TEACHERS’ INTERESTS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20571, 3 June 1941, Page 6

TEACHERS’ INTERESTS

THE HELP OF PARENTS NEW FREEDOM’S BURDENS “It gives me great pleasure to welcome to our district Mr. McMurtrie, Assistant-Director of Education, who is, of course, known to all. I take it as an honour that we have such a distinguished visitor with us this evening," stated Mr. C. J. Cox, president of the Poverty Bay branch o: the New Zealand Educational Institute, at a special meeting of member: in the Central School last evening. A welcome also was extended to a number of members of tile Waiapu branch who had made the journey to Gisborne to hear Mr. McMurtrie’s address. For many reasons the choice of evening was particular unfortunate, but as it was the only occasion when the assistant-director could be present, last evening was chosen and the numbers present indicated the teachers’ interest. Mr. McMurtrie addressed the gathering on the questions of departmental policy, biennial grading, and in-' spectors’ reports, ail of which vitally concerned the teacher and all o: which had come to the fore recently. Teachers’ courses of action in all aspects of their work were to one end —to further advance the interests of the children whom all teachers served. Teachers and teaching had been the subject of criticism, but Mr. McMurtrie declared that he had complete faith in the children and the teachers. Parents should take a greater place in the school and should be asked and invited to do so. Education was not the . business of the parent. Education was the business of the teacher and the parent. Between the two there should be a wholesome exchange of ideas. Scope For Professional Guidance While good buildings and good equipment were most desirable, they were not the most essential. Wh.u was essential was a supply of children and a supply of real . teachers—teachers who would devote their whole lives to the task. r lnc new freedom, so freely discussed today, imposed new burdens. It was the business of the children to taice advantage of all facilities and it was the business of the teacher to see thai the child had every possible advantage and to use it. Tne new field today was that of professional guidance.

The assistant-director went on to give the reasons for biennial gradink and the abolition of inspectors’ reports to teachers.

At the conclusion of Mr. McMurti’ie’s address a lively discussion followed. Mr. J. E. Shimmin, of the Gisborne Central School, supported by Mr. Black, president of the Waiapu branch, moved a hearty vote of thanks to Mr. McMurtrie for his address, this being carried by acclamation.

After the meeting the assistantdirector and the visitors from the Coast were entertained at supper by the management committee.