This school re-opened this morning after the midsummer holiday. All the teachers are in attendance and in consequence of lack of teachers in the Infant Dept. I have agreed that Miss George may help there. Attendance this morning 215. I have admitted seven new children but have not yet entered their names on the register. Messrs. Knight and Chandler visited school this morning.

I am spending a great deal of my time with Standard I. I have never yet met children so void of intellect. I have changed a lesson on Thursday afternoon to fit in for Miss Sargent’s recitation. The girls who have not finished their exam Knitting will go on until playtime while I take the others in 4& 5 for reading or grammar.

Average attendance for week 226.1/ a mistake was made in Standard III register; no. 31 is absent. I have cautioned A.Ladds on being careful with registration.

Work was resumed this morning, all the teachers are in attendance. F. George is helping in the Infant Dept. I have this morning examined Standard I. They have made a slight improvement, although their work is still very unsatisfactory. The girls from the National Moor Road & n. Street schools are the drag. They seem to know nothing.

I have finished the examination of Standard II and am fairly satisfied with the progress they are making. I finished the Elementary Work of Standard III this afternoon; they are getting on nicely but throughout the school we are hampered for room. I have had to leave part of the oral work until my throat is better and the object lessons will be heard on their own days.

It was 8.20 when I got to school this morning; my throat is still very painful. I shall examine Standards IV,V,VI & VII this morning. I have finished the exam of the first class and set the next months work for all the school. The Grammar and Mental Arithmetic of three classes have not been taken as my throat is so bad and I have made a note referring to this. I did not get down to school until 3.30 this afternoon. I am very unwell. I found everything going on satisfactorily. I have sent the children home at 4 o’clock as many of them got wet when coming to school this dinnertime and also some of the teachers.

I did not come to school this morning; I wished to come this afternoon as there is so much to be done in registration. Average attendance for the week 221.0

School work was resumed this morning: all teachers are in attendance, but many of the children are late for school. No. 18 on Standard register was marked present by mistake. I have made a foot note. In Standard II this morning two girls were marked absent. I do not understand the excuse offered by the teacher. I punished the girls and added a foot note on the register.

Average for the week 215.2

School re-opened this wee. Attendance very poor 174. School closed this afternoon owing to the feast.

School closed this afternoon – owing to the feast. Attendance this morning 199.

School attendance this morning very fair 221.

I have this day examined the registers and found them correct. J. Colson.

Mr. S. Knight, chairman, visited school this afternoon. Average for week 211.8

Two girls came into school at 9.45 this morning. I have not sent them home as I have such difficulty with the parents in similar cases. Two new girls came this morning, one from Finedon, the other from Bedford. I wish to test them before entering on the register. There is thus a difference of four in the books this morning.

Fanny George was absent from school yesterday. I had a communication from her and she is under the doctor. The attendance yesterday afternoon was 238, this morning – 235.

F. George is still absent. The needlework has been started in Standard I, II, III & IV with VI & VII. I intend spending this afternoon with Standard V in order to get their garments cut out. The attendance this morning is 241. I have allowed Miss Sargent and Miss Clark to leave school at 3.24 in order that they may go to Wellingborough to join the united practice. I have arranged for their classes attention during their absence.

Average for the week 234.2

School work was resumed this morning. Fanny George is still absent – still under the doctor; attendance this morning 233.

I shall go home this morning after play. I am very unwell. Miss Jaques is in charge.

I did not return on Friday afternoon. I was unable owing to my state of health. I found Miss Cowling absent this morning: a verbal message was sent by another teacher to say she has a very bad cold. Miss George is still absent.

Miss Cowling is present at school this morning. I also received a post card from her.

Miss George has now been absent three full weeks. She is better but the inclement weather is still much against her recovery. Average attendance for the week 218.7

Fanny George is still absent; her sister called this morning to say that she has had a relapse and is again very ill indeed. I have asked her to forward me a medical certificate. I have begun examining the school, starting with the Arithmetic and Dictation of Standards II & III

I did not get down until 9 this morning. I am again very unwell. I took the P.T’s lesson during drill lesson.

V. Colson has my permission to be absent from school this afternoon.

Average for the week 223.8

All the teachers are at school with the exception of Fanny George. She has now been away from school for four weeks. I have admitted three new girls this morning; two for Standard I, one for Standard III. Attendance this morning 225, this afternoon 238.

Miss George has now been absent from school five weeks. She is getting better and I hope she may soon be able to resume duty. I have examines the Standards I,II & III thoroughly in every subject this week. I am fairly satisfied with I & III; the work of II is not so satisfactory chiefly object lessons and recitation. Average for the week 228.6

Miss George returned to school this morning; for a few weeks until she gets stronger I shall not insist on her regular attendance at school.

F. George has attended school in the mornings this week. On Wednesday afternoon the attendance was greatly affected by the presence of a circus in the town. Today I received the Merit Certificates awarded by the Temperance Union for paper written on Alcohol after hearing a lecture on the same. Average attendance for week 221.6

All the teachers are in attendance this morning. I have admitted a girl from Higham School, but have not entered her on the books as her work is very deficient. The results of the last Higham Examination have just been received; Violet Colson again stands first on the First Year list obtaining altogether 203 marks.

