TEACHERS FROM SMALL SCHOOLS

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 26945, 22 January 1953, Page 8

TEACHERS FROM SMALL SCHOOLS

65 AT REFRESHER COURSE

TRIBUTE PAID BY MR H. R. LAKE, M.P.

Teachers from rural schools with a staff of one or two have assembled from all parts of the South Island for a refresher course in Christchurch. An appreciation of their activities was given last evening by Mr H. R. Lake, M.P., at the official opening. Differing circumstances were met in all remote rural schools, he said, but experience on the Chatham Islands was typical of the calls made on such teachers.

A young man of 28 (formerly a prominent Rugby wing three-quarters in Auckland) and his wife staffed one of the islands’ four schools, Mr Lake said. They were five or six miles from their nearest neighbours. * In many amenities, the Chatham Islands were at the stage of New Zealand 50 to 60 years ago. Motor vehicles had not long been in use, because of poor roading. The population included many natives and half-casts. Last year, said Mr Lake, he found that this school had cheerful and well-kept classrooms. The master travelled 28 miles each day on some atrocious roads ("he really enjoyed taking an M.P. over them”) to pick up school children. His wife, with a three-months-old baby, fed the family, taught at school, and then received for lunch four or five extra with equanimity. Each child had its individual towel and flannel and was taught thorough cleanliness. In addition to regular lessons they had needlework, handcrafts, painting, and other activities. The master had planted trees by the thousands. He was on the county council. This couple kept up a fine personal appearance. “To this couple and to others of you who are teaching in isolated schools, I extend the deep appreciation of the Government,” Mr Lake said. In attending such courses in their holidays, teachers made certain sacrifices. These also were realised.

Teachers in rural schools faced problems not met by their fellows in the cities and towns, said the Mayor of Christchurch (Mr R. M. Macfarlane, M.P.), who welcomed the 65 teachers. Those present had classes of mixed ages in their small schools which required plenty of adaptability. They often had to cope with problems of school transport for the children. In addition, they were usually relied on to take a leading part in their communities.

Although hardy annuals appeared at the time of break-ups, he was certain that education had improved immeasurably, said Mr Macfarlane. Children 40 years ago often went to school in fear and trembling. Today they looked forward eagerly to the activities. In-service Training

Teachers’ refresher courses were now part of a considered policy of in-ser-vice training, said Mr J. F. Johnson, senior inspector of the Canterbury Education Board, speaking for •the Education Department. It took five or six years to make a tradesman yet teachers had been expected to become fully proficient in two to three years. A full-time officer had recentlv been appointed to supervise this extra training. General refresher courses were only one part of the programme. Others at the local level would be planned. Already selected personnel from various sections of education had been invited to Wellington for specialised assistance. Young teachers could benefit after a year or two of practical experience. Mr Johnson said. Some appreciated the opportunity to discuss new trends after a longer period. Others, ripe for greater responsibility, would be called together when nearing promotion. Information given was not simply a blueprint, Mr Johnson added. Teachers

were expected to learn something of general tone, atmosphere, or principle from their discussions. Much could be gained through assimilation by association. Besides ways and means the courses should think of ends so that teachers would be better equipped for their job in education. Mr H. Pickering, principal of the School for the Deaf at Sumner, where the course is being held, said that in the last three years there had been nine refresher courses at the school. He was happy that the resources available could be used in the vacation to such good purpose. .Mr K. A. North, vice-principal of the Dunedin Teachers’ Training College, who is chairman of the course, welcomed the visitors, especially Miss Poonsri Tamangraksat, a UNESCO fellow from Siam.