CANDID DISCUSSION BY SCHOOL COMMITTEE

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 175, 27 July 1938, Page 2

CANDID DISCUSSION BY SCHOOL COMMITTEE

Sport at the School HEADMASTER’S RESIGNATION RECEIVED WITH REGRET At the monthly meeting of the Woodville School Committee on Monday evening, Mr. R. R. Johnston presided and others present were Rev. B. I\ Williams, Messrs. T. Smith, H. J. McPeak, E. J. Harding, R. Peebles, L. Williams and L. J. Whittington. Two letters were received from the education board, the first advising that the board could not see its way to appoint a relieving teacher in place of Miss D. Tylor* who is away on sick leave, and the second advised the appointment of Miss M. S. Clayton to relieve Miss Nutting while she is away. Question of School Sport. A letter was received from the headmaster, Mr. W. E. Fossette, with reference to the resolution regarding school sport passed by tho committee at last month’s meeting. In this ho stated that he thought a special meeting of the committee had been convened at his request to consider the question and that none of the committee had turned up on the night he believed had been arranged. “I do not know,” he wrote, ‘‘if this is meant as a personal affront to me. If so, I regret that relations which were friendly on my part and which I had thought the same on the part of the committee, should be so abruptly broken off.” He thanked the committee for its past co-operation, arranged for his reports, and continued: “As your committee appears to be unwilling to meet me to discuss their action in contravening the board’s by-law and to make amends for the publishing of a discussion that is ultra vires, I must reluctantly refuse to attend further committee meetings.” Mr. Whittington moved that this letter be considered in committee. “I take it it was not so much the resolution as the publicity given it that was disapproved of,” he said. Messrs. Harding and Johnston urged that, as the matter had been aired previously in open meeting, it must be treated so again, and Mr. Whittington’s motion lapsed. The chairman then stated that Mr. Fossette had been annoyed at the resolution and to him had pointed out that it was a contravention of the by-law, and asked tho chairman to convene a special meeting to have the matter cleared up. “I promised to try to arrange the meeting for the next Monday night if the rest of the committee agreed that it was necessary. Apparently Mr. Fosette was under the impression that a meeting was to be called, but I did not definitely promise a meeting,’’ said Mr. Johnston. He then read the by-law to which Mr. Fosette had referred. He said, “The resolution on sport was an observation from the whole committee —just a request for more encouragement. I don’t see that we have made a contravention.” Mr. Whittington: I am sure we have not. Rev. B. P. Williams: I don’t think there is any contravention. The chairman: As far as this matter is concerned, I don’t see that we can take any further action. Members commented favourably on the impetus given to school sport in the past month, which more than suggested that the resolution had had effect, though it was remarked that most schools were most active just now. The chairman regretted any suggestion that Mr. R. Hurdle should be taking the brunt of the discussion, which, he pointed out, was not meant for any member of the staff. Messrs. McPeak and Whittington again expressed regret that Mr. Forsette had not been present at the previous discussion.

Considered along with this letter from the headmaster was another advising his appointment to the Carterton School and tendering his resignation to the committee. Speaking to this, Rev. B. P, Williams said that he was sorry ! that the committee should part with Mr. Fosetto in such a manner. ‘‘ He has been the best headmaster we have had for a number of years,” he said, “and he has unquestionably raised the standard of accomplishment in the school, but I can’t see that the committee has committed any breach.” In his letter of resignation Mr. Forsette again thanked the committee for their co-operation and help and said that he would not sever his connection with the Woodville School without regret. On the motion of tho chairman and Mr. H. J. McPeak, the resignation was [ accepted with regret, and on another [motion of the chairman and Mr. Peebles Mr. Fossette’s previous letter was received and a decision minuted that no further action be taken. Tho chairman observed that a specific resolution would have to be made, as the headmaster had also referred to the matter in his report. Mr. Fossette’s Report.

The headmaster, Mr. W. E. Fosette, reported as follows: Primary roil 262, average attendance 240.1, secondary roil 24, average 22.7. Miss D. Tyler is on two months’ leave of absence due to illness, and Miss Nutting is on three weeks’ leave. On July 18 the tap to tho cistern of the High School heating system was damaged by tho severe frost. The caretaker replaced tho tap. Water poured down the partition until the supply was cut off at the gate. The education noard has authorised Mr. r lowers to reair two chimney pols. and to repair the roof of the High School. The latter is urgent aud has not yet been done. Late last year the education board had 50 desks of an old pattern repair-

ed. These desks are again collapsing and I advise the committee to urge the board that all iron standard desks bo replaced with modern ones. Four classrooms are affected. The door to the south-east room, reported as damaged last month, is in need of repair and there is evidence that the damage is extending. The lock on the library door needs to be properly fixed and plugs for the wash basins at the high school aro needed. The girls have for long played basketball without owing posts of their own. 1 suggest that posts be obtained for them.

The school is prepared to do its part towards the fancy-dress ball held annually for the committee’s funds. Preparations have beeu in train for some weeks and should bo complete by August 12, although work is hampered by the absence of two members of tho staff. I suggest tho Odd Fellows’ hall be hired to accommodate the children who stay after 10 p.m., and that a committee be formed to supervise them, as by that hour tho teachers’ responsibility should cease. I should like a table to be provided for the teachers' supper—a group of girls has volunteered to undertake the setting of such table. A pianist will be needed, and also a loud-speaker to reproduce gramophone records.

On July II I received from your chairman a copy of a resolution passed at your previous meeting, concerning sport in the school. 1 cannot accept tho implied criticism, as all such sport is undertaken in the teachers’ own time and of his own volition, and therefore the matter does not come within the scope of the committee's activities. I regret that this resolution was published in a Palmerston North paper several days before I received word from you, and tho resolution as pi biished differed from that which I did receive. For the sake of the teachers whom I am leaving I point out that tour teachers have helped to pay for tho transport of children to games, appeals for cars for such transport having been of no avail, and one teacher has shortened his holiday to get back for children’s sport. As this is my last report, 1 should like to take tho opportunity to thank the committees of the last three years for their loyal support and interest in numerous matters that I have brought up. Please accept my best wishes for the welfare of tho committee and the succcess of its work. A number of the repairs and requirements for tho school referred to iu tho report are to be referred to the proper authorities and other matters were left to the grounds committee, with power to act. The Children’s Ball. Borne surprise was voiced that the children were prepared for a ball this year, as there had been a suggestion not to hold one, but members agreed that for the children’s sakes, if for no other reason, the ball should be held. Subject to confirmation, it was decided to hold it- on the date mentioned, and tho committee proceeded to make tho necessary preliminary arrangements. It was also decided to purchase another basketball for use in the matches of the secondary department.