HOME AND THE SCHOOL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20071, 8 October 1928, Page 12

HOME AND THE SCHOOL.

PARENTS' ASSOCIATIONS. EXPANSION OF MOVEMENT. Reference to tho increasing numbers of parents' associations at schools is made in an article contributed to the National Education Magazine for October. Tho movement is so far confined chiefly to southern schools, but it is of interest in view of the fact that there is a likelihood of its development in Auckland. It is understood the Normal School, which is tinabje to have a controlling committee, is the only school in Auckland with a parents' association. An attempt is being made to form another connected with the Northcote. Junior High School. The article states:—"Apparently this development' is largely a spontaneous expression of increased interest in our schools, the result of a growing desire and determination of parents and others fo lake a hand in matters educational, to become articulate and active in the child ron's welfare. ft is an important fact that, with the school as a gravitation centre, sections of the public can be and are being organised into active co-opera-tive societies, having in view the better nieiit of school conditions and showing a very earnest desire to strengthen the hands of school committees and teachers. "In Ihe formation of such an association precautions must, be taken to ensure that its functions do not trespass on those of the school committee, There can be but one official body and all money to bo spent, riu school requirements should be spent by or with the sanction of the committee. Likewise, all correspondence with the Education Board should pass through the official body, and in no circumstances can the association arrogate to itself Hie powers of the committee." Referring to the use of the associations, llie writer states:—"Most, teachers have felt and many of us have regretted the existence of that gult' which separates the school from the home, the teacher of the child from the parent of the child. What an opportunity such an association offers for tho bridging of the gulf by bringing us together in social gatherings on a common basis of citizenship and by engaging us as co workers on a definite pro gramme of varied activities.' I'he article contains a copy of the constitution of ono of the new associations as follows: —"To promote co-operation between tho parents, guardians, old pupils and residents of the district and tho staff of tho school; to secure the necessary improvements and additions to the grounds and buildings as may be deemed advisable in the interests of Iho scholars and staff; to act in cooperation with Ihe committee iu matters pertaining to the, welfare of the school."