School Gasses May Be Bigger In Future

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29872, 12 July 1962, Page 13

School Gasses May Be Bigger In Future

A hint that the size of some classes in schools nrght increase in future was given by Mr A. Greenwood, who is chairman of the Canterbury Education Board, at last evening's meeting of the Canterbury School Committees' Association.

When cases of infant teachers at the Burwood Schoo! teaching classes of 44, 45, and 47 were cited. Mr Greenwood said: "That is the position existing today, and I am afraid it will be more so in the future." The big numbers in infant classes al the Burwood School were raised by a Burwood delegate, Mr J.’ Palmer. The Primer 1 teacher had 47 in the class, the Primer II teacher 45. and the Primer IV teacher 44. he said. "I don’t know bow a teacher is expected to handle those

numbers of children at that age.” he said. "It is a Herculean task, and I would not wish it on anybody." “It is about time that the Education Board or the Education Department or somebody alleviated conditions under which teachers are working,” he said. Invited by the chairman (Mrs G. E. Boyd) to comment, Mr Greenwood said he would not like to answer "without knowing more facts." Mr Palmer: Those are the facts, Mr Greenwood. "I agree there should definitely be no more than 30 to 40 children in any primer class.” said Mr Greenwood Mr Palmer: The position I have mentioned is the position existing today.

Mr Greenwood: I know it is the position existing today, and I am afraid it will be even more so in the future.