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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]

Private Schools

page 380

Private Schools.

St. Francis Xavier's Academy, 31 Ingestre Street, Wellington (Sister Francis Xavier Hamilton, principal). This Academy was established in 1890, at the corner of College Street and Cambridge Terrace, and had a roll number of forty pupils at the end of the first year. The close of last year saw ninety names on the books, and at the present time there are 116 girls attending the Academy. The original building was soon much too limited in space, and Mrs. Crawford's house in Ingestre Street was renovated and fitted up. Here the school was conducted until 1893, when it was removed to its present convenient premises. Besides the principal, the teaching staff includes six assistant-teachers, inclusive of visiting masters for painting, shorthand, and music. The course of instruction is thorough and complete. Beginning with the most elementary stages, the pupils are prepared for the matriculation examination, and, when necessary, for the teachers' D certificate. The accommodation at the St. Francis Xavier's Academy is sufficient for fourteen boarders, in addition to the large number of day pupils. It is worthy of remark, as showing the broad lines on which the school is worked, that the majority of pupils in attendance are not Catholics, but belong to various other denominations, there being-sixty of the latter on the roll. This demonstrates very forcibly the popularity of the school among all classes. The course of instruction does not interfere in any way with matters of religion. Three large schoolrooms and two smaller ones are in daily use in the conduct of the school.

Sister Francis Xavier Hamilton was born at Edgbaston, Warwick, and came from an old Scottish family in direct descent from the ducal line of Hamilton. She was educated at a convent of French ladies at Isleworth-on-Thames, receiving the finishing touches at Paris. Having joined the Order of Mercy at Edinburgh, and passing thence to London, she came in 1878 to New Zealand per ship “Rialto,” commanded by Captain Babot, brother to Captain Babot of Wellington. Immediately on arriving at the Capital, Sister Francis Xavier Hamilton went into the Convent, where she remained for nine years. Subsequently she went to Blenheim, and for eighteen months acted as Lady Superior at the Convent there. Returning to Wellington, she opened the academy as described above, having received leave from Rome to work on her own account. Under her skilful supervision, it is daily growing more popular. She looks after the physical as well as the mental development of her pupils, a large playground and a good tennis-court being provided for their recreation.

The Kindergarten and Preparatory School (Miss K. Francis, proprietress), Clifton Terrace, Wellington, was established six months when taken over in 1884 by Miss Francis—who has recently married—and Miss Kate Francis. The Kindergarten has been a most popular school for the young children of the well-to-do families residing in the locality of Wellington Terrace. The head teacher and proprietress has been connected with the school since its inception, and the Kindergarten, which is sufficient for about fifty pupils, is very popular. The terms are very reasonable, being only £1 1s. per quarter, and, in addition to the ordinary English subjects, needlework and dancing are taught. Miss Francis was born in Adelaide, and came to New Zealand with her mother, Mrs. Francis, of the Mount Cook Infants' School, when very young. She received her education chiefly at the Mount Cook Girls' School, but studied for the profession of teacher under the Board of Education. The discipline of the school is all that can be desired, and periodical examinations are held by Mrs. Francis.

Miss Kreefts' School, Abel Smith Street, Wellington. This school was established about 1881. The principal teaches boys and girls of from five to fourteen years of age, the little ones being taught on the kindergarten system. A large number of pupils have passed through this school during its existence.

The Marist Brothers' School is situated in Boulcott Street, Wellington. The director is the Rev. Brother Mark Joseph. It was established in 1876, the present building being in course of erection when “The Brothers,” as the Marist Society is called, made Wellington one of their branches. It contains five schoolrooms in addition to the private apartments which are used for the accommodation of the director and teachers. The same syllabus of instruction is adopted by the Marist Brothers as is demanded by the Education Department in the State schools, and in addition, algebra and euclid are taught in the sixth and seventh standards. So sure are the authorities of this school of the efficiency of their work that they court examination by the inspectors of the Board of Education. There are 287 boys on the roll, and an average of 264 is maintained. Many of the boys are prepared in this school for public examinations, and several have been successful in passing the Civil Service examination. In addition to a good playground, a gymnasium is attached to the school for the recreation of the boys. The fees charged are exceedingly moderate, viz., from 6d. to 1s. 6d. per week according to age. The Rev. Brother Mark Joseph, the principal, was born in Waterford, Ireland, and educated at All Hallowes College, Drumcondra, Dublin. He completed his college term in 1863, and came out to Sydney in 1884 per ship “Greyhound.” He obtained a teacher's certificate, and taught under the Board of Education, New South Wales, for some fifteen years, holding various positions in the schools of the sister colony during that time. It was not till 1881 that Brother Mark, as he is commonly designated, joined the Marist Brotherhood in Sydney, and five years later he crossed over to New Zealand, and was appointed to his present position. He is assisted by six brothers of the same religious order—the Society of Mary,—the whole of the members of which lead lives of celibacy, and devote themselves entirely to the cause of education. The Marist Brothers' School is a popular institution with the Catholics of Wellington, and is deservedly respected by all classes. Brother Mark and his assistants make their duties a labour of love, and under such conditions success is always sure.

Morrison's School of Art (William Leslie Morrison, principal), National Mutual Buildings, Customhouse Quay, Wellington. This school was established by Mr. Morrison about 1888. It is held in a large room on the second floor of the National Mutual Buildings. This room contains a fine supply of models and all the appliances used in a modern school of art. Mr. Morrison gives instruction in every branch, including drawing, painting, modelling, and sculpture work.

Preparatory School (Miss J. McGowan, Principal), Scarborough Terrace, Wellington. This school was established in 1885. About thirty pupils, boys and girls, attend. The standards adopted by Miss McGowan are on similar lines to those in the public schools. The principal is a sister of Mr. J. McGowan, Commissioner of Taxes.

Ladies' Collegiate School (Mrs Thomas McDonnell, Principal), Melmerbe House, 99 Brougham Street, Wellington. The principal is the wife of Lieutenant-Colonel McDonnell, whose interesting career is referred to under the heading “Military.”