L. Sargent is absent from school today through illness.

L. Sargent still continues to be absent from school; she is under the doctor and I do not expect she will attend school this week. I am doing her work myself. There was a mistake in Standard V register this morning. I made the alteration. L. Sargent still absent. Average for the week 226.6. One girl was admitted this afternoon from a village school near Northampton. She has just turned seven years of age and up until now has been in the Infants Second Class.

All the teachers are t work today, I have admitted another girl from Higham Road School today in Standard II

I am very unwell this morning and feel unable to stand the school atmosphere. I am going out for an hour into the fresh air. I am leaving Miss Jaques in charge.

I did not get down to school this morning, but found everything satisfactory when I returned this afternoon with the exception of Standard II Teacher who did not arrive at school until after the work was started

This afternoon I have allowed Standard IV,V,VI & VII and those of III who have not already finished to have an extra sewing lesson. Average for week 217.9

The school will be closed this afternoon so that the teachers may attend the funeral of our late Chairman of the Board, Mr. Samuel Knight.

C. Clarke is absent from school today through illness. In consequence of this I have had to deviate slightly from the time table. Beat Kendall Standard IV has been sent home by me this morning in consequence of an eruption on her skin which I feared might be infectious.

J. Colson, one of the Board members visited the school yesterday. C. Clarke still remains absent. I have again today had to alter the lessons in order to be able to supervise all the classes. Average for week 223.4 A. Cowling finishes duty in my School this afternoon.

F. George 3^rd year P.T. and V. Colson 1^st year P.T. are now in charge of Standard II. I shall look after Vi & VII myself but for reading and grammar lessons they shall go with Standard V. Miss Ladds had my permission this morning to be absent from school until 10.30.

The attendance of this school is being considerably affected by the measles epidemic; I have acquainted the members of the same. In Standard I Register no. 4 is absent. I have made the alteration. Average for week 189.6

Attendance this morning 169. Four children who suffered from measles last week have returned this morning. I sent them home for a doctor’s certificate. There is one new admission this morning. Owing to the decrease attendance I am grouping the classes this afternoon & deviating from the time table.

As usual I take Standards IV,V, VI & VII for grammar this morning from 11 to 11.30 am. Attendance this morning 171

Average for week 171.7 I have communicated to the Board Members the decreased attendance on account of the epidemic of measles.

Attendance this morning 179. All the teachers are at work.

I have this day examined the registers and found them correct. J. Colson

Annie Adams has gone to Moor Road this morning to help Miss Groome. She has two teachers away at Scholarship exams.

The attendance still continues to decrease. It is now 161

Average for week 169.6

The attendance this morning has decreased to 119. Several fresh cases of measles have been reported, I have not yet marked, having sent the numbers to the Chairman. I am now waiting instructions to proceed. I have just received instructions to mark.

A. Ladds was absent from school yesterday afternoon and is still absent this morning; she is suffering from toothache and sore throat.

A. Ladds returned to school this morning, she seems much better. The attendance is daily decreasing – 124 this morning. A mistake was made in Standard II register this morning. I made the necessary alteration.

Average for the week 134.1. This school closes today for Christmas Holiday until Jan 11^th.

School work was resumed this morning, all the teachers are in attendance but the attendance of the scholars is still very poor. Two new girls have been admitted this morning, but as yet have not been entered on the books until they have been tested. One girl in Standard IV has had to take her brother home so that my board shows a difference of three.

Mabel Wilmott Standard VI was marked left my mistake: this accounts for the regular alteration.

I examined all the school in the three “R’s” the week ending December 18^th 1896. The result was as favourable as might be expected considering the number of children who have been away and are still absent from school suffering from the measles epidemic. I retained all the papers in my desk and made the necessary extras in the report book. I shall now examine the school monthly.

J. Jaques had my permission to be absent from school this morning until 9.40. Average 195.6

I am leaving school at 20mins to 12 this morning. I am not at all well. I returned to school this afternoon at a quarter to 2.

Two girls have gone to Newton Road this afternoon to make up their Cookery attendances. Average for week 193.0. This school is closed on Monday owing to the election of Board of Guardians.

School work was resumes this morning: all the teachers are in attendance, but many of the children are still absent. Attendance 190

This morning I have severely censured the children over the use of abusive language and vulgar conduct in general. I have been deeply grieved to find many cases when girls’ language have been far from choice. The attendance still continues to be very poor indeed. Alt. 205

Average for week 202.6

All the teachers are in attendance this morning and the attendance is slightly improved.

I have examined Standard I in everything with the exception of object lessons; the general work is on the whole satisfactory. Those children who are especially backward have entered school during the year and the children from Higham district know absolutely nothing. Jane Robinson entered today 8 years of age and does not know her letters. This afternoon I am examining Standards II & III.

A few girls in Standard V are sewing all day in order that their garments may be finished. When those are done the sewing garments throughout the school is complete. I am examining the oral work of Standard II this afternoon and Standard II are having a sewing examination. Average for the week 209.2

I have today finished the examination in written work in all the Standards.

