School re-opened after a period of very severe weather.  Once again the caretaker has done a splendid job during this trying period – the school being spotless and warm and apparently no damage despite the severe frosts.

Mrs M O Allen absent suffering from a chill and confined to her bed.

Mrs Cockle unable to return this afternoon as her husband is seriously ill.  HT arranged with Mrs E M Page to do supply duty here in her place.

I learn that Mrs Cockle is now ill herself.  Mrs Page has a prior commitment to assist at the Girls’ S M School tomorrow so will not be available after today.  Mrs Allen phoned to say she will return tomorrow morning.

Mrs M O Allen resumed duty this morning.

Mrs Gunn and Mrs Tarry both arrived late as they were suffering with stomach trouble.  This seems to be very prevalent among the younger children and is aggravated by the very severe weather we have suffered since Christmas.  Because of this HT sent out circular to parents and notified Office.

ASE main tests.  32 children took test.  Mr Lawrence and an assistant from Alfred St invigilating here.  HT and Mr Mitchell did like duty at Newton Rd.  Mr Reeve, Deputy Education Officer, visited school during test.

Mrs W G Cockle resumed duty today so Mrs E M Page finished her duty here on Fri Jan 25^th.

Water supply pipe froze during the weekend so school without water.  Carried on for today under difficulty.  Water Board notified and they managed to free main to our side of meter.  Plumber from Marriotts examined position and reported to HT.  Pipe probably frozen for whole length over brook in culvert and under playground.

Water supply still frozen.  Had to close school after seeking advice.  Will continue like this on day-to-day basis.  Notified Canteen, Office etc.

Press cutting;-

Close school parents urge

Two hundred parents of children at a primary school at Rushden, Northamptonshire, have signed a petition urging that the school be closed.  They say the 93 year old building is in poor condition and the classrooms overcrowded.

Water supply restored late yesterday afternoon so school re-opened as usual today.

Miss Newell, organiser for PE, called and discussed PE and apparatus with HT.

Short staff meeting at playtime this afternoon.

Mr Perkins, SWO, called this afternoon.

School re-opened after two days break for half-term.

Mr Harley absent suffering from influenza cold.

Mr Harley resumed duty this morning.

Received and announced preliminary results of ASE (7 girls to GHS and 5 borderline – 6 boys to GS and 3 borderline, 3 to TS and 3 borderline.)

Mrs Gunn absent suffering from stomach disorder.  Mrs tarry had to leave school at 9.30a.m. to take her daughter to hospital clinic for examination.  Returned after lunch.

Letter from Head Teacher to parents

                                                                        South End CP School
                                                                                                             RUSHDEN, Northants                                          21^st January 1963

To all parents of Infants

                There seems to be a great deal of stomach trouble spreading through the younger children of this school.  I believe some of this is passed on by a germ and the rest due to chills or children experiencing sudden changes in temperature due to this terrible weather.

                To add to our troubles the water supply to the lavatories is frozen and they have to be flushed by hand and cleared by the caretaker daily.

                While these conditions persist, I would be grateful if there are any signs of your child suffering from diarrhoea or any kind of stomach upset if you will keep it at home until fully recovered.

                                                F C Astle
                                                Headmaster

Miss B P Joyce, County Audiometrician, visited the school and examined all the children in the 5+ (at Sep 1962) age group and also about 15 other children specially referred to her.

Mrs Gunn resumed duties this morning.

Mrs Gunn absent again as her three sons are all ill.

Mrs Gunn resumed duties today but expects to have to stay away again at the end of the week.

School managers held their bi-monthly meeting at this school at 6.45p.m.  Miss Pearl (HT of Tennyson Rd Infants) and HT in attendance.  This is quite an innovation and was much appreciated.

Mrs Weale, school manager, visited the school this afternoon, going round all of the classes and signing the registers.

Mrs Gunn, whose sons are still ill, had to leave school before the end of each session.

Mr Perkins, SWO, called this afternoon.

School breaks up form Easter Holiday.  HT left school just after 2p.m. with permission from managers.

School re-opened with Mr Mitchell in charge as HT did not return until midday.  During my absence both Mrs tarry and Mrs Gunn had notified Mr Mitchell that they would be unable to resume duties owing to illness amongst their children.  Mr Mitchell had arranged for Miss J E Gull and Mrs Akroyd, both qualified teachers, to take their places until the end of next week.  HT phoned Office to inform them of the position.  Mrs A M Akroyd started at 1.30.

