ABSENTEES FROM SCHOOL

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24814, 2 March 1946, Page 6

ABSENTEES FROM SCHOOL

COLLEGE BOARD’S CONCERN ACTION AGAINST PARENTS SUGGESTED Action against parents who neglected the responsibility of ensuring that their children were regular in attendance at school was discussed by members of the Christchurch and Papanui Technical Colleges’ Board at a meeting last evening. A suggestion’ that prosecutions be made where necessary was considered. After a report by the principal (Dr D. E. Hansen) that the school roll showed a drop of more than 100 pupil; compared with 1945. the appointments’ committee stated that among a number of last year’s pupils who had not returned were some under 15 years of age. This latter aspect was viewed seriously by members. “If we allow this to go on the first year the number of absentees will tee greater the second year,” said the chairman (Mr T. W- West). “It is the board’s responsibility to see that these children return to school.” Dr. Hansen said that at least 10 pupils under the age of 15 had failed to return to school. It was the practice of some children to get jobs by giving false ages to prospective employers, a member stated- There had been a number of such instances lately, It was therefore the responsibility of the employer as well as the parent to make sure that under-age children did not obtain jobs instead of attending school. The appointments’ committee made a recommendation “that the principal be asked to take up the matter of pupils under 15 years of age in the city who were not attending a postprimary school.” This recommendation was approved unanimously, with the added suggestion that, where necessary, prosecutions be made against the parents of the children concerned-