SIZE OF SCHOOL CLASSES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 80, 7 August 1945, Page 4

SIZE OF SCHOOL CLASSES

COMPLAINTS BY TEACHERS

Wellington, August 5

Teachers of the Wellington branch of the New Zealand Educational Institute. at a meeting voiced indignation at the continued delay in reducing the size of classes. More than 100 members unanimously passed a resolution calling for a marked improvement in staffing by next year. After a full discussion the following resolution was passed: "That this large and representative meeting of the Wellington branch of the New Zealand Educational Institute requests the New Zealand executive to urge the Educa lion Department and Government to introduce more liberal staffing for all types of schools as from February Ist, 1946. and that priority in such increases be given to primary schools where the need is greatest. This it urges (J) as the first need of the children in our schools and (2) as a means

of full employment for younger teachers. especially servicemen. Unless this relief in staffing is forthcoming, branch pledges itself to further and stronger action.”

Speakers stated that classes of more than 50 children were being taught In dirty, ill-heated classrooms. Often a teacher had more than one class to teach. There was a gross shortage of equipment and teachers struggling to carry out new and difficult techniques under imoossible conditions. Certainly the war had made the Government’s position difficult, but it was stated that the continued postponement of relief could no longer be tolerated. Hundreds of additional teachers had been trained since 1939. and it was now time posj tions were created for these younger teachers so that schools and teachers could benefit.—P.A.