HEADMASTERS OF SCHOOLS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 11056, 6 May 1899, Page 3

HEADMASTERS OF SCHOOLS.

TO TUB EDITOR. Sir,—Tlie letter with tho signature "Fairplay"' demands attention. I do not know what arrangements other headmasters, make for the linstVaHtidn of pupil-teachers, hut I have always recognised that it was a duty pertaining to the headmaster. I have performed this duty without any assistance whatever for tho last 24 years. But since the new regulations came into force, demanding that the work should be done out of school hours, I find it necessary to obtain a little help when there are several pupil-teachers of different grades. This help is cheerfully rendered by the chief assistant. As for the extra work the assistants have to do in the preparation of pupils for the scholarship examinations, I think it high time the Board made some inquiry. 1 have heard of schools being open on Saturdays for this kind of coaching. In former days, when Ponsonby stood highest on the scholarship list, I managed to do all my teaching within school hours, and yet have the pupils well prepared. We cannot do this now, because the methods of teaching are not suitable for a scholarship examination.' My assistants say that they deplore this state of affairs, but must do extra teaching if the prestige of the school is to-be maintained. I have made some attempt to restrain their zeal, but without effect. I have given the class teachers full credit for the four scholarships we gained last.year, and the.committee know this. I should not have written on this subject had I'not been headmaster of one of the largo town schools, which have been so unfavourably reported on. by '"Tairplay."—l am, etc., ,■-.;■ ■/.:•: .Benjamin Bajizt.