CHANGES IN ROLLS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23574, 7 February 1940, Page 14

CHANGES IN ROLLS

SECONDARY SCHOOLS FEWER NEW PUPILS TECHNICAL COLLEGE GAINS There aro smaller rolls, due to the falling off in the numbers of new pupils, in some secondary schools ivhicli opened their new year yesterday. According to the secretary of the Auckland Education Board, Mr. D. W. Dunlop, the number of children completing their primary school course last year was not below normal) and it seems that an unusual number have gone to work. At the Auckland Boys' and Auckland Girls' Grammar Schools the number of pupils returning is good, being a record ill the latter case, but the considerably smaller number of new entries reduces the total role in each case to below that of last year. The Mount Albert Grammar School is affected in both classes, a drop of about 60 in the total attendance and the disappearance of one of the post-matriculation forms making a. reduction in staff possible. The headmaster, Mr. F. W. Gamble, suggested that the reduction in the number of older boys might bo due to many taking up positions ,in the l'ublic Service. Expansion at Takapuna On the other hand, the headmaster of the Takapuna Grammar School, Mr. K. J. Dellow, said tho school had gone up a grade through a larger entry of new pupils. . An increase of nearly 90 had been recorded in tho roll of Seddon Memorial Technical College up to Monday. This had been duo to a remarkably large number of the former pupils coming back for another year. The principal, Mr. Q., J- Park, stated that the accommodation problem threatened to be serious, and it was possible that some arrangement, such as sending 100 chilr, dren home every 14 days, would have to bo made. Epsom Girls' Grammar A slight increase in tho roll is indicated at the Epsom Girls' Grammar School. Last February the year opened with 638 pupils, but yesterday 633 girls reported, and another 12 pupils are expected to enrol within the next few days. A largo number of girls havo returned to continue their studies. In most cases the number of pupils returning showed a definite increase, and most principals thought this was accounted for by a recognition of the value of higher qualifications, as there was considered to be no lack of opportunity in industry and business.