TEACHERS’ NATIONAL SUMMER SCHOOL

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 297, 14 September 1927, Page 14

TEACHERS’ NATIONAL SUMMER SCHOOL

Sir,—By request of the executive of the Teachers’ National Summer School, the third session of which is to be inaugurated at Nelson on January 10, 1928, 1 ask the courtesy ot your space in order to direct the attention of my follow teachers to a movement which in the worth ofits distinguished patron. His Excellency the Governor-General, is invested with national significance. Last' year’s meeting at Cambridge attracted a gathering of almost 300 teachers representing all branches of the profession, and the enthusiasm and appreciation justified the forthcoming experimental venture at Nelson of a similar school organised on a national basis. It is the endeavour of the executive to constitute the school an integral part of the educational fabric of the Dominion. One great object of its organisation has been tho provision of a range of lectures by meh who can give a liberal and inspiring interpretation of their respective provinces and so generate lasting intellectual interests. The programme of studies has been devised with a spaciousness and range which will appeal to a wide variety of taste. It is designed not primarily as an informative or factual course of work. The school is idealistic rather than vocational, and inspirational rather than utilitarian. Its aim is to bring teachers of all grades into association in an atmosphere of soci fellowship and cultural interests, so as to break down sectional barriers and to express pride in an honourable and corporate service. Such communion, such personal association, are contagious in enthusiasm, and further intensify the conception of rational service and the unity and dignity of the profession. It should be emphasised that this is a voluntary enterprise. It is the direct expiession of the -aspirations of the teachers, many of whom in isolated districts feel intensely the lack of university facilities and cultural companionship. The spontaneity of the movement best justifies its initiation and amply secures its future. The school serves a claimant need, and has implications of National service. To-day the necessity of drastic economy in the public services further fortifies educational centralisation, and saps local effort and local finance. It is refreshing them to have in this school a standing witness to teachers’ self-help aud self-expres-sion. The schopl is a signal example of private educational enterprise begotten of enthusiasm, inurtured in fellowship, and realised in co-operative service. May I suggest to teachers what I conceive to lie outstanding motives of attendance?

1. A worthy desire for self-improve-ment as a teacher with a high responsibility to discharge. An exploration under guidance of some of the major fields of scholarship. The acquisition of new points of view and the geneiation of cultural interests in art, literature, national and international and curicnt problems. 2. Emancipation from tho thraldom of mere classroom technique and shibboleths. The substitution of a more spacious and idealistic ciwoption of education for examinational valuations. A Participation in social life with a

fellowship ot teachers representing all branches of the profession united in a common national service. 4 Tho enjoyment ot athletic recreations of all types, including unexcelled bathing, iu a beautiful environment under perfect climatic conditions. 5. A thoroughly invigorating, change for tiio holidays to the amenities ot a garden city oi historic interest and cultural traditions endowed with an unlimited range of scenic attractions and outdoor excursions. Teachers will be advised of the detailed arrangements for the school, including scope of lectures, accommodation charges, etc. The panel of lecturers will comprise among others Professor T D Adams of Otago University (classical art and literature)- Dr. P. Marshall, D.Sc.Jgeology of New Zealand); Mr. J. It. Shaw. M.A.. Auckland Training College (English literature and modern drama); Mr. R Falla, M.A., Auckland Training College (nature study); Mr. E. D. Tayler. Director of Music (musical apprecia-t-on); Mr. F. Milner. M.A. (problems of the Pacific, Imperialism, ancient and modern). . ~ . Not the tyast valuable portion of tbe programme will be a series of luncheon addresses bv visitors of public eminence who will address the school on outstanding matters .of interest.—l am. etc ” ‘ F. MILNER, President National Summer School. Nelson, September 10.