SCHOOL TERMS

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25955, 8 November 1949, Page 3

SCHOOL TERMS

LITTLE SUPPORT FOR CHANGE The synchronisation of terms and nolidays for all schools, proposed by the New Zealand Education Boards’ Association, received little support from the Christchurch Boys’ High School Board of Managers yesterday afternoon. The only alternative suggested was a delay in closing for the summer vacation (provided examinations were also delayed), and a later start for the first, term. The benefit to families of all children observing the same school terms and holidays, the maintenance of full school bus services, and co-ordination of administration were among the reasons advanced in favour of the proposal. The headmaster (Mr A. E. Caddick) reported that his staff unanimously opposed any extension of the postprimary school year to correspond with nrimary schools. They believed that the present system was best suited to the needs of both teachers and pupils.

The only improvement which might be useful was a postponement of the break-up and of the opening of the summer term, Mr Caddick continued. School certificate examinations would be oyer by November 26, and matriculation and scholarshio examinations by early December. Even with the school closing on December 8, there was a tendency for a big number of boys to leave early for holiday work. Parents were as much to blame as the pupils. With reduced rolls it was impossible to maintain a full teaching scheme. The break-up could have been delayed to December 16 (when primary schools close) if the examinations were also set back to ensure full attendance. Mr W. C. Colee said a later opening in the first term would clear some of the hottest weather and also make young assistants available longer for harvesting. Mr George Guy said the convenience of parents having all children on holiday for the same periods was the onlv recommendation for the proposed change. . Mr C. S. Thompson said another possibility was the reduction of the primary school year to the terms of the post-primarv schools. The board agreed that its education committee should draft a reply for confirmation at the next meeting.