INDEPENDENCE OF SCHOOLS

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28254, 16 April 1957, Page 7

INDEPENDENCE OF SCHOOLS

‘‘ Old Boys’ Groups Important ”

The independence of secondary schools was, to a considerable extent dependent upon the supP° rt ._ they received from old pupils and parent-teacher associations, the headmaster (Mr J. Leggat) told members of the Christchurch High School Old Boys Association at their 'annual meeting last evening. That support had stood the oldestablished schools in good stead before now and could, if there was in the future any move for the Education Department. to assume too inflexible a control, again be an important factor in retaining their independence. “I need you and the board of governors need you,” he said. T am glad to see that there is provision for representatives of your association on the board. . . There may be a time when we will need your help,” said Mr Leggat.

The size of the school—again this year more than 1000 pupils were on the roll—would have to be reduced, but he would not like to commit himself on the optimum size, said Mr Leggat. Sixth Form Classes There were some 250 sixth formers and only 208 third form- * ? us Pl acec i a burden on the staff by requiring larger sixth form classes than were desirable. The bonuses now offered to boys who stayed a second year in the sixth form were having some effect and were a factor which would tend towards maintaining this unbalance.

“There is an optimum size for each type of school, and for each type in a particular district,” he said. “We must reduce our numbers, but by how far remains to be seen.”

Later in the meeting, Mr N. E. Taylor, a representative on the board of governors, said that this year there were about twice as many applicants for third form places as were available. “The sons of old boys, subject to their suitability, have had preference,” he said. “But most of the old boys’ sons have been of the first rank, and would be eligible on the grounds of suit-' ability regardless of any other qualification.” Officers elected were: patron, Mr Leggat; president, Dr. T. R. Anderson; vice-president, Mr E. C. Munt; executive, Messrs R. G. Compton, D. E. Dalzell, W. J. A. Brittenden, J. E. Milner, D. J. Clark, N. S. Roberts and W. A. Hearn; secretary. Mr G. Knight.