Mrs Gunn returned to duties rather unexpectedly this morning so Miss Gull’s period of duty here ended on Fri Apr 26^th.

Mr Perkins, SWO, called this afternoon as did Dr Bermingham to enquire about German measles and chicken pox.

Mrs P M Tarry returned to duty today so Mrs A M Akroyd finished her period of supply duty here yesterday.

School closed today to enable members of the staff to attend the Teachers’ Refresher Course held in Rushden.

Ascension Day.  For the first time since school was opened in 1870, the school did not close. M Office notified HT on Monday last, as school was closed in January due to frozen water supply, no further closures would be allowed this school year.  Those children who wished attended church services and returned to school at 9.40a.m.

Mrs Gunn absent with leave of absence for this week, accompanying her husband and family on their annual holiday.  Mrs E M Page is doing supply duty here in her place.

School finished today for Whitsun holiday.

School re-opened – all staff present.

Signs of start of measles epidemic in reception class.  Eleven reported cases.

Age-group tests in main subjects being taken in Junior section of the school during this week.  Timetable being altered to allow for this.

Library exchange – 100 books at 1.30p.m. today.

Representative from County Accountants Office visited the school to check stock book, sales accounts and dinner records.

Area Junior School Sports held on cricket ground today.  School opened as usual (no occasional days being available).  All children competing or wishing to attend released immediately after registers had been marked.  80 children and 4 teachers remained at school.

School nurse visited the school and checked eyesight of 22 children due for medical inspection and also a few extra cases.

School breaks up today until Sept 3^rd – another year having been completed.  Again we have had a most happy and successful year despite the difficulties of uneven age-groups, really bad weather and its consequent upheavals and poor attendance due to epidemics etc.  I am most pleased with the progress that has been made and must place on record my appreciation of all the conscientious work put in by every member of the staff.  They are indeed a splendid and ideal team for a school of this type.

School re-opened this morning.  All the staff, with the exception of Mrs Cockle, present.  Mrs Akroyd present doing supply duty in place of Mrs Cockle.

Mrs cockle resumed duty this morning so Mrs Akroyd ceased duty here on Sept 16^th (Fri).

Mrs tarry absent suffering from upset stomach and temperature.  Mrs Akroyd commenced supply duty in her place this afternoon.

 Mrs P M Tarry resumed duty today.  Mrs Akroyd finished her period of duty here on Fri Sept 27^th.

ASE.  First part of exam taken this morning by 53 children.

School re-opened after having week’s break for half-term.

Six new children admitted.

Library stock taking and exchange – 235 books checked and 100 of them exchanged.

The County Audiometrician visited the school this morning and checked the hearing of 5-6 age-group and about 24 others by request and newcomers.

The top classes went to the Ritz Theatre in the afternoon for a special showing of Road Safety films, organised by Mr Valvona, County Road Safety Officer.

Special morning prayers etc. taken at assembly today in connection with Armistice Day.

For our contribution to ‘Education Week’ the school was thrown open this afternoon and parties of parents and managers conducted through the school to see all the classes in session.  About 187 were taken round in this manner.  In the evening a special meeting for parents was held when a talk and discussion on the ‘Eleven Plus’ was taken.  Mrs A Perkins, chairman of the managers, took the chair.

Mr D F Syme, HMI, visited the school today and saw all of the classes at work.

Mrs Weale and Mrs Shrive, school managers, visited the school this afternoon, visiting all the classes and signing the registers.

Mrs Cockle absent today owing to sudden death of her husband.  Mrs A M Akroyd doing duty in her place for today.  Mrs E M Page will continue in her place from tomorrow.

The end of yet another term, marked by slow but steady progress in every class after a rather trying start.  Attendance has generally been quite good.  The term has ended on rather a high note; a special carol service was arranged by the school and presented at the Park Rd Baptist room on Monday evening, the usual parties and entertainment were held on Tuesday afternoon and our own school carol singing taken on Wednesday afternoon.  As a result of our efforts and a school collection we were able to subscribe £20 to the Superintendent’s Fund at Hinwick Hall and send £5-5-0 to Rushton hall School for the Blind (to purchase sledges etc.)

Mrs Page finished her spell of duty here.

School re-opened after Christmas Holiday.  All staff present.

17 Infants admitted.

Miss M E Anderson absent suffering from severe stomach trouble.  Mrs Page doing supply duty in her place.

ASE.  Mian examination this morning.  HT and Mr Mitchell at Newton Rd acting as invigilators.  Mr Lawrence and an assistant from Alfred St doing same duty here.

