ABSENT SCHOLARS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21934, 18 October 1934, Page 10

ABSENT SCHOLARS

CASES OF IN'PLCENZA PREVALENCE IN" SCHOOLS; MANY CHILDREN AWAY INTERFERENCE WITH WORK An outbreak of influenza is causing some concern among education authorities in Auckland, as attendances at both primary and secondary schools are being depleted at the most important period of the,»year. In some schools aver 25 per cent of the pupila are absent. Whooping cough also is prevalent. The outbreak is particularly serious in view of the nearness Q examinations, especially matriculation and proficiency. _ At the beginning of this week 27 per cent of the pupils of the Auckland Girls' Grammar School were absent, although the position has improved slightly since then. At the Mount Albert Grammar School the average number of absentees aver a fortnight was 80j' while on. one day 95 boys were away. The position at ijie Auckland Grammar School was most acute at the end of last term, but improved for a week after the holidays and then became progressively worse until the week ended October 5, when an average of 90 boys was absent. At present 30 are away. Last Monday was the peak, day at the Takapuna Grammar School, 112 pupils being away. Yesterday the number had decreased to HO, or about 22 per cent of the roll. Primary schools have suffered in the same manner, and have nad to contend with the additional trouble caused by whooping cough- The higher classes have been most affected, and, in view or the proficiency examination, both pupils and parents have been worried. This has led in some cases to children being sent back to school before they have quite recovered. As large numbers in each class have been away hi rotation, it has been very difficult for teachers to cover new ground. Fortunately, however, most schools have practically finished the year's syllabus, and most a£ the work in of a re visionary nature. Opinion differs among headmasters aa to the effect of the outbreak on examinations. Although some contend that it is bound to have some adverse effect, others consider that there is yet time in which to make good the lost ground. In' most instances staffs have remained in comparatively good health,, and few aehoola hare had more than one teacher absent at a time., Dr. T, J. Hughes, medical officer of health at Auckland, said yesterday that the illness was not of a serious type, and was quite natural at this tHtttp of the year* It was the second wave experienced nearly every year, the first being: in July and August.