Average for week 205

School resumes work this  morning, all the teachers are in attendance and there is a better attendance of children. Floss Berry was marked left on Friday but she has returned to school this morning for another twelve months.

C.L. Bradfield S.B. visited the school today.

Average for week 220.6

School work was resumed this morning. All the teachers are in attendance and the attendance of the children is 207. One new admission has been made in Standard I, a girl of 9 years who seems deficient of everything. Many of the children whom I have lately admitted into this standard ought to have been admitted into the Infant School.

I have today examined Standards IV,V & VI in recitation and arithmetic. The Standard II girls did very well in their work, three fourth’s of them getting problem right.

Average for week 218.5

Attendance is not so good this morning. The day is bitterly cold.

Average for the week 221.5

The attendance this morning is poor again 217

All the songs in Standard II,III & IV are now completed.

Standard IV

1. Two little friendless children.
2. Oh who will o’er the downs.
3. Phil the Owl
4. Home sweet home.
5. Sleighing song.

Standard III

1. Now in groves of shining beeches.
2. Sweet and Low
3. Awake, awake and hail the morn.
4. Soft shell crab
5. Ah could I with fancy stray

Standard II

1. The sparrow
2. Have you seen my dolly.
3. The doll’s house.
4. The bird’s nest.
5. Angels whisper.

My throat is again very painful and I should like to go home this morning about playtime.

I did not go home this morning until the close of school but it was two o’clock before I returned this afternoon.

I was absent from school this morning suffering from severe sore throat. I took the lessons of the P.T.’s at night. I made a mistake in placing the total attendances in Standard II yesterday afternoon. I placed the correct number above.

Annie Apperley in Standard IV came late this morning and is consequently marked absent. She lives at Wymington now. A new girl was admitted yesterday but as I have not tested her until this morning her name will not appear until this afternoon.

Average for week 223.1

School work was resumed this morning. I have begun a series of weekly examinations. I have examined Standards II & IV today and the results have been fairly satisfactory. V. Colson and F. George are studying the greater part of the day towards the April examination and I am doing the work of Standard II myself.

Checked registers. J. Colson.

Fanny George has not come to school today. I am afraid she is seriously ill.

I have examined all the school this week and the work is on the whole satisfactory. A mistake was made in Standard I register this afternoon. I made the necessary alteration. Average for the week 230.4

School work was resumed this morning. Miss George is still absent. I called to see her yesterday but found her very weak indeed.

I have again examined all the classes and found an improvement on last week’s work; the weakest is Standard V in arithmetic. This afternoon all the children are having a sewing examination. Average for the week 225.7

School work was resumed this morning. All the teachers are in attendance but the attendance of the children is poor. I have begun with an examination of Standards IV & V this morning in the three R’s

Average for the week 226.7

School work was resumed this morning after the day’s holiday; the attendance is very fair. 238 in the morning, 236 in the afternoon. I have begun today to mark the elate girls in red ink at the inspector’s suggestion. An alteration has been made in the Standard II register this afternoon. I marked a girl present in mistake.

Average for week 223.5

School work was resumed this morning. All the teachers are in attendance, but the attendance of the children is poor. 211. The examination for Labour will be held in Newton Road Schools on Saturday May 8^th 1897.

This school closed today for the Easter Holiday and school work will not resume again until the following Thursday April 22^nd. Average for the week 216.7

School work was resumed this morning after the Easter Holiday. There is fair attendance of children and all the teachers are present.

Average for the week 204.7

All the teachers are present.

L. Sargent had to leave school this morning; she is very unwell.

L. Sargent returned to school this afternoon.

Average for week 225.0. Miss A. Ladds finishes her duties tonight in this school. We much regret her leaving & the teachers and children have presented her with a dressing case. She begins work in Newhaven on Monday.

Miss E.J. Knock began her duties here this afternoon. I have arranged the classes today and formed a new Standard I from Alfred Street, Moor Road and North Street. The number of children in attendance this afternoon is 279.

I have this morning received the list of lessons and recitations which have been only signed by H.M. Inspector.

I left school this afternoon to see one of the children who has just died.

Average for week 273.8

V. Colson is unable to attend school today, she has been so unfortunate as to hurt her ankle.

V. Colson was absent from school on Wednesday afternoon.

I shall leave school this afternoon at 4pm as I am going out of town on business.

V. Colson is absent this afternoon, her foot gives her great pain. Average for the week 258.

I have been absent from school yesterday and Monday May 17^th & 18^th. I came to school today at 11am and found the work going on satisfactorily.

I went to Souldrop on Thursday afternoon to interview an applicant for the assistantship in this school. In the morning I was present at school when Mr. Colson, chairman of the Board and Mr. P. Cave, one of the members visited the school.

Average for the week 247

The attendance today is better than it has been this week. Two mistakes have bee made in the registers and on each occasion I have made the necessary alteration.

Average for the week 233.4

All the teachers and at work this morning but there is a poor attendance of children 216. Two children came to school after the registers had been marked

I was absent from school this morning owing to illness. Louisa Adams has gone to help at Moor Road as one of the teachers is ill.

