HIGH SCHOOL BOYS

Grey River Argus, 25 March 1940, Page 8

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS

LESS AT TIMARU TIMARU, March 23. After a long discussion in committee, the Timaru High School Board decided to publish a special report by the rector, Mr A. G. Tait on the fall in the roll number at the Boys’ High School, about which considerable concern was expressed at the last board meeting. The falling off in the attendance both in the rectory and the school could .be attributed to several causes, Mr Tait said. First, the establishment of another secondary school in Timaru had cut off pupils numbering 30 or 40. Second, boys leaving school during the year to take up employment had gradually increased in the last few years. Third, a number of boarders left to take the place of older brothers who had enlisted. There was also the shortage of farm labour, which forced many parents to take their sons. Fourth, the bus services affected attendance. Fifth, parents now demanded a short school course of a practical nature. “We feel,’’ Mr Tait said, “that such a type of education is not in the best interests of our pupils,. and our courses are sufficiently varied for all wants. We emphasise the importance of the cultural basis of education. Hence we include in all courses of instruction subjects of a practical nature. “We don’t aim to train boys for a particular trade or profession, but we believe, it our duty to attend to the complete development of pupils. This has been the aim of the school for many years, and I see no reason for) changing a system which has prcduc- j ed such excellent results. The question of the prestige of the school was mentioned jn the board’s discussion. This is a matter with which the staff, pupils and old boys of the school are deeply concerned. You will observe that the number on the roll is not mentioned, and I don’t think the size of a school is any indication of the value of the school or any index to prestige.” The board complimented, the rector on his report, and regarded it as a satisfactory explanation. /. fter resuming in. open meeting, j the board had some discussion whe- 1 ther the actual roll numbers should 1 be published after the resolution in J committee, but it was decided not to publish 'them.