THIRD TERM CHANGE

Press, Volume C, Issue 29673, 17 November 1961, Page 17

THIRD TERM CHANGE

Shirley B.H.S. To Press Proposal

Because the Shirley Boys’ High School wishes to have as much teaching time as possible before examinations, it has sought Education Department permission to reduce its second-term holidays next year from three weeks to a fortnight and end the third term earlier. When the department's refusal was received last evening, the Board of Governors decided to repeat its request on the grounds that no good reason had been given against the change. The Education Department's letter said that varations from the generallyaccepted holidays were approved only in special circumstances to fit in with the needs of the community. "Such conditions do not exist in Christchurch nor do there appear to be any special reasons for the Shirley Boys' High School to begin the third term a week earlier than other schools in the area." the letter said. The school desired to have as much teaching time as possible before important examinations and so proposed transferring the third week of the second term holidays to the end of the year when activities slackened off. said the head master (Mr C. V. Gallagher). Parents, pupils, and others concerned could see the merit of this plan. The school would be open for the full required number of days for the year and there should not be inconvenience to anybody. Parents would probably welcome the idea because the second term holidays would then coincide with those for primary schools, said the chairman (Mrs L R Hartley). It was a sound idea to make the best use of time before examinations instead o{ wasting it afterwards. By regulation, the school year could not begin before February 1 or later than a Wednesday. said Mr Gallagher. Because of the calendar for 1962. schools would therefore not open until the second week of February. If the department persisted tn its ruling. Shirley would probably begin each term on a Monday and cut out the mid-year break to make up time. Had the department given sufficient reason for its view? asked Mr D W. Rutherford. He thought not “The school's proposal was sensible in every respect and I think we should apply again,” he said. The board decided: unanimously to renew its-. request