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25
ST. CHRISTOPHER' S SPECIAL EDUCATIONALLY SUB-NORMAL
SCHOOL
I am indebted to Mr. Ramsden, the Head Master, for the
following observations:-
The year 1958 can be called our Jubilee Tear for it was in
September 1908 that a Special Class of Backward Children was commenced
at whltehorse Road Infants School, and from these beginnings
sprang the present St. Christopher's School.
It would perhaps, therefore, in this my last Report be fitting
to give a short history of the School, showing the progress
during the past fifty years, with special reference to my fourteen
years as Headmaster.
In 1909 this Class was transferred to the Grangewood Mansion
and Mrs. Holt was placed in charge. On January 8th 1917, the School
was recognised by the Board of Education and Miss Polkinghorne was
appointed the first Head Teacher.
On May 2nd 1917, a visiting committee was formed by Members of
the Education Committee to assist in the social life of the children,
to visit homes to see that the teaching given here was not
undone out of school hours.
April 19 18 saw a Woodwork Class formed to be taken by a nan
three mornings a week.
On December 1st 1919, Mr. P.W. Longman commenced duties as the
first Headmaster; the average attendance at this time was between
50-60.
On September 5th 1927, Mr. H.G. Carter commenced duties as
Teacher in Charge, later to become Headmaster.
On September 8th 1930, Mr. H.J. Edmonds commenced duties as
Headmaster; the number on roll at this time being 101, and the
average attendance 88.
On September 29tb 1933, the School left Grangewood and opened
at premises in Mitcham Road. This School was closed in July 1939,
and fifty-five children were evacuated to Hopton for the duration
of the war. September 1942, saw the school re-opened at the present
premises with twenty-one children in attendance.
September 12th 1945, I commenced as Headmaster.
The highlights of the past fourteen years during which I have
served as Headmaster are;-
February 5th 1946.
December 18th 1946.
July 9th 1947.
May 1948.
September 13th 1948.
December 17th 1948.
The School kitchen opened; 93 children
and 7 staff present. Miss Dickinson,
Cook.
A Christmas Carol and Tableaux Service
introduced to become an Annual Event.
An open Day for parents was instituted
with a Display of Work, Dancing, Singing,
P.E., and a Puppet Show; approximately
100 parents attended.
A Swimming class for boys was formed.
A day's holiday was granted as a reward
for gaining 38 swimming Certificates and
2 Intermediate Life Saving Certificates.
Two Bronze Medals awarded by National
Life Savings Association.