WELFARE OF SCHOOLS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26540, 15 August 1947, Page 3

WELFARE OF SCHOOLS

COMMITTEES’ ASSOCIATION OTAGO BOARD UNDER FIRE Mr R. H. Watson was in the chair at the annual meeting of the North Otago School Committees' Association on Wednesday night, and there were also present Mrs W. Berry. Messrs W. T. Matches, L. W. Neill, D. H. Sim (North), C. Koller, J. Corlett, C. E. Crisp (South), L. Caldwell, R. McKerrow. F. N. Robertson (Wiaanakarua), C. J. Nirnrno, I. A. Schaffer, J. A. Kane (Ngapara), E. A. Beatty (Weston), W. M. Cooper, N. H. Colquhoun (Otago Education Board), and the secretary, Mr A. F. Stock. The meeting was attended by Messrs J. A. Evans (president) and H. Riddle (member), of the Otago Association. The financial statement, showed a small credit, and the treasurer, Mr Stock, reported that nine out of the 25 committees had not paid their subscriptions. He commented that the' association was not receiving the support of committees as it should, and if better support was not forthcoming it would not be able to function. Mr Watson supported this view, and added that the committees had promised whole-hearted support, and it was a pity that had not been forthcoming. Tlie . folowing officers were elected : President. Mr C. Koller; vice-president, Mr W. T. Matches; secretary and treasurer, Mr A. F. Stock; auditor, Mr N. H. Colquhoun; executive—Messrs R. McKerrow (Waianakarua), E. A. Beatty (Weston), R. H. Watson (South), I A: Schaffer (Ngapara). D. Taylor (Omarama), R. Ruddenklau (Tapui), A. Murray (Pukeuri), R. P. Short (Kurow), and L. W. Neill (North). Criticism of Board The South School Committee wrote requesting the association to take up the matter of lack of visits to schools by officers of the Otago Education Board and the “ discourteous inattention ” to matters brought before the board bv letter. It was felt by the committee, the letter stated, that the time was long overdue when school committees should receive from the board more assistance and co-operation in their work in the interests of schools and children. There was a long discussion oh this letter, members on behalf of their committees stating that they had not received satisfaction from the board, but admitting that there had been an improvement in replying to correspondence lately. One member commented that they had no complaint about receiving replies, but the replies appeared to be merely " stalling things off.” It was also stated that committees had the co-operation of the two board members for the north ward, but strong exception was taken to the action of officers of the board in visiting the North School without letting the committee know. It was also felt that it was not right for officers of the board to ask members of the staff for complaints, as teachers were employees of the board. Messrs Cooper and Colquhoun replied at some length to the complaints, and pointed out that one of the main difficulties was the shortage of materials and labour. The board appreciated the work of the committees, and was anxious to help in every way possible, but it was not possible to do much more under present conditions. After further discussion it was agreed to write to the board asking for its full co-operation, and stating that the committees of North Oago felt they were not receiving all the co-operation from the board they were entitled to, and they wanted to work in harmony with the bogrd. The letter was also to point out that more frequent visits to schools were desired, and committees should be notified of periodic inspections. It was agreed to ask the board to make the proposed visit to North Otago in 1948 as early as possible. Because of the shortage of big boys at country schools, and the danger attending the mowing of lawns by small children, the board . members present agreed to take. up a proposal with the board for the employment of a full-time janitor to go round country schools with a power mower in summer for cutting school lawns and doing repairs during the winter. Primary Schools Mr Evans, in addressing members, expressed the opinion that there was ample scope for the association, and said he would like to see every school in North Otago affiliated. He gave an outline of the activities of the Otago Association, and stressed tire great nepd for improvements in many primary schools, stating that no new intermediate schools should be built unless a comprehensive scheme of building /new primary schools was proceeded witty at least concurrently. Primary schools were the basis of the education system, and it was vital that the schools should be made modem as soon as possible. • . Mr Riddle also spoke on the importance of parents’ associations, with which, he said, all parents should assist and co-operate. Instead of leaving it to the interested few.