Waihou Valley School Committee

Northern Advocate, 24 March 1937, Page 9

Waihou Valley School Committee

At the monthly meeting of the Upper Waihou School Committee, there were present Messrs. J. R. Sturge (chair), A. L. Sturge, C. G. Blundell, A. E. Smith and E. N. Nelson (hon. secretary). Bible Reading in Schools.—Letters were received from the Education

Board and the New Zealand Bible-in-Schools League, with reference to the arranging for the opening of the school with religious exercises. The board informed the committee of their approval of the scheme, but pointed out that the system was to be entirely voluntary, and it rested absolutely on the willingness of the teacher to conduct the exercises. Whilst the committee as a whole approved of the scheme, it was considered that it was a matter for the teacher, and Mr C. G. Blundell was requested to place the committee’s views before him.

One committeeman pointed put that five minutes religious instruction from the teacher was as effective as an hour’s instruction by an outsider. Another quoted the opinion, of Mr H. G. Cousins, ex-principal of the Auckland Training College, who said that if teachers only realised that the moulding of the nation was in their hands, they would see that the teaching of the school syllabus was not their sole aim. School Transport.—The board notified the committee that all school buses now come under the passenger service regulations. The contractor informed I the committee that it would 'be now necessary for him to have a certificate of fitness, and that the large fee required for this would make the service, which was only a small one, unpayable. The local traffic inspector had been approached, and on his suggestion a letter stating the case has been sent to the Commissioner of Transport. Milk-in-Schools. —A letter from the Minister of Health, giving particulars of the scheme of free milk in schools, was received. The committee considered that in the Valley, practically every child had access to as much milk as they liked to consume, and that for the small amount required, it would not pay any . local farmer to install the necessary extra equipment required. The secretary was instructed to write to the Health Department, pointing out these facts, at the same time mentioning that the situation would need tp be reviewed when the schools were consolidated at Okaihau. • Seats for Lunch. —The head teacher had at an earlier date asked for a supply of forms for the use of pupils during lunch hours. The committee, now having the necessary funds in hand, is prepared to supply the forms, ■but is unable to get local labour to build them. Mr C. G. Blundell was requested to inquire whether it would be possible for the boys in the woodwork. class to carry out the work of making the forms.

Assistant Teacher.—Tffie head teacher reported that the relieving assistant had impressed him' with her efficiency, and suggested that the committee inquire as to the possibility of retaining her services. The chairman and secretary both stated that it would a watete of time to do so, as the position been advertised. Since the meeting ,the committee has been notified that Miss Bennett, relieving assistant at Okaihau, has been recommended as assistant for Upper Waihou.