Miss Anderson returned to duty this morning so Mrs Page finished her spell of duty here yesterday having completed three days.

Mrs M O Allen absent suffering with severe cold and chill.  Mrs Page deputising.

Mrs M S Gunn absent with severe cold and stomach trouble.  Mrs A M Akroyd offered her services which were accepted and she commenced supply duty here in the afternoon.

Mrs M O Allen returned this morning.  Mrs Page having put in two days here ceased duties yesterday.

 Mrs M S Gunn resumed duties this morning so Mrs Akroyd finished her spell, of duty here having completed 3½ days.

Mr R C Mitchell absent today – attending funeral of his wife’s sister.

Miss M E Anderson absent suffering from sickness and diarrhoea.  Mrs E M Page doing supply duty to help us out.

Dental inspection of whole school.

Miss Anderson returned to duty this morning so Mrs Page finished duty having completed a further two days.  Mrs Astle, who has been off colour for some days, was so ill that I had to take her home and Mrs Page will continue here starting this afternoon.

Mrs Astle resumed duties this morning.  Mrs Page completed a further 1½ days here in her place.

Mrs P M Tarry, who is suffering from influenza, had to return home during this morning’s assembly.  Mrs Page is again assisting in her place.

Mrs P M Tarry returned to duty today.  Mrs page completed a further 3 days here.

Mrs Tarry absent suffering from stomach upset.  Mrs Page deputising (1 day).

Mrs Tarry resumed duties.

Mrs Weale and Mrs Shrive, school managers, visited the school this afternoon to sign the registers.

School closed today for Easter Holiday.

School re-opened.  Usual intake of new infants postponed until September owing to overcrowding in Infants’ classes.  Only two infants (of compulsory school age) admitted.

Disposition of staff and classes given overleaf.

Mrs M S Gunn absent having two of her sons ill with mumps.  Mrs E M Page doing supply duty.

Mrs M S Gunn returned to duty this morning.  Mrs Page finished 4 days duty here yesterday.

School closed – Ascension Day.

School closes today for Whitsun Holiday.

School re-opened. 

Mrs Gunn absent with permission – on holiday with her husband.  Mrs E M Page doing supply duty in her place.

Special morning service for Commonwealth Day.

Caretaker reported that a large sheet of safety glass in the verandah had been broken sometime between Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning.

Mrs Gunn resumed duty today.

Mrs Gunn absent today as her son has tonsillitis.

Mr Harley absent taking examination.

Mr Harley absent in afternoon taking examination.

Mr Perkins, SAO, called bringing with him the two McDowells who he found playing truant.

Tests for the end of the school year will be taken this week.  To get a better judgement for the promotions etc. the Junior children will be tested in age groups not classes.

Timetable modified considerably during the week.

School closed for Area Sports.

Mrs Gunn absent for morning session – son’s accident.

Mrs R E Weale and Mrs D E Shrive, school managers, visited the school this afternoon and went round the school visiting all the classes and signing the registers.

School breaks up today for summer holiday.

Again I record a happy and successful year with very good progress made in all classes. 

Mrs P M Tarry leaves us today to take up a similar appointment at Higham Ferrers.

Some sixty children will be leaving today.

School re-opened today after the summer holiday which has been remarkable for the hot sunny weather.

Mrs P M Catlin commenced duties here today, in charge of the middle Infants class.

41 children admitted:- 34 entrants, 6 transfers from Tennyson Rd Infants and 1 removal.

Mrs M S Gunn absent suffering with upset stomach.  Mrs E M Page taking reception class.

Mrs M S Gunn returned to duty and so Mrs Page finished duty here on Sept 11^th having completed two says.

Mrs Catlin absent today attending funeral of father-in-law.  Mrs Page doing supply duty in her place.

Mr Churchill, Chief Education Officer, Accompanied by Mr Giles and Mr Ramsden, of the Dept of Education and Science, visited the school to see the old buildings and were taken round by the Head Teacher.

School Harvest Festival held today.  A marvellous set of gifts of all kinds brought.  Morning service taken by the Rector, Rev Elliott.  Gifts later sent to Rushden Hospital and Hinwick Hall, school for crippled boys.

On arriving at school this morning I found three large panes of safety (reinforced) glass in the verandah had been broken.  This apparently sheer wanton damage.  Notified local police and reported the matter to the Office.

