SCHOOL PROBLEMS

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXIX, Issue 89, 10 April 1934, Page 3

SCHOOL PROBLEMS

REMITS EOR HOUSEHOLDERS THE AGE OF ENTRANCE The meeting of the Wellington School Committees and Educational Federation last night decided to send . the following remits to the annual of householders:1 ‘That all restrictions on the entrance of the five-year-olds to primary schools (public) be removed.” “That the Education Department be approached to amend the staffing regulations of the larger schools to ensure a maximum of 35 pupils to each teachef.” That the attention of the department and boards be directed to the consideration of the earthquake safety of school buildings ,and urging the department to pursue this activity with all expedition.” “That the department be asked for increased capitation to provide for the adequate heating and cleaning of schools.” A discussion took place on the action of the Minister of Education in extending the life of school committees to two years instead of one. The secrc- / tar y, ij r N. .Ingram, said that it was difficult to get the parents to attend even an annual meeting of householders, and he did not know what the

position would be when the meetings were held at two-year intervals. Mr A. Parlane suggested that the difficulty could be overcome by the committees resigning at the end of each year. The following resolution was carried: “That the question be referred to the school committees for their opinion and asking them to endorse the attitude of the federation.” The secretary of the Picton School Committee wrote stating that his committee would like to point out that the frequent changing of teachers to similar positions in other schools with no advantage to the teacher was of great disadvantage to the scholars. When the teacher was transferred on promotion it was another matter, but the committee strongly protested against the too frequent changing of staff when it could bo avoided. The Picton committee also applied for affiliation to the federation. The chairman, Mr L. J. McDonald, said this letter was one of the most encouraging letters the federation had had for some time, for there were times when the federation’s work seemed not to be appreciated.