911 Form 79 Special Subjects received and completed for year. TheMedical Inspector examined the infant entrants this afternoon. I have called the junior class teacher’s attention to the lack of proper correction of spelling in the written work. The undue haste to get away from school as soon as session closes accounts for this fault.

10^th Nov 1911 The Correspondent visited twice. I have called his attention to one or two verminous families.

17^th Nov 1911 A parent called and complained of her child being pushed or knocked by the junior class teacher who is somewhat noisy and rough in method. Several cases of children infected with vermin.

21^st Nov 1911 Mr Hardcastle tuned the piano and harmonium.

24^th Nov 1911 Received two tons of coal.

8^th Dec 1911 On account of the floods and continued heavy rain there was no meeting yesterday.

22^nd Dec 1911 The scholars gave their Christmas entertainment last night and the teachers were complimented on the musical ability, precision and good tone. The school closes this afternoon for a week’s vacation.

1912

1^st Jan 1912 School resumed, Correspondent called to borrow forms for a Mothers’ meeting at the Vicarage.

5^th Jan 1912 I have sent to the Attendance Officer re two children over five years of age not attending any school. Arthur Horace Thorpe left for work. 106 now on roll, average for week 98.3

10^th Jan 1912 No Gardening practical instruction today on account of weather and condition of soil.

12^th Jan 1912 The Correspondent visited this morning and took Class I in Prayer Book instruction.

19^th Jan 1912 Weather prevented gardening on Wednesday and has reduced attendance.

1^st Feb 1912 Work proceeds as usual; nothing startling to record.

9^th Feb 1912 Owing to inclement wintry weather the infants’ division did not meet on Monday or Tuesday.

23^rd Feb 1912 The children seem troublesome this week

4^th March 1912 Maude E Sherlock absent from duty today; on leave to spend weekend at Stanford (Lincoln)

8^th March 1912 Progress is being made, the Drawing and Music shew great improvement. I found several children addicted to copying when I took the lower class on Monday. Some children suffering with colds or relaxed throat.

15^th March 1912 Admitted several new scholars to infant class.

22^nd March 1912 Dr Roberts medically inspected entrants etc this afternoon.

29^th March 1912 Obtained seeds for boys’gardens.

4^th April 1912 Ernest Durrant a lad in Standard 2 before morning session on Monday fell off a timber trug and wheel passed over his stomach. School closed at noon for Easter vaction till 15^th inst.

19^th April 1912 Bertha E Cripps tendered her resignation as an Assistant having accepted a position at Wateringbury.

26^th April 1912 Admitted several infants; number on roll now 120. Second term of educational year ends.

1^st May 1912 The Correspondent visited and brought the Board of Educations annual return forms; signed the title page of new Attendance Registers received by post yesterday.

8^th May 1912 The Master away today by leave of Managers taking part in West Kent Musical Competition. Returned for afternoon session.

10^th May 1912 Commenced work of third term of educational year.

17^th May 1912 Maude E Sherlock desiring to get into a town tendered her resignation on 15^th accepting a post at Edenbridge Council School. Bertha E Cripps terminated duty today. The Managers met this evening at 5 o clock.

20^th May 1912 Mrs A M Cope (head master’s wife) commenced duty as Assistant temporary appointment. Miss Elsie Martin of Southborough selected as Assistant to commence duty in August.

24^th May 1912 The second class boys’ discipline somewhat lax, have taken them in hand. Average 107.4

31^st May 1912 No school on Monday. Whitsun Monday Holiday. Work continues as usual, have kept strict supervison of Standards iii and iv

7^th June 1912 Attendance affected by bad colds and a few cases of whooping cough

14^th June 1912 Children examined in Religious Knowledge.

Dr Roberts visited on Wednesday in response to a telegram from the Correspondent and advised the exclusion of certain children and contacts suffering with Whooping Cough. Mr Chatfield (Attendance Officer) visited on Thursday, inspected Registers and called at several houses. Maud Ellen Sherlock terminated her duty.