Mrs P M Catlin absent having had a bout of sickness during night.  Mrs W G Cockle will also have to be out at periods during the day to receive the doctor for her daughter, just home from hospital.  HT called in Mrs R J Hall to do supply duty for today.

Mrs Catlin resumed duties this morning and so Mrs Hall finished a spell of two days here yesterday.

School closed – General Election.

The audiometric nurse visited the school and carried out hearing tests with all children in 5-6 age group, the past year’s intake and cases submitted by the class teachers.

School closes today for a week’s half-term Autumn Holiday.

School re-opened.

Mr Ballard, school architect, called to discuss annual repairs, alterations and proposed interior decoration with HT.

HT called to school to meet police and caretaker – apparent break in.  Small window pane in my study broken and window opened.  Several spent matches found inside.  Nothing seems to be missing.

Library check and change 100 books in Junior section of school.

Mrs Weale and Mrs Shrive, school managers, visited the school this afternoon and were conducted round the school by the HT, signing all the registers.

Mr Harley absent suffering from chill and stomach upset.

Mrs E M Page commenced supply duty this morning.

Mr Harley returned this morning so Mrs Page finished her duty here on Friday having completed two days Service.

Mrs Allen absent suffering with tonsillitis.  HT called in Mrs Page to do supply duty.

Mrs Allen returned to duty so Mrs Page finished 3 days duty here yesterday.

Term ended with a special carol service and parties.  Collections in the school and at the carol service enabled us to send £20 to the Superintendent’s Fund at Hinwick Hall and £7-7-0 to the HT at Rushton Hall School for Blind Children. 

School closes today for Christmas Holiday.

School re-opened after Christmas Holiday.

Mrs Gunn away suffering with throat infection.  Mrs E M Page doing supply duty here.

Admitted 22 children (20 infants).

Mrs Gunn returned to duty this morning so Mrs Page finished two days duty here on Friday.

Mrs Regis, School Meals Organiser, called to see HT in connection with appointment of extra dinner helpers to cope with increased numbers of children staying to school dinners.

Mrs Crisp and Mrs Clayton started as additional dinner helpers today.

ASE.  26/27 children took English and Arithmetic papers in main ASE tests.  Mr Lawrence and an assistant from Alfred St acted as invigilators while HT and Mr Mitchell did similar duty at Newton Rd.

Several children from along Bedford Rd absent today.  They were left stranded yesterday as there is a ‘work to rule’ and ‘no overtime’ stunt going on amongst United Counties bus crews.  Parents could get no assurance from the bus company so kept their children at home.

Mr Perkins, SWO, called this morning as did Mr D F Syme, HMI, who accompanied by HT visited the new building and then spent rest of the day in school, visiting all classes.

Mr Dorks, the caretaker, suffered some sort of attack during the night and is unable to carry on with his duties.  Mr C J Layram is replacing him for the time being.

Mr and Mrs Dorks resumed duties today, Layram having completed a full week.

Mrs Gunn absent suffering with severe headache and sore throat.  Mrs Page doing supply duty (1 day).

Mrs M O Allen was unable to come this morning as she was suffering from a bad back – muscular rheumatism – absent from morning session.

Mrs Gunn absent as two of her sons are ill.  Mrs E M Page doing supply duty in her place.

Mrs M O Allen absent suffering from tonsillitis.

Mrs Gunn returned to duty this afternoon and has been away suffering from lost voice and tonsillitis since Wednesday Mar 10^th.  Mrs E M Page finished here having completed 3½ days.

Mrs Allen returned to duty this morning.

Mrs Gunn absent suffering from prevailing stomach complaint.  Mrs Akroyd doing supply duty in her place.

Mrs Gunn returned.

Today we moved our top three classes to the completed phase 1 of the new school in Wymington Rd, together with appropriate furniture books etc.

We are moving round the residual classes and furniture in the old building to the rooms to be used next term.  New school building was open tonight to enable parents to look round.  About 160 came and all seemed most impressed with the building, its decoration, the furniture and the site and outlooks.

School closed today for Easter Holiday

School re-opened.

An extra Infants class established and Mrs R J Hall commenced duty here as the class teacher.

New children admitted – 34, 30 entrants and 4 transfers.  Two bottom classes are being run in parallel – both shared Mrs Gunn’s old class and the new intakes.  This should give our entrants more security as they will be with their own teacher for about a year or even longer.

School bus accidentally knocked down gate post at new school when reversing into drive. 

HT discovered that roof of one of the cloakrooms had been stripped of its lead covering.  Phoned architect’s office and then notified Police.

