FORTY PUPILS EXCLUDED

Evening Star, Issue 21005, 20 January 1932, Page 8

FORTY PUPILS EXCLUDED

TAINUI SCHOOL’S PREDICAMENT HOUSEHOLDERS PROTEST AGAINST EDUCATION DEPARTMENT'S ACTION Notices from the Education Depart* ment to parents of forty pupils who attended the Tainui School up till the end of last year, in which it was stated that the children would be unable to return to the school this year, were responsible for the meeting of house* holders called for last night to discuss what steps should be taken to prevent the department’s action from being carried into effect. Only five persons put in an appearance at the school, where the meeting was held, but they decided that immediate action should be taken, it being resolved that a deputation or householders wait upon the Education! Board at its first meeting in order that the complaint might be placed fully before members. Mr E. J. W. Hay 'was voted to th,e chair. In opening the meeting, ho stated that following the receiving of a circular from the School Committee, explaining that in order to cut down expenses, the Education Department was desirous of. reducing the school roll by some forty names, several householders had signed a lettef, which was sent to the School Committee, asking it to call a special meeting of householders, so that the matter _of school accommodation might be discussed. This was the meeting, and he regretted that there was such a poor attendance, as the' question to be discussed _ was of importance to all parents resident in' Tainui who had children at, or intended sending children to, the school. Mr Hay further stated that the School Committee had rendered much assistance in the matter, but it was for, the householders to thresh the matter out to finality. They had to decide which would be the best action to take.. There was no reason why a child should be prevented from returning to 'the school, apd he was of the opinion that ai deputation to the Education Board would do no harm. _ The department wished to reduce the roll, thereby overcoming the necesity of employing an extra teacher, said Mr T. M'Gregor. The grading of the school would be lower, and tbe teachers’ grading would be lower, too. It was proposed to send forty pupils to other schopls. Anderson’s Bay «School had one room practically empty; Musselburgh was in a position to' take in more scholars.

“If enrolment ceased, there is accommodation for all the pupils at present on the roll inside the school,” said the Chairman, when referring to the request of the School Committee for, extra accommodation, the request having been turned down. “ But it is noli only accommodation we want. Wo want our children, to remain at the school;. It seems as though'the department is going to sacrifice our children, with only one year to go to complete their, primary education, for new children.” Mrs T. M'Taggart said that they, would have to be unbiased in the matter. They did not want anyone to have to leave the school, but it would be ai great pity to upset the work of pupils in Standards Y. and VI. by a change of schools. On the motion of Mr % M'Taggart,seconded by Mr C. Munro, it was decided that a deputation wait on the Education Board at its first meeting,; placing the matter fully before members. It was also decided that a further meeting of householders be called immediately after the deputation had been: received to take further .steps, if necessary,