I shall take a singing lesson this morning with the whole school in order to practice the Jubilee Tunes. Average for the week 224.7. School closed today for the Whit-week holiday.

School work was resumed this morning after the Whitsuntide Holiday. All the teachers are present, also a good attendance of children 240. Miss Rose Parker began her duties as assistant in my school this morning. This school is closed this afternoon for Queen St. Sunday School Treat.

I took the songs, selected for the Jubilee Celebration, this morning until 10am

I forgot to open the gate this morning for the late girls. I was busy with the drill in Standards 1 & 11 and it was 9.35 before I remembered; consequently the Standard 1 & 11 registers were closed. I marked the late girls in red. I have sent Ada Higgins home this morning, her head is in a dreadful condition.

Average for week 245.5. In Standard I register I have had to make a few alterations as Miss Packer did not understand the registration. The registers are in every way correct. School closes today for one week’s holiday for Jubilee Celebrations.

School work was resumed this morning after the Jubilee Holiday. All the teachers are in attendance

The average for the week is 238.5. I have again had to caution Miss Packer about her registration. I have had to make some alterations which I have initiated and referred to the log books.

School works was resumed this morning, the attendance is very poor 201. V. Colson is studying the greater part of this week, preparing for her quarterly examination. I found that my time table did not work as I now have Standard I in the schoolroom. I made out another and had to sign it returned this morning. The examination knitting has been begun throughout the school.

Checked the registers. J. Colson.

I have this day received the Government Report.

The tone and discipline are remarkably good and the school is well managed and carefully taught. The weakest subject is Mental Arithmetic. The school is insufficiently heated and was very cold indeed. There was a very bad smell in the fourth Standard classroom. The desks are shaky and need repairing. New blinds are needed. A room for the Head Teacher and her Staff is needed badly. The first Standard classroom is overcrowded with 70 children.

(Article 85(a) of the Code.

E.M. Childs is recognised under Article 33 of the Code. She should attend to Arithmetic.

V.Colson 1^st year P.T. has passed “Well”

Beginning May 1897

Staff for year ending April 30^th 1898

Head Teacher        – Margaret Soutar

Cert. Assistant        -Jane Jaques

Assistant Art. 50  – Carrie Clarke.

Assistant  “           - Louisa Sargent

Assistant “            - Emma Knocks

Assistant “           - Rose Packer.

Pupil Teacher 2^nd Year Violet Colson

Probationer           - Annie Adams.

Probationer           - Elsie Childs.

Average for week 220.6

J. Jaques had my permission to be absent from school this morning. I took her class. This school is closed for this afternoon for the Baptist Sunday School Treat.

School work was resumed this morning, all the teachers are at work, also a better attendance of pupils. Annie Hyatt, a Standard I pupil has returned this morning after a long absence. As she is suffering from St. Vitus Dance, I have suggested to her mother that she had better come as a visitor for a few days.

I have made a mistake in copying the Annual Gov. Report which necessitated me re-copying it.

Annual Government Report for Year ending April 30^th 1897

The tone and discipline are remarkably good and the school is well managed and carefully taught. The weakest subject is Mental Arithmetic. The school is insufficiently heated and was very cold indeed. There was a very bad smell in the Fourth Standard Classroom. The desks are very shaky and need repairing. New blinds are needed. A room for the Head Teacher and her staff is badly needed. The first Standard classroom is overcrowded with 70 children. (Art. 85(a) of the code.)

E.M. Childs is recognised under article 33 of the code. She should attend to Arithmetic.

Annie Adams, Failure.

Violet Colson, First Year P.Teacher has passed “Well”

I have found a mistake again in Standard I registers and again cautioned the teacher.

The school will open at 2.30 this afternoon so that the children may see the Church Bazaar procession.

Fanny George died this morning. Miss Jaques has been spared from school today on that account.

Miss Jaques is still absent today with my permission. Average for the week 219

I have found two alterations in the Standard I registers. Miss Packer has not been used to so many children nor to registers and this accounts for the mistakes made. I examine the registers each day and on each occasion address the teacher. A new scholar was admitted shi morning. She will be placed in Standard I. Maud Stringer came at 10.30am. She had been out to have her photograph taken.

This school is closed this afternoon for the Church Sunday School Treat. I took the knitting lesson in the morning, so that the children might not miss this lesson.

Average for week ending July 23^rd – 222

School work was resumed this morning. I have begun to examine Standard I. this is the first quarter examination.

I have examined all the school and the result on the whole is satisfactory. Fuller details of examination may be shown by reference examination record books. Average for week 211.1 this school closes today for one month for the midsummer holiday. As this is the end of the Quarter all the names have been rewritten and the quarter balanced. Average for Quarter 236.2

School work was resumed this morning. The attendance is only fair, 224; all the teachers are at work.

I had to leave school at 9.15am this morning owing to illness. I returned at 2 pm. Average for week 227.6

Examined registers. J. Colson.

The attendance today & yesterday is on the decrease. Owing to the fever in Rushden Hill district it has been considered advisable to exclude the children there for a few weeks.

