MORNINGS ONLY

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 31, 6 February 1935, Page 12

MORNINGS ONLY

WELCOME ARRANGEMENT

The Wellington Education Board has decided to approve of, the closing of the schools during the afternoons of February. Whilst the board thinks that it would, wherever - possible, be preferable to commence school at 8.30 a.m. and to close at noon, it is leaving it to the school committees to decide upon the alternative proposal of starting at 9 a.m. and finishing at 12.30 p.m.

The Minister of Education, the Hon S. G. Smith, is responsible for this extra holiday—it will be regarded as such by most children for it will provide the means of escaping to beaches and baths again—as he gave authority to education boards to keep the schools under their control open in the mornings only during February in the interests of health. This action was taken in view of the exceptionally warm weather prevailing, and the Wellington Education Board has decided to exercise the right given by the Minister.

In Christchurch primary school headmasters have been asked to keep their schools open from 9 ajh. to 12.30 p.m. until February 18 only, but as the Wellington Education Board recognises that the hot weather generally continues until the end of February, it has decided to extend the period accordingly.

The Minister's decision is welcomed by the .teachers, too, as it is difficult to keep the children's attention on the lessons when the weather is hot and trying. The arrangement should result in more attentive classes in the mornings.