Sent reports on accident and theft to Office.

Two road signs (School) have been erected today on Wymington Rd at approaches to the new school.  The one suggested for Manor Rd approach has not been dealt with.

Mrs Perkins, school manager, visited the school this morning and after some discussion with HT was conducted round the school in both buildings and saw each class working under normal conditions.  She asked me to log that she was pleased and most gratified with all she had seen.

Mrs P M Catlin absent suffering with bad throat.  Mrs E M Page doing supply duty during her absence.

School closed for Area Junior School Sports.

Mrs Catlin returned this morning so Mrs Page finished here on Friday last having completed three days service.

Special day’s holiday taken at request of Department of Science and Education, to commemorate 750^th anniversary of signing of Magna Carta and also 700^th anniversary of Simon de Montfort’s Parliament, taken on occasion of H M Queen’s visit to Higham Ferrers and Wellingborough.

Cloud-burst, type of storm occurred this morning.  Water poured down walls in a number of places and the playground flooded. Excess storm water got into sewers, forced off inspection covers and spread sewage over large part of playground.  HT notified Office and local council.  Co-op workmen inspected during lull in storm and promised to return later.  Caretaker swilled playground with disinfectant and swept up silt where possible.

School closed today for summer holiday.

At the end of my fifteenth year as HT I am pleased to be able to record the conclusion of another happy and successful year.  The opening of the new section of the school and the upheavals caused by this together with establishing another class have all been successfully overcome.  We closed with a very happy event.  At a special assembly Mrs Shrive, school manager, chairman of Rushden UDC and chairman of local Road Safety Committee, presented attendance prizes to those who had a perfect attendance and also Cycling Proficiency Certificates to those who had won them.

School re-opened after summer holiday.  All staff present.

Admitted 24 new children – 2 from Tennyson Rd Infants, 12 entrants and 10 transfers from elsewhere.

Bottom Infants continuing in two parallel classes and top Infants moving towards parallel classes.  This scheme should prove really beneficial over next two years.

Mr Letts, our crossing patrol, will be absent today and next week up to Oct 7^th.  He is taking a late holiday as arranged by Wallace Arnolds for pensioners.

Top group took practice paper for ASE.

Mr Letts returned to duty.  HT has been doing crossing patrol duties for the past week.

HT left school at 9.15a.m. to attend Police Court at Wellingborough, being called as a witness in a case arising out of the lead theft on May 6^th.  Was not able to return until 12.45.

School closes today for Autumn half-term holiday and will re-open on Wed Oct 27^th.

New telephone with extension to new building installed this morning.

Mr letts, our crossing patrol, notified me he would have to leave owing to ill health and that he would carry on until Fri Nov 12^th if needed.

Mr Letts not able to carry out his duties being ill.  HT doing crossing patrol duty.

Mrs Crisp, dinner helper, absent owing to death of father.  Mrs Askew doing extra time to help with washing up.

Mr Letts died suddenly this evening.  Office notified.

Second ability test in connection with 11 plus taken this morning.

Mrs Gunn absent suffering from upset stomach.  Mrs E M Page doing supply duty in her place (1 day only).

Starting today and for the rest of this term the afternoon session will start at 1.15.  Timetable and closing times brought 15 minutes early.

Mrs R J Hall absent owing to her daughter being ill.  Mrs E M Page doing supply duty during her absence.

Mr R F Harley absent suffering with bilious attack and cold.

School closed for Christmas holiday.

School re-opened.  Mrs Cockle absent with injured leg.  Mrs E M Page doing supply duty in her place.

Mr R Wood commenced duties as Crossing Patrol.

Police, who had promised to instruct him, did not appear so HT gave him preliminary instructions and arranged for further instruction to be given to him by police later in the day.

Mrs Cockle returned to duty this morning so Mrs Page finished her spell of duty on Fri Jan 14^th (8 days).

During last week two old ventilators on the roof were removed and the roofing tiles made good.  This morning I notice the ceiling board under one is sagging – probably due to fallen rubble or plaster.  Notified the contractors, the Co-op Building Dept immediately.

Mrs Gunn absent as her three sons are all ill.  Mrs Page doing supply duty.

Mrs Gunn returned to duty this morning and so Mrs Page finished her duty here on Friday, having completed 3 days service.

School closes today for half-term holiday and will re-open on Wed Feb 23^rd.

During the break the roof let in water in a number of places despite it having been attended to several times lately.