DUNEDIN SCHOOLS TRYING COUNCIL SYSTEM

Press, Volume C, Issue 29474, 28 March 1961, Page 18

DUNEDIN SCHOOLS TRYING COUNCIL SYSTEM

“The Press” Special Service

DUNEDIN. March 27. An executive body of pupils, through which the pupils as a group share in the day-to-day running of the school, is the aim of two high schools in the Dunedin area, which have taken positive steps towards forming school councils. The schools concerned, the first in the Otago area to embark on such a scheme, are the Taieri High School and Otago Boys’ High School. The means being used differ in each school, but the fundamental aim is the same —the fostering of community spirit and creation of an atmosphere of self-discipline. Developed in the United States, the school council system has been hailed in education as a democratic counterpart to public affairs in everyday life. It has been introduced in varying forms and to different lengths in schools elsewhere in New Zealand, and is generally recognised as a

more democratic and positive alternative to the prefect system. At Taieri the executive body of pupils has been elected (by secret ballot) and is ready to go into regular session. Otago High plans are not so advanced, but the stage has been reached of calling for nominations. The executive at Taieri, consisting of 16 pupils drawn equally from all forms, has already held meetings. Its guiding hand and the authority to whom it can refer matters is a master, Mr F. Brown, who has had some experience with formation of a council in a North Island high school.