17^th June 1912 Edith Wall Supplementary Teacher commenced temporary duty with lower class. Dr Howarth sent supply of notices re Whooping Cough.

21^st June 1912 Edith Wall terminates temporary duty. Attendance suffering through whooping cough Average for week 93.6

24^th June 1912 Miriam Walbank commenced duty as uncertified Teacher.

28^th June 1912 The assistant teacher M Walbank appears to have been taking young children and has not much command or ability for senior work. Attendance suffering much from whooping cough and several colds. Fifteen away on medical certificates.

1^st July 1912 Dr Howarth School Medical Officer has closed the infant department on account of whooping cough.

5^th July 1912 I have pointed out to M Walbank the need for careful and correct marking of spelling errors in children’s composition – seventeen books not being properly marked, and asked her to keep orderly discipline with her class. School closes from today for the usual fortnights’ fruit picking vacation.

22^nd July 1912 School reopens with an attendance of 93; list of absentees sent to Attendance Officer.

26^th July 1912 I have spoken to M Walbank about the lax order and noise of her class. Attendance improving.

2^nd Aug 1912 Mr Cazalet and Mr Fox called. The teacher M Walbank is quite unable to keep that (Standard 3 and 4) class in order, or do the work so I have placed her with Standards I and II. Elsie Martin, commenced duty as Assistant having just completed her pupil teachership at Southborough. Examined classes in third terms work. No school next Monday. Bank Holiday.

15^th Aug 1912 Registers examined and made correct by cancelling one attendance. Signed Thomas Dubben

16^th Aug 1912 Specifications issued for painting and repairing exterior of school premises.

23^rd Aug 1912 Five weeks hop picking vacation. The school treat given by Mrs Cazalet at Fairlawn postponed through inclement weather till tomorrow. Requisitioned for apparatus, books and material.

30^th Sept 1912 Elsie Martin Uncertified Teacher absent today as it was wet.

Miriam Walbank tendered her resignation having obtained appointment in Yorkshire and considers this district is not suited to her health.

4^th Oct 1912 Received six dual desks.

11^th Oct 1912 I have had to complain of teachers insubordination. A petition has been prepared and forwarded against the Kent Education Committee proposal to include this parish within the area to be served by the proposed new school for Plaxtol.

14^th Oct 1912 The upper class girls commenced on Monday last a course of Cookery instruction at Dunks Green centre. During their attendance the boys take Gardening. Miriam Walbank sent a note stating too unwell to attend school. She is a most incompetent person and I found out on Friday she had administered corporal punishment with a ruler, unbeknown to me, to eighteen of Standard I and ii class during the past fornight : I discovered she had hit and pushed a boy about, viz Douglas Allnutt, and then had bribed him with threepence not to tell me or his parents.

18^th Oct 1912 The Correspondent announced that Miriam Walbank would not be returning to duty having gone to Lincolnshire to recuperate preparatory to commencement of duty in North Riding (Yorks) on 28^th inst.

24^th Oct 1912 The Feakes family removed to Plaxtol; admitted a family of Holland from Tonbridge. The School Attendance Officer has taken parish census, the population totalling 479.

1^st Nov 1912 Mrs Tapp complained of Elsie Martin, Uncertified Teacher hitting her little boy Edward on the head, and produced a note from her expressing regret.

4^th Nov 1912 I spoke to Elsie Martin respecting Mrs Tapp’s complaint and she denies punishing the boy; and states he is very troublesome.

5^th Nov 1912 The Correspondent visited. Elsie Martin absent from duty. Mrs Cope is a Supply Teacher and the staff till permanent teacher is appointed.

8^th Nov 1912 The school closed in afternoon, the Master and his wife having been knocked down by cyclist last evening, feeling results of shock and injuries. Admitted Phyllis Pearson? From Dunks Green.

