EDUCATION BOARD.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 17115, 9 April 1921, Page 4

EDUCATION BOARD.

MONTHLY MEETING. The Canterbury Education Board met yesterday. Present—Messrs E. H. Andrews (chairman), J. Janiieson, W. A. Banks, H. J. Bignell, J. Maye, G. W. Arftiitafge, J. Gow, "A. Pcverill, T.Hughes, W. P. Spencer, and the Hon. 'J. Urimmond. The .Education Department wrote intimating that the application tor a school at Port Levy t,jiaori Pa) had been referred to Mr Brock for report. Mr Blank, the truant officer, reported having visited a number of sjc.»jo!s i Q and around Christchufch and Kaikoura, also Ashburtoa and Timaru for Court purposes. The attendance, as a ifhole was good, tho district being Very free from sickness. Some trouble still existed owing to children leaving.school to go to work. A f«\v of the parents had been "prevailed'on send their children back, but there st<Jl remained some determined to tight the matter in Court. During the month, 86 ordinary notices and 2o of a final nature had been issued. Court proceedings had been taken iii seven cases, and fines amounting to 36s and costs, 45s*, imposed. Mr White (West Coast) reported that the sickness among the'younger children had improved; 22 visits to schools and 38 visits to homes of pupils had been paid: 3S truancy lists had been sent in, and 28 ordinary and three final notices issued. A letter was received from the Department, intimating that teachers are to he allowed to mark as present at school children who are absent receiving dental treatment. The headmaster, Opawa School, asked that additional assistance be allowed owing to the school now being carried on in two separate buildings. It was agreed to refer the matter to the Department, and ask that- additional assistance might be _ provided under regulation 33. The Education Department brought under notice a circular'from the -London County Council relative to interchange of teachers. It was agreed to forward copies to the several branches of the Educational Institute. The Department, wrote stating' £hat for the present only applications for urgent works could be considered. It was resolved to give as much publicity as possible, to this information. The Buildings Committee reported that the deputation appointed for' the purpose recommended the disposal of the old Port Robinson residence and sito s and it was resolved to take steps in the direction indicated. The report was adopted. The Department advised the grant of £4OBO for additions to Timaru South School. It yns. resolved that ths work bs done by day labour. It was agreed, in reply to the Cashmere Committee's application to provide more accommodation, that a temporary building be shifted from Christchurch West. The senior inspector was asked to report on the New Brighton Committee's application for more accommodation for Standard VI. pupils. ' The Department advised t'hat it could not agree to the purchase of additional land at Sumnej; at present. Tho -Normal School Committee reported that a special class for the instruction of retarded children would be formed, with • Miss I. K. Jamieson in charge. Children who for, some reason were unable to keep up with their fellows would receive more individual instruction on different lines from those of ordinary class-room practice. The principal of the Training School reported that with only one model school of each type it was possible to give students a very little time only iii each, quito inadequate to enable them to gain a liking for rural work, or to learn how to manage such a school. • It was resolved that an urgent telegram to the Department, asking that early authority be given for tho Board to proceed with the erection of a* model training school on the Linwood site. A deputation ' from Spi'ingbank waited on tho Board requesting that a site should >be purchased for a- new school. ' The chairman said the Board approved of the prnciple, hut on account of prevailing financial conditions they, could not recommend the adoption of the scheme at present. The deputation offered to find half the cost of the site. The chairman said the Board would make a strong effort to acquire the site. The Board acrepted the offer with thanks, and decided to take immediate steps leading to the acquisition of the site. '• A erant of £lO 10s was made to the St. John Ambulance Association.