Tributes To Principal

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31975, 30 April 1969, Page 2

Tributes To Principal

A tribute was paid to the splendid contribution, both professionally and by persona! example, which Mrs P. Dalmer had made to the Christchurch Kindergarten Teachers’ College, at the association’s annual meeting on Monday evening.

Mrs Dalmer is retiring after seven years as principal of the college. “Not only did she expect and maintain a high quality of work, she gave the students wise and loving guidance in their personal life,” said the president (Mrs A. J. D Dearsley). “Mrs Dalmer came to the college at a time when the need for a very special person was urgent. No words ot mine can express our gratitude to her,” she said. In Mrs Dalmer a wealth of understanding of four-year-olds was combined with know-

ledge of how adults could lead children into learning and experience, said Miss E. Millen, the supervising director.

During her years as principal one of the most important gains was that the students and staff talked to the children much more. They talk in a special way—finding out the needs of each child and helping it go forward.”

Always quick to appreciate the efforts of others, Mrs Dalmer's example had helped those round her to enjoy life. Mrs Dalmer presented her last annua! report “with mixed feelings.” Although she was relieved it was the last time she would have to go through “this yearly ordeal" she also felt regret. “I am conscious of the things I would have liked to have done that are yet to be finished'" she said.

She was sure the association would see that the vision of the new curriculum and ideals of training which had been set in motion would be carried through. She noted the advances in the quality, and numbers, of the student intake and progress in the widened curriculum. A programme of optional studies had been adopted, and the education syllabus was strengthened byincluding a family-life course and by giving more time to cognitive development, learning theories, and teaching at other age levels. “With students of better quality offering themselves in quantity it’s essential that the quality of training, staffing, and facilities, match and extend them.” she said.

Mrs Dalmer expressed pleasure, and a feeling of privilege, in being associated with the kindergarten.