PRIMARY & SECONDARY SCHOOLS MAY HAVE SAME TERMS AND VACATIONS

Wanganui Chronicle, 4 November 1949, Page 4

PRIMARY & SECONDARY SCHOOLS MAY HAVE SAME TERMS AND VACATIONS

The Wanganui Gills’ College Board of Governors favours the synchronisation of terms and vacations of postprimary arid primary schools, providing it does not mean more school days for post-primary pupils. This was decided at a meeting ot the board yesterday, after members had discussed a circular from the Education Department regarding terms and vacations of the post-prim-ary and primary schools. The department is of opinion that many advantages would be gained if both primary and secondary schools opened and closed on the same day. Under the present system there are many disadvantages caused through the lack of uniformity U. the opening and closing dates. According to the department they art.— Both primary and secondary school pupils travel on the same buses and extra expenses are incurred when pupils have longer holidays. Parents who are away from home are never sure when school reopens. Families with primary and secondary pupils who are away on holidays find that at times they have to return earlier.

Difficulties arise in paying salaries to teachers for diffierent periods. District high schools have a longer school year than most post-primary schools

At the present time primary schools operate on a minimum of 400 halfdays per year and secondary schools on 380. The board thought that the circular did not explain the position fully, and will ask for further information. The department does not state whether it wants post-primary school days increased or primal y school days decreased. Alternatively they may be considering making 390 half-days for all schools.

Mr G. N. Boulton (secretary) said that probably the department was wanting to reduce ihe primary school year and increase the number of days for secondary schools. “The idea behind rhe suggestion is to obtain some equalisation of holidays,” he said.

Mrs A. N. O’Tome thought that secondary school teachers would not be pleased if some of their holidays were taken away. She had been told by teachers that there is no comparison between primary and post-prim-ary teaching. It wii pointed out that secondary pupils work far harder and they have a longer school day.

Chamber Of Commerce Exams. The Wanganui Chamber of Coniine rce examinations will be held a I the Wanganui Girls’ College and Wanganui Technical College, commencing next Monday night and concluding on the following Friday night. Entries have been received from 99 candidates, a number of whom will sit more than one subject. Last year there were 74 entries. The number of candidates for each subject are: English composition and business letter writing, 61; shorthand, 28; bookkeeping, 36; typing, 46; office practice 43; handwriting 45.