GIRLS’ COUNTY SCHOOL PRIZE DAY.

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NOTABLE TRIBUTES TO MISS M. COOK, RETIRING HEAD MISTRESS.

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Notable tributes were paid to Miss Margaret Cook, M.A., head mistress of the Aberdare Girls’ County School, by Mr. George Hall1, M.P., Financial Secretary to the Admiralty, Mrs. M. E. Jones, JP, C.C., chairman of Governors, Mr. W. H. Evans, H.M. Inspector of schools, and Ald. Mrs F. Rose Davies, M.B.E., J.P., at the school’s annual distribution of certificates, held at the Coliseum, Trecynon, on Monday, which was Miss Cook’s last “prize day” before going into retirement at the end of the present term.

Mr. Hall, after presenting certificates to the girls who were successful in passing their Higher, Supplementary and School Certificates, said the certificates were “passports into the world.” “What you do when you go out into the world, is up to you,” he said to the girls.

Continuing, he said good humouredly, that he had managed on several other occasions to throw the responsibility of presenting the certificates, on someone else such as Lord Sankey and others. “But this time I could not refuse”, he added, “I wanted to pay my compliment to Miss Cook on her last public appearance before retiring, and to present the prizes to the girls.

“I am sure all the girls present will agree with me that after nearly 30 years service to education in general and to the Aberdare Girls’ County School in particular, Miss Cook seeks a very well earned retirement. I can in one sentence, express the feelings of all, for her long and unstinted services. We can never repay her for what she has done for the County School and for Aberdare.

VALUABLE GUIDANCE

Miss Cook took control over the school when it needed guidance, and so directed its course that her devotion became the lynch-pin in its system. She has made the school what it is to-day by her devoted and strong personality and by setting such high ideals for her girls.

“The school has a remarkable standing although out of Miss Cook’s 28 years of headship there have been seven years of war and twelve years of depression; almost two-thirds of her time at the County School. Yet the quality and the successes of the school have never wavered.”

MISS COOK’S REPORT

Miss Cook, who had presented her report before Mr. Hall spoke, said she was especially glad to see Mr. Hall when she was saying good-bye to the school. “Whether we are Conservatives, Liberals, or Communists, we must consider him the ideal representative,” she said. We have watched with great satisfaction and pride his progress in the political world and when we win this war we shall be very grateful to Mr. Hall.”

EDUCATION UNDER ONE ROOF.

Miss Cook then outlined her scheme on Post-War Reconstruction. “I would like to see the whole of one’s education gained under one roof,” she said. There would be no feeling as to central or secondary schools. It would be entirely democratic.

“I want to see boys and girls from the poorer districts educated like those at Eton. Why should such girls have less of a chance than say Princess Elizabeth? Give everybody a sound education. It only means more money and sound organisation.

“It is rather a pity that there is a lack of sex equality in this country,” commented Miss Cook. “The number of girls who sit for higher examinations get less and less each year, while the boys who sit for it, get more and more. I know that parents think that it is more suitable for boys to have a better education than girls.

“They say why waste time and expense on educating a girl; she will get married sooner or later. That attitude is a great pity, for women have just as much right to a good education as men.

“Out of the 2,116, who have been educated at this school, 11 have become doctors. Dr Enid Williams has been appointed to plan the Reconstruction of Wales after the war. There are 80 secondary teachers, 548 elementary teachers, six gymnastic mistresses, five domestic science mistresses, 112 nurses, 11 chemists and dispensers, three musicians, 123 clerks and shop assistants. Many have changed their careers and have married. I hope they will have a good time. We have given £1,547 11s. 7d. to deserving charities, and out of this we have given £380 to the General Hospital. (Applause).

“To conclude, I must thank the Governors for all they have done, the staff for their comradeship and loyalty, and the parents. Lastly I must thank the girls, without whom we would have no official existence.”

Miss Cook was given a rousing reception by the girls and parents, which must have satisfied her that her great work in the school is recognised and widely respected.

Mrs. M.E. Jones (chairman of the Governors) presided, and in an introductory speech, said that Aberdare knew that there had never been an anxious moment for the girls at the County School. Over 2,000 girls had passed through Miss Cook’s capable hands. “She has always impressed upon the girls a high sense of cleanliness, a high sense of orderliness, a high sense of discipline and absolute integrity,” she said. Mrs. Jones then referred to the fund which Miss Cook had organised, to help girls who were not in a very good financial position, to pass into colleges and universities. “Miss Cook has founded this scholarship, so I want you girls to name it with a suitable title which will include what Miss Cook has done.” (Applause).

Mr. Evans, H.M. inspector of schools, paid his tribute to Miss Cook’s work by saying “Miss Cook has not only worked for the school but for the community. Her great work has been recognised, as she was made President of the Federation of Head Masters and Head Mistresses of Wales.”

A vote of thanks to Mr. Hall and to Mrs. Jones was proposed by Mr. F.E. Rees (Director of Education for Glamorgan), and seconded by Ald. Mrs Rose Davies.

Between the various speeches, the school orchestra, under the leadership of Miss Marie Howells, capably rendered a minuet from “Samson” (Handel) and melodies from “Cavalleria Rusticana” (Mascagni). The school choir beautifully rendered “Tros y Garreg,” “The Keeper,” “Sky Boat Song,” “Tillie,” “The Silver Swan,” and “Oh for the wings of a dove.” Awards for the best Senior Form magazine were made to Form4 Alpha, and Junior magazine to 3a. The school shield was awarded to Goronwy House.

Awards for the best Senior Form magazine were made to Form4 Alpha, and Junior magazine to 3a. The school shield was awarded to Goronwy House.