BOARD OF EDUCATION.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 821, 8 February 1877, Page 3

BOARD OF EDUCATION.

Wednesday, February 7. The Board met at 3 p.m. Present —Messrs J. Inglis (chairman), W. Montgomery, A, Duncan, BUSINESS DONE BY THE CHAIRMAN. The business done by the chairman since last meeting of the Board was approved ; PAYMENT BY PARENTS, The chairman said that the| household rate had been abolished, but that the payment of 10s per head on account of children had not. It was necessary that this should be explained as some misconception existed. The household rate for 1876 would have to be paid. inspector’s reports. The chairman laid on the table reports on the Bast Christchurch, New Brighton, and other schools. ASHBURTON FORKS; It was resolved, with regard to the Ashburton Porks school, that the committee be requested to take steps at once to carry out the repairs necessary to the school as pointed out in the report of the inspector, ALFORD FOREST. The inspector reported here that it would be far better to have the master at the centrally situated school instead of dividing his time between the two. He suggested that the master should be retained at the main school, and a half-time mistress secured for the side school, which would be a far better arrangement. The secretary was instructed to call the attention of the committee to the fact that the Board had been informed that their number had been reduced to three. Also to forward a copy of the inspector’s suggestions for the expression of their opinion. NORMAL SCHOOL. The following report of the committee appointed to consider the future management of the Normal School as a training institution, and report to the Board, was read “ Your committee have the honor to report that in accordance with the instructions of the Board, they had an interview with Mr Veel, Mr Habens, and Mr Howard, at the Normal School, Tuesday, February 6th, 1877, and having carefully discussed the questions raised by Mr Howard in his original and in a supplementary report, unanimously make the subjoined recommendations to the Board :

1, “ That public notice should be given by advertisement that classes for the training of teachers will be commenced forthwith. That the advertisements should be worded somewhat as follows ;—Christchurch Normal School, Training Department. The above department of the Normal School will be opened forthwith for the training of teachers. The first term will commence February 19th. «persons desirous of thus qualifying themselves for the profession are requested to apply for particulars to the principal, at the school, either by letter or personally, between the hours of ten and twelve. “ They will be required to produce satisfactory proof of general elementary attainment or to pass a Jpreliminary examination. A course of public lectures on education, for teachers not entered as regular students, will be given on Thursday evenings, eight to nine, and on Baturday mornings, eleven to twelve, commeuc’ng on Thursday, heb 22nd. “Persons not employed as teachers in public schools may be admitted to these lectures on payment of a guinea per term. “The committee recommend that the yeadipg, writing, arithmetic, grammar, geo-

grapby, and history, as prescribed for the third class certificate, bs adopted as the basis of the entrance examination.

2. “That the course of teaching extend over one year, as the committee think l ess than that would be of little utility, and a longer course would be impracticable. 3. “ That application be made for free railway passes, or for conveyance at reduced fares, for such teachers of district schools as may wish to avail themselves of the lectures. 4. “That each student passing a satisfactory examination in teaching at the end of his course should receive a certificate to that effect, but that no certificate should be issued to any student under the age of eighteen. 5. “Tour committee recommend the general outline scheme of scholarships for pupil teachers and acting teachers—three to be offered for competition to each of these classes ; a certain standard of attainment being prescribed as the minimum of qualification. 6. “ That the unsatisfactory members of the pupil teachers’ staff in the practising department be dismissed, and competent teachers, specially qualified in particular branches of instruction, be engaged in their stead. 7. “ That a notification should be given to assistants in Normal School that the Board will require them to attend regularly the special lectures on school management given on their account, if required by the principal, 8. “ The whole question of length of terms, times of recess, &c, was postponed awaiting further experience. “W. Montgomery. ‘ * Chairman.” The report was received and adopted. The chairman was authorised to procure certain articles for the Normal School, for which a requisition had been forwarded by Mr Howard. A list of books submitted by Mr Howard to form a library of reference for teachers studying in the various classes at the Normal School, was read. It was resolved—“ That the chairman and secretary be authorised to expend a sum not exceeding £75 in purchase of books for the Reference Library for teachers in the Normal School classes.” SEAL OF THE BOARD. The chairman reported that he had procured a seal in place of the temporary one used by the Board, which was now on the table. The Board agreed to accept the seal as that of the Board, and several deeds were then duly sealed by the chairman. PUPIL TEACHERS’ EXAMINATION. The report of Mr Hammond on the examination of pupil teachers in January last was read and approved. KAIAPOI. The appointment of Mr John Matthews as assistant master at this school was sanctioned by the Board. ASHBURTON. A letter was read from the chairman, pointing out the necessity which existed for the establishment of a side school between Ashburton and Wakanui, The secretary was directed to write to the chairman for further information on the subject. KAIAPOI ISLAND. It was determined to approve the appointment ot Mrs Sayers as sewing mistress. ASHBURTON. The plana of the additions to the school, as proposed, were ordered to be referred to the committee for their approval. LAKESIDE. The consideration of the correspondence respecting this school was postponed. ADJOURNMENT. After passing several accounts the Board adjourned for a week,