NATIONAL SUMMER SCHOOL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19740, 13 September 1927, Page 14

NATIONAL SUMMER SCHOOL.

Sir, —By request of the executive of the Teachers' National Summer School, the third session of which is to he inaugurated at Nelson on January 10, 1928, [ iisk the courtesy of your space in order to direct the attention of my fellow teachers to a movement which in the wor<lf> of its distinguished patron, His Excellency the Governor-General, is invested with national significance. It is the endeavour of the executive to constitute tho school an integral part of the wlucational fabric of the Dominion, The programme of studies is designed with a spaciousness and range which will appeal to a wide variety of taste. It is designed not primarily as an informative or factual course of work. The school idealistic rather than vocational, and inspirational rather than utilitarian. Its aim is to bring teachers of all grades into association in an atmosphere of social fellowship and cultural interests, so as to break down sectional barriers and to express pride in an honourable and corporate service. It should be emphasised that this is a voluntary enterprise. It is the direct expression of the aspirations of the teachers, many of whom in isolated districts feel intensely the lack of university facilities and cultural companionship The school serves a clamant need and has implications of national service. To-day the necessity of drastic economy in the public services further fortifies educational centralisation, and saps local effort and focal finance. It •<» refreshing to have in this school a standing witness to teachers' self-helo and eel'expression. F MtLNBR. President National Summer School.