PERIODICAL SCHOOL REPORTS

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 105, 5 May 1915, Page 11

PERIODICAL SCHOOL REPORTS

COMMITTEE AND MASTER. In the report of the Karori School Committee, published in The Post last week, the following passages occurred : "The committee has made a strong effort during the past year to introduce a system of issuing periodical reports to parents on the position and progress of the children. . . The committee much regrets that Mr. Bennett did not see his way to assist in this very desirable reform." * In his report, read at Monday night's meeting of householders, Mr. Bennett (the headmaster) referred to the above as follows: — " I am sorry I cannot allow one portion of the committee's published report to pass without comment, as it might convey wrong impressions. _Tho part' of the report I refer to relates to sending out reports of marks. Two members asked if I would send out reports containing all marks gained by all pupils in the school at regular intervals. I pointed out that I could not do so, as (1) it was impossible, as figures had not been used in estimating tho work ; (2) the work of the teachers was strenuous enough without increasing it. To make the issuing of the reports compulsory, the committee asked both the Minister of Education and the Education Board for a ruling on the matter. Both these authorities refused to make it compulsory, as the matter was in the hands of the headmaster to deal with. I might mention in passing that masters who have sent out reports now regret having done so, as the results are not commensurate with the work involved. One other point 7 wish to refer to. It might be gathered from the report that parents cannot get any information about their own children. This, is not so, as I am at all convenient times pleased to give parents what information I can. In connection with this, matter, I am entirely responsible, although my staff was referred to." The majority^ of_ those present expressed themselves in favour of the pro-

posed system, and cue and all contended that there was no intention of casting a slight on the headmaster. An amendment to delete the clause referred to was lost by 17 to 5, and it was decided to recommend the incoming committee to adopt a system of periodical inspection.