CLOSING OF SCHOOLS TO GO SHOPPING

Chronicle (Levin), 16 May 1946, Page 2

CLOSING OF SCHOOLS TO GO SHOPPING

By Telegraph — Press Association . NUYV PLYMOUTH, May 15. Tlic elosiug of schoots in isokiled •oouutfy arcas for oue day or a half-day a uiontli to allovv paronts, teachers and children to viait a shopping eentre witli provision for niaking up the tiiue lost on Saturdays, was suggested in a letter. rceeived by tlie Taranaki Education Board from the JDcpartinout of Education. The Dcpartment suggested Friday or Monday as the most suita-ble day for interrupting Ihe cJasses. '■•The Department reaiises tliat a verv real probiem exists for parents, children and teachers in isolated country districts, to do their shopping and Ehas carefully considered suggestions to lixeet Ihe situation, " stated the letter. "In t-lio interests of the pupils the Education Department is opposed to any proposal to exteud the working day on l'our days of any woek in order that Friday afternoou may be reserved for' Lhc shopping period. It cousiders that a Saturday period of scliool worlc should be substituted for the period' in which. tho sehools are closed. To do this, however, r'aises legal diilieulties for teachers caunot be compelled to earry out school duties on Saturdays uor, as far as is kuown, can parents be compelled to send tlioir children to school. The Department, therei'ore, on condition that unanimity is reached Dy all concerned, is willing to sancdon LJie following proposal as an experiment for -the second term of this year: — "That oiice a month scliools be eloscd for either a half or a whole school day on .a stated Friday or Monday provided that : they opcn for a corresponding period on the Saturday." The .board dccidcd that copics of the letter should be -forwarded to school .cofiilnittees for their comments.