“SCHOOL NEWS.”

Northland Age, Volume 19, Issue 31, 3 November 1921, Page 6

“SCHOOL NEWS.”

(To the Editor), Sir, —My attention has been drawn to a letter in your issue of the 29th signed “Multum in parvo:” and, as his letter is dated from Peria, although it is against my principles to take any notice of the buzzing of anonymous insects 1 feel that it is only fair to your readers, to say nothing of myself and other teachers in the district, to traverse some of“Parvo’s” somewhat wild statements. •In the first place I wish to state most emphatically that the Peria school has never been closed without authority during the past four and a half years, nor have any of the holidays been extended on any single occasion during the same period. Secondly, apart from the fact that I think I may safely claim that teachers are at least as honorable as anonymous letter writers, no teacher can obtain sick leave “fictitious” or otherwise without a certificate from a duly qualified medical man. “Parvo” mentions children who have left school at thirteen years of age, scarcely able to read or write. If he knows of any such cases in my school district I shalll be greatly obliged to him if he will supply me with their names, as their parents must have perjured themselves with regard to the ages and I shall

be very happy to forward the said names to the proper quarter viz:—the Truant Officer. As to their ability to read and write, while the mental deficiency which such a condition indicates is tobedeplored they can at least be congratulated on the fact that they will be saved from following the precedent set by your correspondent of anonymous back biting. May I suggest to “Parvo” that a perusal of the Education Act and the Board’s regulations, or even a turn on the school Committee of his district would clarify his ideas, which at present appear to be as vyebulous as the lady with whom he suggests we go joy riding. Judging by his nom de guerre your correspondent is fond of Latin so I offer for his consideration a little quotation—“Parturiunt montes, nascetur ridiculus mus.” I am, etc. ROBT J. HARRISON. Head Teacher. Peria. 30-10-21