HOLIDAYS FOR SCHOOLS

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28250, 11 April 1957, Page 7

HOLIDAYS FOR SCHOOLS

Divided Opinions On Dates

Indications that there will be arguments next Monday evening when householders’ meetings at primary schools are invited by the Canterbury Education Board tn express their views on the changing of school holidays, were given at the meeting of the Canterbury School Committees’ Association last evening. Delegates seemed to be generally incensed about the time for the closing of schools for the Christmas holidays this year. Schools will close on December 20, leaving only two shopping days before Christmas Day. “How can mothers be expected to take their children to see rather Christmas, all in two days. The shops will be swamped,’’ said one man.

“Do you think children want to these days?” asked the president (Mr R. W. Taylor).

‘Too right they do. Make no mistake about that.” another delegate replied.

Several speakers said that in Preliminary discussions their school committees found no good reason for change, but there was an equal number seeking variations. Town and country members wanted holidays altered for different reasons. “I can tell you that country meetings will vote solidly for a change.” said Mr R. Gillespie, for the North Canterbury branch. Farmers would prefer a week of the summer holidays to be transferred to May. They simply could pot get away with their families in January or August, but in May farm work was virtually at a {tandstill and holidays could then be enjoyed by the whole family. Longer Break Whereas those favouring a change have suggested shortening the Christmas holidays and transferring a week’s leave to the May or August holidays, a city man suggested a longer break at Christmas.

Most employers liked to meet their workers’ requests for annual leave in the summer months, he said. But as everyone wanted to get away in December or January, it was difficult to roster leave so that everyone’s wishes could be met Longer school holidays would ease this problem and permit more men to be off *hen their children were free from school. The benefits of children being out of doors longer in aummer would compensate for any reduction in the autumn or apring school holidays. On the suggestion of Mr R. K Milne, further discussion was deferred for a month so that the opinions of householders could be obtained from next Monday eventog’s meetings. Changes would not be made overnight. Mr Milne said. Teacher? were being consulted. If some •obstantiai agreement could be obtained in Canterbury and West•and. the matter would then have J 0 be discussed at the national Wei. /‘We will have to go a long way ®efore we see any results from ®is question,” said Mr Milne.