LITTLE INTEREST

Franklin Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 45, 22 April 1942, Page 2

LITTLE INTEREST

TUAKAU SCHOOL ELECTION

12 HOUSEHOLDERS ATTEND

Twelve attended the annual meeting of householders at Tuakau, the committee chairman, Mr A. A. Boyd, presiding. There were 10 nominations, for seven seats on the committee and' the following were elected: Messrs A. A. Boyd (chairman), K. W. Dwyer (secretary), A. V. Wright, R. Bernasconi, A. Marker, T. Morgan, and J. Dayman, the last-named being the only new member.

it was decided to change the school hours from 9.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. to 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The school is now working to the new hours. Complaints were voiced and strong protests made about the frequent changes in the teaching staff during the past two years, no fewer than 10 teachers having been appointed to the school during that period. The only member of the staff who had remained at his post was the headmaster. It was stated that some of the children, mostly infants, had had four different teachers in 15 months. This state of affairs, it was claimed, was not in the best interests of the children. The frequent changes were not du& to male members joining the Armed Forces. The meeting urged the incoming committee to have more shade provided at the school for the children, in the nature of shelter trees. The headmaster was thanked for his efforts on behalf of the bhildren during his term at the school.

TOO MANY TEACHING CHANGES

EXPERIENCE ELSEWHERE

Mention of the fact that one of the classes had had six different teachers last year added to the concern shown at, the annual meeting of Jiouseholders at the Karori School, Wellington, over the frequency of changes in the teaching staff. The changes, it was stated, were due largely to war conditions, and it was- felt by the chairman (Mr P. N. Gryer) that the authorities were doing the best they could in the circumstances. With male teachers away in the Army, what could they do? it was asked. “Men in Government positions are being exempted,” stated a lady householder by way of reply, “and I think the children’s education is every bit as important.” ‘ A motion, moved by Mr J. Thompson and seconded by Mr M. G. H. Marshall, was carried as follows: “That this meeting of householders protests against the present system of appointing teachers, involving as it seems perpetual changes in teaching staffs, to the detriment of the children’s education.” Similar motions were passed at other meetings of householders. —Evening Post.