TRUANCY OFFICER

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30121, 3 May 1963, Page 13

TRUANCY OFFICER

Support From Papanui H.S.

The Papanui High School board yesterday added its support to the view of sqpie other city secondary schools that a full-time truancy officer should be appointed in the Christchurch area. The headmaster (Mr E. Fancy) said he would be very pleased to see a serious effort made to solve the problem of truancy in city schools. He said he would also like to see some quick method of bringing parents to justice, perhaps with heavier penalties. * j When asked by a member if truancy was more prevalant among secondary schools, Mr Fancy said with some pupils truancy was a habit carrying over from the primary schools. Truants at secondary schools were mainly pupils reaching the leaving age.

To a request from the last meeting suggesting the possible appointment of an official stockist of the school uniform, the headmaster said an investigation had shown that five Christchurch stores carried all sizes of uniform and many smaller stores carried odd items.

He thought it would be unfair to single out one firm when all five appeared to be doing a satisfactory job. The board nominated Professor G. Jobberns to represent the governing bodies of secondary schools on the University of Canterbury Council. Officers elected were: chairman, Dr. C. D. Ellyett: deputy-chairman, Mr O. C Mitchell: appointments committee Dr. Ellyett, Mr Mitchell and Mrs K. A. Hamilton; works committee. Dr Ellyett, Mr Mitchell and Mr D. F. Prestney.