CONSOLIDATION OF SCHOOLS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 79, 2 October 1944, Page 3

CONSOLIDATION OF SCHOOLS

I Jo the Editor] Sir,—l am sorry if I gave the impression that children would be under a number of assistant teachers of little experience in a consolidated school and I agree with Mr Carling that to say sO would be sheer nonsense. What I intended to convey was that a number of children would be under teachers of little experience, meaning that some classes would be taught by young teachers of brief experience. I can’t agree with Mr Carling that there are classes waiting in a country school while two standards are being taught, but I will say that the pupil at the end of a large class in a big school has a real wait for an opportunity, both inside and out, and I am afraid might be forgotten. Mr Carling, in reference to a success in a certain direction in one large solecharge school, says this was due to the ability of the teacher. The opportunity must have been there. If the teacher is not capable or becomes lethargic and complacent why blame the school? The remedy lies in the selection, training and control of the teacher. A consolidated high school would give us more equipment and a greater variety of courses which are urgently required in the country to-day to give more of the children a chance to prepare for their life’s work. I have stated the case as I see it for the schools in the more populous areas of the district. I may be wrong. I contend that the loss of the advantages of these schools and their loss as communal centres would not be balanced by the advantages as stated by the supporters of consolidation. By communal centres I mean not only the building, but also the teacher and children, the’ school’s influence and activities and all that they involve. I shall leave it at that and, as far as I am concerned, this controversy is finished. —I am. etc., ‘PROGRESS.” Takaka, 28th September.