HEAD DISMISSED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22774, 7 July 1937, Page 16

HEAD DISMISSED

< GIBLS' HIGH SCHOOL FORMER AUCKLAND MISTRESS PROTEST BY PARENTS ' ' NO EXPLANATION GIVEN [FROM OCR own correspondent] ' / LONDON, June 19 An unusual position has arisen as a result of the action of tho governors of Beverley High School for Girls, Yorkshire, in giving notice to terminate the employment of Miss E. H. Sandford, the headmistress, who was formerly headmistress of the Diocesan School for Girls, Auckland. She took over her position at Beverley three years ago. No reason for dismissal has been given by the governors, who refuse to comment on their action, except to state that there is no reflection on Miss Sandford's character. Miss Sandford has protested against her dismissal and she is supported by the Association of Headmistresses, the School Parents' Association, and the 6taff at the Beverley High School. High Regard For Character Mr. B. Maw, deputy-mayor of Beverley, and a member of the Board of Governors, said that all the governors had the highest regard for Miss Sandford's personal character. "We shall not give any explanation of the reasons which have prompted this course," he said, "although I realise that tho action of the governors might cause some comment. Things have occurred which have made it impossible for the situation to continue." '' IVo hundred parents of girls attending the school held a meeting of protest,- at which they passed a resolution urging the governors to reconsider their decision and to receive a deputation of the parents. A member of the Parents' Committee, formed at the meeting, said they did not question the legality of the governors' action, but they thought that a change of headship at the present juncture would be detrimental to the best interests of the school. ■■■< Value of Work Proved Parents state that the results achieved in the past three years prove the value of Miss Sandford's work. She has introduced several new ideas and developed the Parents-' Association, encouraging parents to discuss child problems with her at their meetings. Following upon their dismissal of Miss Sandford, the governors met to discuss the position. The meeting was closed to the press, but it is understood that letters were read from the Association of Headmistresses, protesting against the dismissal without any reasons being given, and that a resolution of the School Parents' Association was read asking for Miss Sandford's' reinstatement. Headmistresses' Support

After the meeting one of the governors said that no new action had been taken by the governors, and that careful consideration had been given to all points which had arisen in the controversy. The chairman of the governors, Mr. J. R. Procter,- said:— "We have adjourned the discussion of

the matter for further consideration."

"We are supporting Miss Sandford," said Miss Martin, secretary of the Aseociation of Headmistresses, "because ■we do think that the governors might

2* have given some reason for their action. So far they have given none r at all."