NEW EDUCATION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 1 May 1937, Page 3

NEW EDUCATION

FELLOWSHIP CONFERENCE ARRANGEMENTS WELL IN HAND HOLIDAYS REARRANGED TO ALLOW TEACHERS TO ATTEND At a meeting of the National Committee of the New Education Fellowship, Mr Ashbridge, secretary of the N.Z.E.I. reported that several hundred aplications for enrolment had already been made and lie was confident that at least 2,000 teachers would alend the Conference. lie said it was impossible to give the number that had actually joined, since several local Education Boards had kindly undt rtnkcn the work of collecting fees directly- from the salaries of teachers. He pointed out that there was some confusion a.-, to tlie method of enrolment. Where Boards had sent out forms authorising deduction of the fees from salaries, teachers would join through the Board. (Jlliei wise fees should he sent directly to Ini”. All enquiries regarding details dmiilil he made to the local secretary of toe centre at whirl) teachers proposed to attend.

A letter was received from the Education Department stating that Boards had been notified that since all primary schools were closed in February and as some are still closed, the May vacation should lie reduced by one week, the sriinols resuming on the 24th May instead of the 31st May as originally intended. A lurther week’s vacation would I’’ arranged in order that teachers mav attend t he- conference. The National Committee of the N.E.E. Conference pointed out that the length of holidays would remain the same but the rearrange, meat allowed teachers to attend the Conference without upsetting the routine of schools or of depriving pupils of more school time. The National Committee thought that no earnest teacher could afford to miss the opportunity of nieet--11- personally so many of those who influence tlie technique of education in var- ■

icus parts of the world. The programmes ot the local committees had been design, ed to give technical information and to help teachers practically. Dr. Beeby stated that applications had been received from various centres, asking that special concessions be granted I raining College students and kindergarten trainees. The committee decided to allow such students to attend the full course for the sum of five shillings. Probationary assistants could enrol for ten shillings and university students, in deserving cases, would be considered individually. It was decided to allow attendance at single lectures if accommodation were available after registered members had been admitted, but that a fee o 1 five shillings for a seminar or morning lecture or of seven shillings and six pence for the whole morning would be charged. Only a nominal fee would be charged at the public lectures arranged for the evening since these were intended to present topics of interest to every section of the community and would not . be technical. The fee of a pound would ( admit anyone, teacher or layman, to all | I lie lectures and seminars. ;

Cables had been received stating that Professor Bovef of Geneva and Mrs Ensui were unable to come, but a further cable showed that Mr Geoffrey Dennis would attend. The possibility o far’•angiiig a Hying visit of Mrs Susan Isaacs N A.D.Sc. to the South Island was discussed. It was also decided to endeavour to obtain the assistance of a child psychologist and kindergarten expert at the South Island sessions.

Programmes from the four centres were received by the National Committee. Each presented a list of important subjects designed to help educationists of every type. Study groups were being arranged by most of the speakers who had expert technical knowledge to disseminate. A special study group course for librarians was being organised under tile direction of Mr Salter Davies, pre. sident of the Library Association in England, Dr. Denglar of Austria. Mr Dennis of Geneva. Dr. Susan Isaacs, Dr. Boyd. Mr Salter Davies and several otbe- important speakers would address the public on subjects which were certain to attract attention. Programmes of the conference were available to anyone who applied to the. local secretary.