The Examination Knitting in all Standards with the exception of the Third is finished and packed away. The third will be finished this week. Average for the week 218.1

I have changed the last lesson on Thursday afternoon in Standard I. Reading is taken instead of spelling as I find the two schoolroom lessons clash.

Average for week 215.6

This school is closed today owing to the Rushden Feast. Only 153 children were present this morning so it was thought better to close for the day instead of half day as was intended.

We only had 139 in attendance this morning and the Board decided that we should close for the day.

The school attendance is decidedly better today although yet poor. Yesterday it was very poor indeed. Many of the children are suffering from the Whooping Cough and Fever.

Average for the week 204.8. Mr. Newell S.B.M. visited this afternoon.

I have been absent from School on Thursday, also on Friday Morning through illness. I came down to school this afternoon at 2.30 and found everything going on satisfactorily. Average for the week 227.8

C.Clarke has had my permission to be absent from school this morning. Rose Palmer Standard IV came to school at 10.20. I have not sent her home as it was not her fault. She has lost her mark. Average for week 214.9

Miss Knocks is absent from school today on account of illness.

The Girls began their lessons in cookery today. Demonstration.

18 girls have gone to cookery today. Practical works. Average for week 219.0

C. Clarke is absent from school through illness.

C.Clarke still absent.

C.Clarke still absent. Ada Neville Standard I arrived in school too late for her mark. 7 girls have gone to Newton Road this morning for Cookery Practice.

C.Clarke still absent. All the girls have gone to Cookery this morning. Average for week 217.8

C.Clarke still absent.

C.Clarke present at school. Grace Clarke in Standard II absent, alteration made by Head Teacher. Her Majesty’s Inspector visited this school today.

Average for week 219.5

Friday was the end of the second quarter. The quarter ends were proved and all finished on Friday evening before leaving school. I have had to caution Miss Packer again over her register. It is not carelessness on her part but deficiency in her eyesight. B. Dickens arrived in school this afternoon too late for her mark. I am very unwell today and should like to leave school at 4 o’clock today.

I did not leave school until the usual time yesterday but I did not come down to lessons this morning. I have again had to caution Miss Packer about her registers. Maud Bridgement was marked present this morning and she was absent.

I left school yesterday afternoon at twenty minutes to three. I was too unwell to remain in school I did not come down to lessons this morning.

Average for week 220.4

I have examined the Standard 1 & 11 in everything and the results on the whole are satisfactory. Average for weeks 223.6

I have examined Standards III,IV,V, VI & VII in everything. In Standard IV their weakest point is writing – details of weakness – See report books. In Standard III I have to complain of a like weakness. In Standard V the weak subject is Composition. Standard VI & VII are very satisfactory. Miss Packer used the Standard Afternoon marks for the morning. Have made the alteration used. Also the total with Standard IV register was 30. I made that alteration.

C.Clarke is absent from school all this week by permission. Her brother is suffering from Typhoid Fever and her father wished me to release her from school duty so that she might assist at home.

Average for week 190.8 this school closes today for Xmas Holiday extending to January 10^th 1898

This school resumed work this morning. All the teachers were present and there was a better attendance of scholars 217. In Standard I Maud Abridgment was marked present in the wrong space. I made the alteration. Average for the week 224.9

A mistake was made in Standard I register today. I made the alteration.

Miss Jaques marked two girls present who were absent. I made the alteration. The mistakes arise through the carelessness of the girls in answering. I have spoken to them about it. A similar mistake has been made in Standard II. I have made the alteration in each case made with a footnote. Average for week 230.8

I have had again to make footnotes in two registers I & II. In Standard I the girls came in just as the registers were being closed and as I was so near I gave them their marks. Average for the week 220.9. I have examined all the standards in writing and arithmetic and the results are satisfactory on the whole. I shall go on with the oral examination next week.

I have finished the examination of the school. By the time I reached the 4^th & 5^th standard my throat was very sore and I did not examine the Mental and Grammar as thoroughly s I should have liked. On the whole the results are fairly satisfactory. Average for week 222.1. This is the end of the third quarter and the average is 216.

Clare Hatfield Standard I was marked absent this morning. I made the alteration and added a footnote. I again cautioned Miss Packer on her registration. I have repeatedly shown her how to check her registers so that there is very little excuse for any mistake. As Violet Colson’s examination will be due in nine weeks I am allowing her to study as much as possible. Average for week 221

Average for week 221.1

I did not get down to school this morning until 8.50 as my health is so unsatisfactory. I took advantage of the fine morning to go for a walk. The songs have now been taught in all the divisions.

Division IV

Sweet and Low

The Fisherman’s Goodnight.

Sweet October.

Happy Children

At Eventide.

Division III

Rule Britannia

National Anthem

Happy Children

Farewell to the Forest.

Under the Willow

The River.

Division II

The Proud Pig

Happy Children

National Anthem

The Sand of Counterpane

Have you ever seen my Doll?

Milk Maids

Average for week 225.3 This school is closed on Mon. Feb 28^th for School Board Elections.

This school resumed work this morning. All the teachers are in attendance and a fair attendance of children. Miss Clark marked one of her girls in Monday afternoon’s space. I have drawn a red line through and remarked them

Checked registers. J. Colson.