The Correspondent informs me that Elsie Martin who terminates her duties here today informed him on Wednesday afternoon “she had had a day of it” inferring I had interfered with her and her work; with the exception of asking her to take Geography as per Syllabus for first term e.g. rotation of earth; plan of school etc instead of the Geography of Kent which she proposed doing for Standards I and ii I had not been near her or her class the whole day. She has repeatedly been late to school during past six weeks, a thing previously unknown amoungst the school staff.

15^th Nov 1912 Admitted a family from Roughway 116 on roll. Attendance and weather good this week. Mrs Cope takes Standard I and II whilst I have III to VII

18^th Nov 1912 Louise Harriet Mills commenced duty as Supply Teacher.

22^nd Nov 1912 Miss L H Mills has her class well in hand and is improving their tone. I am hoping now for improved attainment, in Arithmetic and Drawing especially. Attendance fairly satisfactory, a few away ill. Ernest Coles has been medically excluded for 14 days.

29^th Nov 1912 Mr Rudkin called yesterday objecting to his girl’s attendance at Cookery Centre on ground of distance. Dora Coleman and William Hodges excluded from school for 30 days on medical certificates.

2^nd Dec 1912 Requisitioned for school stationary and for a clock for Infants Department. The cookery instructress sent excellent reports of the girls demeanor and behaviour.

13^th Dec 1912 Mr Knight, Plaxtol School Manager visited at close of yesterday afternoon’s session. I have examined the classed on work of the first term of school year (educational) and pointed out to Miss Mills the complete failure of the lower class in Arithmetic.

16^th Dec 1912 At request of the Correspondent who requires the use of room as early as possible this afternoon for arrangement preparatory to Band of Hope entertainment the afternoon session commences at one o’clock.

20^th Dec 1912 Christmas vacation.

1913

10^th Jan 1913 Mr Stow called and inspected the bushel basket purchased for measurement of coke; it has been decided to have it stamped by the County Inspector of Weights and Measures. Received clock for Infants’ room and stationary and garden hoes as per requisiton lists. Average for week 104. Admitted an infant boy. No. on roll 118

17^th Jan 1913 The tuner came yesterday and tuned musical instruments. Many children have heavy colds, three away seriously ill with jaundice; attendance has consequently suffered.

24^th Jan 1913 The lower class I tested in simple Arithmetic only five out of twenty five did creditably. I have called the Class Teacher’s attention to it.

31^st Jan 1913 Names of scholar re-written for 4^th Quarter of school year and attendances totalled for third quarter.

7^th Feb 1913 L H Mills absent from duty this week through illness. The Parks family removed from parish and now in attendance at West Peckham school. Work is improving in neatness and arrangement. Blackboards relined and glazed.

14^th Feb 1913 The Correspondent visited and Mon: Wed and Fri mornings, on Thursday afternoon complaining of boys crossing his field in the dinner hour. L H Mills absent from duty this week through illness. A return of children from each civil parish served by this school prepared up to 31^st Jan last and forwarded Kent Education committee. From Hadlow parish 16; from Hildenborough 4, Ightham 7 Wrotham 9 and Shipbourne 81. Total 117 on roll. Bad colds reduced average this week to 95 giving 84 percent which is low for us.

19^th Feb 1913 The Managers met this evening to arrange furnished rooms for Assistants from Somersetshire who commence duty 3^rd March. Louise H Mills still absent through illness. The school will not meet tomorrow on Friday. Average for week 94.

28^th Feb 1913 The school met eight times this week; the staff of teachers being in attendance at Maidstone Assize Court, the Master having brought and sustained an action for libel against Bertha E Cripps a former Assistant. Louise H Mills absent all week;the last recorded service being 31^st Jan last. Mrs Cope terminated her duties as Supply Teacher.

3^rd March 1913 Kate Winifrid Minns and Marion Crocker commenced duty as Assistant teachers.

