Self-Discipline "Lacking” Among Third-Form Pupils

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29383, 9 December 1960, Page 27

Self-Discipline "Lacking” Among Third-Form Pupils

fA’ew Zealand Press .Assocwrfo-i)

GISBORNE. Dec. 8. “I am more than ever concerned over the general attitude and behaviour of so many of our thirdform pupils, for there is a striking lack of self-diseipline.” said Miss F. F. Duff, principal of the Gisborne Girls' High School, in an address at the school prizegiving ceremony tonight. “I have come to the conclusion that there is not the necessary support from the majority of homes for the work which the school is endeavouring to do.” Miss Duff said. "We are expected to act as truant officers, welfare officers, child psychologists, disciplinarians, examination coaches, and detectors of crime, as well as disseminators of knowledge and culture. "I feel that many homes are not really shouldering their responsibilities in the upbringing of their children. Too much is being left to the school and the community. It is certainly our task to equip the child to take her place eventually in the adult world by imparting knowledge and by ensuring the full development of all her capa-

bibttes. But the home must Uy the foundations, set standards, and continue to direct the child's training. and work with th» school in its task.

“In our own school community we find this lack of support from the borne manifested in a number of ways. Many pupils are permitted to absent themselves front school on the slightest pretext, and others keen to attend, are kept at home to suit the plans of the parent. Many girls have been encouraged to have their own way and to be defiant of parental control, exerted only when the child has reached adolescence, or. again! to be smart and outspoken “As a result of this poor training. we find these girls noisy and ill-mannered, unwilling to put any real effort into School work or to face thorough learning or any really difficult task. “These criticisms do not refer to the really difficult child with a behaviour problem." Mira Duff said, "nor to the slow or reluctant learner, but to large number* Of funiors of normal ability front normal homes. That is what is so disturbing."