Average for week 221.8

Average for week 220

I did not arrive at school this morning until 9.30am. I took advantage of the beautiful morning and went into the country. I had made provision for the pupil teachers’ instruction so that their studies were not neglected. This school was closed yesterday (Mon. Mar 14) afternoon as the attendance was so low owing to a circus being in the town.

Miss Knocks is absent today also yesterday afternoon. She is suffering from a severe cold and is under medical treatment.

Miss Knocks still absent. Average for week 221.6

I left school at playtime this morning. I am very unwell. I returned to school this afternoon at the usual time. 2pm

Attendance this morning is only 14. This is owing to the inclement weather. Average for week 213.2

Average for week 227.4

This school resumed work today after Monday’s holiday. The rooms on that date were used for the election.

I have spared K. Packer and E.J. Knocks this morning. They were going home and as they each have a long journey by rail, I allowed them to travel by an earlier train. Average for week 212. This school is closed until April 18 for Bank Holiday.

School work was resumed this morning. All the teachers are in attendance, but the attendance of children is not so good. 212.

Average for week 230.1

V. Colson has my permission to be late for school this morning

Average for week 215.7

I have admitted 43 children into Standard I. I am now rather crowded but am working to the best advantage. All the books, schedules and forms have been filled up and finished for the year.

Average for week 255.6

Miss Packer is unwell and unable to attend school this morning.

I have continued the knitting this afternoon so that I may get it all started. Average for the week 251.1

Average for the week 243.5

I was absent from school during the whole of Wednesday through illness.

Average for week 233.3. This school closed this afternoon for the Whit week Holiday. There are two alterations in the Standard II register this afternoon. I made the alterations and cautioned the teachers.

School work was resumed this morning after Whit week holiday 247 morning, 257 afternoon.

Average for week 241.8

As I have three teachers attending the Free Hand Examination and there is also a Holiday this afternoon I shall allow the children to take their Knitting lesson until 11 o’clock when I shall group them for singing.

Examined registers J. Colson.

School closed this afternoon for Sunday School Treat.

I have made the same arrangements today in the school works as I again have two teachers absent at Drawing Examination. This school is closed this afternoon for the Agricultural Show which is being held in Rushden.

The attendance this morning is very poor 162. The school will again close for the afternoon. Average for week 197.4

The attendance during this week has been very poor; there are also a great many cases of measles.

The school is closed thi9s afternoon for the Congregational and Succoth School treat.

I left school this morning at 11.15. I am very unwell.

I did not return to school on Friday but Miss Jaques was left in charge. Average for the week 228.7. I returned to school this morning and took the pupil teachers’ lessons at 8o’clock.

The Government Report was received on Saturday June 25^th which runs as follows.

“The Good tone and discipline, the skilful management and the careful and thorough characters of the instruction are all deserving of commendation. Elementary and Class Subjects have been effectively taught and singing by note. Needlework and drill are very satisfactory.

The floors of the rooms are very dirty and should be scrubbed oftener and the bad a smell in the Fourth Standard Classroom still prevails.”

Annie E. Adams – She has passed her examination.

Elsie M. Childs – Failure.

Violet Colson – Fairly

Staff for the Year May 1^st 18981 to April 30^th 1899

Head Teacher  - Margaret Soutar

Certified Assistant – Jane Jaques

Assistant Art.50 – Louisa Sargent.

Assistant Art. 50 – Carrie Clarke.

Assistant Art. 50 – Emma j. Knocks.

Assistant Art. 50 – Rose Packer.

Pupil Teacher 3^rd year – Violet E. Colson

Pupil teacher 1^st year – Annie E. Adams.

Candidate for Apprenticeship – Elsie M. Childs.

I have taken a knitting lesson this morning to help on the work and I shall be two teachers short next week. I have continued the same this afternoon.

Average for week 210.8. This school is closed on Monday 4^th July. Band of Hope school trip.

I have taken the knitting lesson from 11 to 12 this morning as we close this afternoon for the National School Treat. Average for week 191

Attendance is very low because of the measles epidemic. Rose Packer and Louisa Sargent are absent this week attending the Cert. Examination at Leicester.

Three girls were marked this morning, who had only been absent from school 2 weeks – the measles had been in the home – I cancelled the marks and sent the children home again.

Average for the week 190.2

We break up today – one week earlier – for the midsummer owing to the measles epidemic. Average for the week 176.9

Average for the quarter 221.8

I have found out a mistake which was made in Standard II & IV register. In each case I attended to it and made a note in the registers referring it to the logbooks.

School work was resumed this morning after the Midsummer Holiday. All the staff are present. Previous to this holiday I examined the school in the three “r”s and considering the poor attendance because of the measles epidemic. I was satisfied with the results.

The attendance is still very unsatisfactory.

I have made out the syllabus of work for each class. I have made it out for two months as owing to the epidemic in July, I was unable to examine the oral work of the school. An entry to this effect has been made in the Report Book. I did not reach school this morning until 10am owing to illness.

