SCHOOL FOR HANDICAPPED

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32117, 13 October 1969, Page 12

SCHOOL FOR HANDICAPPED

The Alienvale School, in Aorangi Road, was another example of the “long overdue recognition that there is a place in our education system for those whose intellectual talents and capacity are below the normal,” Mr E. S. F. Holland, M.P. for Fendalton, said on Saturday.

Mr Holland was speaking at the official opening of the school, which is an occupation centre for mentally retarded children.

The school has been in use for about 18 months, but the school committee postponed an official opening until it had the grounds and play equipment in order and

until it had sufficient funds to cater properly for an opening function. The Papanui-Belfast chapter of Jaycees has been of considerable assistance to the committee in - putting the grounds in order and in providing play equipment. Mr Holland opened the school before a large gathering of parents and children and Education Department and Education Board officials. Mr Holland said that the children who would, in future, attend the school, and others like it, “deserve every consideration we can give them They will come here, be helped and encouraged by very dedicated people-fpeople who have more than an average sense of public duty and responsibility—people who, being perhaps more aware of the responsibility the community has to its less fortun-

ate inembers, have offered their services to it.” Mr Holland said that there was a great cry for the State to take full and complete charge of many aspects of New Zealand’s national life. Education, as a whole, was at the moment under particularly close scrutiny. “It is my view,” said Mr Holland, “that as we hand over to the State too much of these duties, we destroy at the same time a very necessary element of community involvement. “This school does not exist today only because the State, through its educational policy, decided it was necessary. It exists because many citizens, aware of the problems and the needs, put a great deal of effort Into achieving the result we have here. “Many people outside those officially and professionally :

connected with the school have provided and will I hope continue to provide, their time and effort in ensuring “Without this local and voluntary effort, schools like this could easily become too institutional. It is the enthusiasm and personal interest which is .so necessary,” Mr Holland said.

Earlier, the chief inspector of primary schools, Mr B. J. Wilson, paid tribute to the staff of the school, led by the headmaster, Mr G. Danswan.

He said that - Allenvale School was a fine example of co-operation between the department, the board, the staff and parents. Guests were introduced by the chairman of the school committee, Mr N. D. Dunn. The photograph shows Mr Holland speaking at the ceremony.