Other formats

    TEI XML file   ePub eBook file  

Connect

    mail icontwitter iconBlogspot iconrss icon

The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Otago & Southland Provincial Districts]

Roman Catholic Schools

Roman Catholic Schools.

Apart from the efficiency of their present administration, these schools owe their existence and stability largely to the foresight, liberality and energy of the late Right Rev. Monsignor Coleman, who, as a churchman, was a worthy adjutant of the late Bishop Moran. The schools are conducted by the Dominician Nuns, who reside at Rosary Convent, a handsome building in Oamaru stone, situated on a commanding site, and surrounded by pleasant grounds. In connection with the High School, there is a boarding school with spacious accommodation for young lady boarders, in the scholastic wing of the convent. Visitors to Oamaru have expressed admiration at the beauty of the building, the loftiness and perfect ventilation of the class rooms, dormitories, etc., and the convenience of all the domestic arrangements in this thoroughly up-to-date establishment, which is second to none in the colony. The climatic advantages of Oamaru are well known; the salubrious sea-air, and the general dryness of the atmosphere, render this seaside town a sanatorium for delicate children. The fine conventual building has replaced the two houses originally used in the foundation, which dates back to the 1st of September, 1882, and is an off-shoot from St. Dominic's Priory, Dunedin. Every branch of a sound English education is taught in the High School. In the School of Music pupils each year successfully pass the Practical and Theoretical Examinations of Trinity College, London, and the Associated Board of the Royal Academy, and the Royal College of Music, London. Owing to the largely increased number of art pupils, the authorities have erected a special studio, which occupies one of the most elevated positions in the Convent grounds, and commands a fine view of Cape Wanbrow and the ocean. Primary schools are conducted in connection with the convent, and girls are taught in the large schoolroom, where there are about 200 pupils in attendance. The boys are taught in a separate building in Usk Street, where there are about 100 children on the roll, and a qualified master is in charge. Since 1895, these primary schools have been examined by an inspector of the Board of Education.