INNOVATIONS

Stratford Evening Post, Issue 5, 20 December 1928, Page 2

INNOVATIONS

IN WORK AT THE S.T.HTS. PRACTICAL COURSES. “There are several innovations in the work of the school this year,” Said Mr A. H. R. Amcss, Principal cf the Stratford) Technical High School, in the course of his annual report, read at last night’s gathering. “First I ransb mention the establish,ment of two new courses. The Trades and Engineering course rob boys, and the Domestic course for girls. As neither of these induces a foreign language they are very uses ful for those pupils who are likely to take short courses, or for those who have a special bias towards handwork. These chases in their first year have dona good work. and a number of pupils have taken advantage* (of the facilities offered for a practical training. The need of these courses has been more and more emphasised! during the past five years. Our educational system in the past has been too Academic with the result, that more of our young, people were being prepared for head work than , the country could absorb. It is evident that if 75 per cent, of our young people were being trained for professional and clerical life when only some 25 per cent could be economically absorbed into these occupations there must of necessity bo discontent. These practical 'courses are the solution of the problem, as a great number of our youth must find its way into tin, factory and) on to The farm. New Zealand is a producing country and our educational system should be shaped to meet our needs. PARENTS’ DAY, I should like to touch upon the success which attended Parents’ Day. This was arranged because I felt that -parents were not sufficiently in touch with the school work. 1 realise the difference that'As felt by most people in visiting a school, so the school was thrown open so that parents might see. some of the work which is carried cn. I think parents can with advantage, consult with the teacher so that the very best can b© obtained for the pupil during the period spent at school. So much depends on the use made of this time that it behoves us to our utmost to see that it is used 'to the fullest advantage.

THE GIRLS’ HOSTEL.

“Thirdly I must say a, word about the Girls’ Hostel. A few years ago, at a meeting of ladies interested, in the school it was decided to hold e bazaar to raise funds for the purpose of furnishing a Girls’ Hostel. The effort was a success, and. the funds raised then, together with, a subsidy, ■from the Deparbmnet, have at last enabled the Board to cany 'out the plan then mooted. We have had in various years over twentv boarding in the town. While we are thankful that in many homes the gins have been happy, it must be realised that the school work cannot be carriedl on so well as in a place specially designd for the purpose. The Hostel will be opened in February and parents can he assured that the girls will receive the very best attention in snrroundings that will make for health of body and development of mind and character.’ ’