MRS E. HYSLOP RETIRES

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30129, 13 May 1963, Page 2

MRS E. HYSLOP RETIRES

First Woman Head Of Large School Mrs Edna Hyslop, the first woman in Canterbury to be given charge of a fourteacher school, has retired after 36 years of teaching. She was appointed head teacher of the Marshland i School five years ago. “I see no reason why a woman should not be ap-: pointed to the position of' head teacher ” said Mrs Hys-j lop. “Education in New Zea-! land is universal and I don't think selections should be made on the basis of sex. If we make selections in this' manner we are halving the field of choice and in these times we cannot afford to do I that. Women in Canterbury' I are not keen to apply for such! positions. It is a fairly con-j servauve place." Mrs Hyslop is the president of the Canterbury branch of| the New Zealand Institute of Education and holds a degree! of master of arts from the University of Canterbury. One of five teachers in a family of eight, Mrs Hyslop begin teaching in 1929 after training in Christchurch. ! Since then, she has taught in | i schools in all parts of New! Zealand, and in 1954 she spent a year teaching and visiting i schools in England, where she has a daughter, who was also a teacher. Mrs Hyslop Spent 10 years of her career as a visiting teacher for the Canterbury' Education Board. Mi’S Hyslop, who will be married this month, said she would find it hard to give up teaching and settle again into an ordinary housewife's duties. "I will probably go .back to part-time or volunI tary teaching as I feel I will miss the life. I will have to taper off gradually." she said. Mrs Hyslop was presented with a dinner set and household cutlery set by Sharon Lee, assisted by Heather Watson and Brendon Osmers, on behalf of the pupils and staff, of the school at a farewell! function at the end of the I term. At a district farewell! gathering, Mrs Hyslop was presented with a travelling rug, a mohair rug. and a sum of money by the chairman of ! the school committee (Mr J. C. Sheppard) on behalf of, the committee and members of the community. Local residents have taken i a great interest in Mrs Hys-! lop's forthcoming marriage to! Mr W. F. Murry Ott, of j Napier. and arrangements! have been made to hold the! wedding reception in the| school.