7^th March 1913 Percy Rudkins father called and desired he should be placed again in Standard ii as he is delicate and worries at night about lessons; he does not appear to have ordinary ability. Sidney Willingham and David Tapp qualified by age have left school.

14^th March 1913 Heavy colds and influenza affecting regularity. Admitted two Bates children, one exceedingly delicate and backward from Kemsing now resident here.

18^th March 1913 L H Foster Esq Kent Education Committee Assistant Instructor and Inspector of Gardening visited and spent an hour examining plots, tools etc and recommended two rails be affixed in sheds enabling tools to be more systematically and properly arranged this I have twice asked the Local Managers to do.

20^th March 1913 Easter tide vacation till 31^st inst. Ordered supply of material for cleaning; received lead pencils, pens and pen-holders from contractors as per requisition.

4^th April 1913 The work is somewhat carelessly performed, several boys detained as a punishment.

11^th April 1913 The two Assistants Misses Crocker and Minns received Forms of Agreement from the Local Education Authority for execution.

14^th April 1913 Specifications prepared and issued to Messrs Baker, Allcorn and Hyder inviting estimate for inside decoration and painting of rooms this summer.

25^th April 1913 The Jenner children have left for Hildenborough. On roll 114

30^th April 1913 The school year closes; Forms Board of Education 9 and 9e recorded.

2^nd May 1913 Master at R D B of Education meeting on Wednesday afternoon. Miss Borthwick of Kent Education Committee visited on Thursday afternoon re Cookery centre. Estimates received from builders re decoration and cleaning interiors of school rooms. I notified the Managers that rain-water in tank (the only supply available for school use) is contaminated and offensive through ingress of filthy water from drains.

7^th May 1913 The Correspondent and Mr Fox with Mr Hyde visited and examined defective drains and water tank this morning.

9^th May 1913 The contaminated water tanks emptied yesterday and drains opened causing offensive smell all day. I have been obliged to call in Medical advice as my throat and tonsils were affected and sore. Whitsun holidays. Attendance improved.

16^th May 1913 Mr C Souter, Sanitary Inspector of Malling Rural District, visited this afternoon and inspected drainage, water storage, lavatories and sanitary arrangements.

Local enquiry held this evening at Plaxtol re school accommodation for the district.

30^th May 1913 The Managers held a meeting this evening, Mr C Souter, Sanitary Inspector, attended and discussed with them the questions of improved drainage and water supply. I notified the Managers that G Thomsett refused to comply with orders stating his father had told him not to obey. At close of session told him his father must see me respecting this, ere he resumed to school; the Managers agreed that obedience must be maintained.

6^th June 1913 Rev E Smith examined the children in Religious Knowledge.

Florence Coleman left school having attained 14 year of age. No cookery instruction on Monday.

13^th June 1913 Dr Greenwood has closed the infants’ division from the 11^th inst to the 5^th prox on account of the prevalence of measles.

20^th June 1913 A supply of drinking water has been laid to the School from Mr Cazalets private supply and is available for childrens’ use.

4^th July 1913 W P Wright Esq inspected the school gardens this morning and considered them above the average, he also expressed satisfaction with the provision made to house the scholars tools.

Fruit gathering vacation till 21^st inst.

25^th July 1913 Mrs Cazalet visited this morning to see the Boys Gardens which she considered a great improvement and in very satisfactory condition. Prizes will be awarded Aug 4^th to the best cultivators.

1^st Aug 1913 Sanitary arrangements made for use of teaching staff.

Marion Crocker having accepted a post near her home tendered a months’ resignation as uncertified Assistant Teacher. Names re-entered in Attendance Registers.

8^th Aug 1913 Monday was Bank Holiday

15^th Aug 1913 Examined second division of school and found marked deterioration in Reading.

22^nd Aug 1913 Marion Crocker terminated duty today. School closes for usual five weeks vacation.