Average for week 216.9

Miss Knock was absent from school on Wed. afternoon through illness. She came to school on Thursday but was obliged to go home again. I have altered her last lesson this morning to a sewing lesson so that she may have a rest. I shall group the children this afternoon at 3.30 instead of giving them a playtime. They will continue their needlework lesson until that time as I am anxious that the garments may soon be commenced. Average for week 217.4

Average for week 221.3

Average for week 219. This school is closed for Monday & Tuesday owing to the Feast.

Average for the week 196

Average for week 241.6

Checked registers. J. Colson.

C. Clarke is absent from school today through illness. Average for week 234.3

Average for week 231.1

I have started my quarterly examination of this school. In Standard II Miss Knock marked a girl absent who was present and in Standard III Miss Clark marked a girl present who was absent. In each case I have made the necessary alteration and cautioned the teacher.

I have finished the examination of the school and throughout it has been fairly satisfactory. I have shown to each teacher where her class weakness lies and advised her.

Average for the week 238.1

Average for week 232.3

Average for week 237.1

I have continued the needlework lesson until playtime so that the work may get on.

Average for week 229.7

The school attendance has suffered greatly this week owing to the inclement weather. Average 228.3

I was absent from school on Wednesday owing to illness.

Average for week 243 – 241.3

The needlework of Standard I is now finished and that of II, III and IV is nearly completed. That of the first class will not be quite finished by Xmas as there are very large garments. Average for week 244.7

L. Sargent has been absent from school since Monday through illness; she returned this afternoon.

Miss Packer was absent from school this morning owing to illness. The needlework standards I, II & III is now finished. Average for week 234.3

I have examined all the school and the work taken as a whole is very satisfactory. The defects I have pointed out in the report books. I have had to make on or two alterations in the registers during this week, girls who remained in the corridor who ought to have come into school thus were marked absent. Miss Knocks is absent today through illness.

Average fore week 225.1 The school breaks up today for the Xmas Holiday – two weeks.

School work was resumed this morning: all the teachers were in attendance and also a fair attendance of children.

Checked registers J. Colson.

Average for week 228.5

I have been absent from school all the week ending January 20^th. I have been under the doctor and was quite unable to be at my post. The average for the week was 234.

There were two alterations made in Miss Knocks register during the week I was absent from school. The girls were marked present when were absent. I made a note to this entry in the register. Average for the week 219.5. The average is low owing to the sickness prevalent in many of the homes.

I have again had to make a foot note in Standard II Register.

Miss Jaques has been absent from school since Monday of this week: she also was absent the Monday of the week ending Jan 20^th. She is under the doctor. Miss Clarke is absent from school today through illness. I was unable to attend school this morning to take the teachers’ lessons. I came down at 10.30am and have remained in school the rest of the day. I am sorry to say that my health is at times so feeble that I feel the School Works more than I can manage. Average for the week 226.5

It is the end of the Quarter but I shall be unable to get all the books finished today owing to the absence of the teachers.

Misses Clarke & Jaques are still absent. The attendance has suffered considerably today owing to the inclement weather.

Morning 190 Afternoon 176

Miss Clarke returned to school on Tuesday afternoon. She wished to leave early but I refused as I did not see my way clear to spare her. Miss Jaques is still absent.  have not received any word from her this week regarding the state of her health.

Miss Jaques is still absent. I have today proved the registers for the quarter. The average is 232.

Miss Jaques is still absent. I received a note from her this afternoon and the doctor does not consider her well enough to return to school. Average for week 206.5 In Standard III register 39 entered for Wednesday morn should be 44.

The attendance this morning is very poor 198: this is partly owing to the inclement weather and partly to the illness of the children. Miss Jaques returned to school this morning. Owing to the absence of so many of the teachers, some of my own works has got somewhat neglected. I hope to recover that this week.

The Songs in Division IV have been taught

1. Ah I could with Fancy stray.
2. 2. Oh ! wert thou in the cauld blast
3. Three Little Maids.
4. Come to me gentle sleep.
5. Oh hush thee my baby.

Division III

1. A song of peace.
2. At Night
3. Sleep Baby Dear.
4. Evening
5. Now in Groves of Shining Beeches.

Four have been taught.

Division II

1. Old Iron Tongue
2. The bee
3. The Child and the Star.
4. I had  little Doggy
5. Bed Time.

Four have been taught.

Average for week 214.0

The attendance appears a little better this week although I still have many children absent through illness. I have been round all the classes this week to hear them read and encourage them in reading with greater ease and with more expression. I also tested standard II in dictation and Arithmetic and Standards IV,V, & VI in Written Grammar and Arithmetic. The work is progressing throughout the school and the various weaknesses receiving every attention. Average for the week 220.2

I shall leave school this morning at 11.30. Miss Jaques will close the school.

I examined the needlework of the school on Wednesday. It was satisfactory with the exception of Standard II. I have given them a second test today. The Pupil Teachers exam will be held at Wellingborough on Saturday April 22^nd the attendance is a little better this week but it is still very irregular. Average for the week 227.8

Checked registers. J. Colson.

Average for week 228.7. I examined the standards today in arithmetic and dictation with composition in Higher Standards. The work was not done so satisfactorily as I would have wishes.

