1935:
Further changes were made to the existing buildings at Acland House. New Rooms were added to the west of the building allowing for further dormitories, spaces for staff and a larger kitchen and dining room.
1937:
The school celebrates its Diamond Jubilee.
1937:
The school opens a month late due to the Polio (poliomyelitis) Epidemic.
1938:
The Parent Teacher Association is formed at the school. (I think… no actual evidence other than they are mentioned in 1938 School Mag, but never before). They initially worked alongside the Old Girls Association for school fundraising.
1939:
The school pool is opened by Mr Andrew, Chairman of the Canterbury College Council. The concept of a school pool was presented during the Diamond Jubilee of 1937. Fundraising via the Old Girls Association helped pay for it. It was built on the Montreal St side of the school grounds, in the southern corner.
1939:
The Austrian composer and pianist Paul Schramm performed a pianoforte recital at the school. Later during the WWII years, Paul was treated poorly in NZ, during WWII, because of his German heritage. According to the Ara Website, “Anonymous letters to the police denounced him as a fifth columnist, and threats were made to disrupt his concerts.” Eventually he moved to Australia in 1946.
