Brothers, assisted by two pupil-teachers and one visiting master. The course of instruction embraces all the subjects usually taught in good primary schools, in addition to which the upper classes receive instruction in French, Latin, Euclid, Algebra, Natural Philosophy, and Book-keeping. Much attention is given to Shorthand. Boys who remain sufficiently long in the school are prepared for the Civil Service and Matriculation Examinations. The school thus serves both as a Primary and an Intermediate School. Free-hand Drawing and Vocal Music, on the tonic sol-fa method, are taught in all the classes. There is a special Athletic class attached to the school, receiving instruction from an experienced teacher.
There is a fine playground provided with a well-furnished Gymnasium for the use of all the scholars, and the out-offices are constructed on the newest and most approved principles. The number on the roll for the present year (1889) is close on 300, with a daily attendance of from 250 to 270. The scholars attending the school have the advantage of a lending library and a small museum. The school is supported by the voluntary contributions of the parents of the scholars. There is a class for the literary improvement of the young held at the school. There are also classes for the religious instruction of boys and youths on Sunday afternoon. These classes are attended by over 200 scholars. In addition to the above, a very useful and flourishing Catholic Literary Society holds its meetings at the school every Wednesday evening during the winter months.
A Girls' High School, attended by 108 pupils including boarders, is maintained at the Dominican Priory, Dowling-street. The curriculum embraces all the branches of a liberal education, special attention being devoted to Latin and the Higher Mathematics, with a view to the preparation for matriculation of those pupils who complete the course. Vocal and instrumental music, crayon drawing, and painting, are cultivated to a high degree. Many of the ex-pupils are now among the leading musicians in the colonies. The piano, the organ, and the harp are taught by the nuns, and the violin by visiting masters. The classes for German and Italian are not numerously attended, as the taste for foreign literature is not sufficiently developed. With a view to form this taste, the nuns require their pupils to speak the French language