Average for week 235.8

Owing to the inclement weather the attendance has been very poor this week. Average for the week 218.8. The total to Standard II register for Monday afternoon was entered as 22 instead of 24. I placed a footnote and again cautioned the Teacher. The schools are closed on Monday for Election Purposes.

School work was resumed this morning.

Average for week 227.8. I assembled the children at 11.30 in the schoolroom and took them for the last lesson. The school closes this noon for the Easter Holiday to re-open on April 10^th 1899

School work resumes this morning after the Easter Holiday. All the teachers are in attendance and also a fair number of children. 230 in the morning and 249 afternoon.

Average for week 244.4

I am arranging for an Exhibition of the Children’s needlework to be held next week. I shall occasionally deviate from the time table this week taking a Drill Lesson instead of the one on the time table.

I shall take a singing lesson with IV,V & VI immediately after needlework. At 4 o’clock I expect Mr. John Claridge, Chairman of the Urban Council, to present the Temperance Prizes.

Average for the week 246.5

From 11 & 12 today I have taken Drill & Writing throughout the school in preparation for the Parents Day on Tuesday April 25. I shall not adhere to the time table this afternoon.

The needlework of my school will be exhibited this afternoon and I have invited all the parents to be present. The children will sing, drill and recite at intervals. The children are rehearsing this morning and we are no adhering to the Time Table.

I shall assemble the children in the Schoolroom after play. The teachers are being with the registers and I have to arrange about the children from Queen Street and  beyond the Church being transferred to Newton Road Schools. The registers are all made up for the quarter and proved. I have asked all the children who live in Queen street and beyond the Church to go to the Newton Road School on Monday. My school is over-crowded. About 40 children will go.

The children have a half holiday today for Barnum and Baily’s Show.

Average for week 244. I have admitted 61 children this week and transferred an equal number to the Newton Road Schools. Children from each of the classes have been transferred.

This is a very wet morning and I have had many late girls. Miss Clark was unable to do her work in School on Monday May 8^th 1899 owing to her having lost her voice. I excused her on that morning for an hour as she had gone out to spend the week-end, but I had to speak seriously to her owing to her frequent indisposition. Elsie Childs is absent from school through illness.

Average for week 254.1

The schools close this afternoon for the Whitsuntide Holiday for one week. Average for the week 243.1

School work was resumed this morning. All the teachers were in attendance and also a fairly good attendance of children.

I have examined all the school in needlework specimens after a month’s practice. The work is not by any means good but it shows that the work has been taught and now needs plenty of practice. Average for the week 253.

The school will be closed for this afternoon for Queen Street Sunday School Treat. I shall take the needlework lesson this morning after the play.

The Knitting lesson has been continued this afternoon until playtime.

I have again continued the knitting lesson until playtime.

Average for week 248.7

I wish Standards V,VI & VII to have their Drill Lesson which they missed yesterday owing to the excessive heat. They shall drill from 4o’clock to 4.30

Average for the week 244.2

Checked registers. J. Colson.

The school is closed this afternoon for the Congregational & Succoth Sunday School Treat.

Average for the week 234.7

I have examined Standard IV in the work of the month of May. The intelligent work and the reading are weak- a complete report of which I have entered in the Record Book

Average for week 240.4 the school is closed on Monday owing to the Band of Hope School Treat and Trip to the Seaside

School work was resumed today but the attendance on the whole is poor. I have continued the needlework lesson this afternoon so that I may get it finished throughout the school.

Average for week 232.6

This school was closed this afternoon for the Baptist Sunday School Treat.

I have been obliged to go home this afternoon. I am very unwell.

I came to school this morning at 9 o’clock.

Miss Knock was obliged to go home this morning she was so unwell. This school is closed this afternoon for the Church School Treat.

Average for week 230.

I have taken the needlework lesson this morning , as the school is closed this afternoon for Park Road School Treat.

I have taken an extra lesson with Standard I this morning in order to keep on with the knitting.

I have received the government Report.

“This school continues in a highly creditable state of efficiency. Good methods of teaching prevail and the Head Teacher exercises a thorough supervision. The needlework is very good and the recitation receives most careful attention.

Violet E. Colson 3^rd year P.T. has passed well.

Annie E. Adams 1^st year P.T. has passed well.

Elsie M. Childs Candidate for Apprenticeship has passed.

School staff for the Year Ending April 30^th 1900

Head Teacher – Margaret Soutar.

Cert. Assistant – J. Jaques.

Assistant A. – L. Sargent.

Assistant Art, 50 – C. Clarke

Assistant Art. 50 – E.J. Knock

Assistant ‘A’ – R.E. Packer.

Pupil Teacher 3^rd Year – V.E. Colson.

Pupil Teacher 1^st year – A.E. Adams.

Candidate – E.M. Childs.

James Heygate – Clerk to the Board.

Average for week 230.2

I have examined Standard I and Standard II are now doing their exam needlework for me. The other classes will do theirs this afternoon.

Average for the week 238. Average for the quarter 242.

Average for the week 215.3. This school closes today for the Midsummer Holiday of Four weeks.