Local school events to celebrate Christmas are reported here. All the children behaved very well, but then buns and plum cake were good bribes!
STAMFORD AND ST. MARTIN’S INFANT SCHOOL –
An examination of the children of this school took place in the presence of their parents, of the Mayor (who is president of the institution), of the committee and visitors, on Monday last,and a more interesting exhibition it was impossible to witness. The most perfect silence having been obtained at the sound of the teacher’s bell,the children commenced by singing a simple hymn, which was followed by the form of daily prayer used at the school, in which they all joined. Another hymn was then sung, and was succeeded by what is called “actions”, a rapid movement of the hands and feet, the object of which was to keep up the attention. After this, the alphabet and easy combinations of the letters were sung,- a practice found to be very effectual in impressing on the memory the right spelling of the words,on the principle, we conceive, that no letter can be left out by the child, without being out of time. They were then examined in their multiplication , pence, and farthing tables,and recited various pieces of poetry adapted to their comprehension, and this part of the proceedings was concluded by another hymn. Buns and milk were then given to each child, and presents of handkerchiefs and work bags,made up by themselves, bestowed on those girls who best deserved them. The schoolroom was crowded with the parents and friends of the children, who appeared to take the deepest interest in what was going forward. The holidays are to last a fortnight, at the expiration of which we look forward to a large addition to the number of scholars. There are now 134 names on the boards.
STAMFORD GIRLS NATIONAL SCHOOL.-
On Friday last the girls belonging to this school were regaled with tea and plum cake, as a reward for their general good conduct since the last holidays. The number of children present was 114, four only being absent from ill health. After tea, prayers were said by one of the senior girls,and a considerable portion of the school joined in singing a hymn in a very pleasing manner. The children seemed highly gratified with their treat,and their neat and cleanly appearance reflected great credit upon their parents, as did their orderly behaviour upon the mistress of the school. This excellent institution has derived very material support from an annual ball, and we trust that the one we understand is shortly to take place for this purpose will be as numerously attended as usual.
The Stamford Mercury, 27th December, 1833.