PARENTS MEET

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 32, Issue 3291, 21 July 1943, Page 2

PARENTS MEET

SOCIAL AFTERNOON HELD PROBLEMS OF ADOLESCENT ADDRESS BY MR R. P. CALLAWAY A very pleasant function took place in the Parish Hall recently, when the members and friends of the Paeroa District High School Parents’ Association held their annual social afternoon. Although the gathering was not as large as it had been in previous years, that nevertheless, did not detract from the afternoon’s enjoyment and the entertainment offered was, as usual, of a high standard.

Mrs J. L. Brown, whose excellent performance is always greatly appreciated, opened the programme with a descriptive. pianoforte solo, “Home Sweet Home,” with variations. The explanation with which Mrs Brown prefaced her item enabled her listeners to visualise the scene as she played. The president, Mrs S. Wheeler, then asked the headmaster, Mr A. E. Day, to address i the parents. Mr Day outlined the situation regarding the proposed accommodation for the infant department, stating that tenders would shortly be called for an additional room at the High School, thus enabling the infants to be housed in the main building at the Primary School. Although, stated Mr Day, this, would be a very great deal better than the conditions at present existing with regard to the infant department, it was to be regarded as still only a temporary measure, for it was far from ideal. Mr Day also thanked the parents for their liberal response to the request for shrubs and cuttings for the High School grounds, also for gift books for the library and he. complimented the children and especially the staff on their splendid library. He stated that reference books were still needed and in the course of time he hoped to see the library shelves full. The items were then continued, with Trevor Morrison rendering two vocal solos, “Beautiful Dreamer,” and “When They Sound the Last ‘All Clear’”; Rosemary Gwilliam, recitations, “The Duel,” and “Drake and Van Tromp”; Lance Whisker, tap dances; and Std. IV. pupils trained by Mrs H. Wylde, “The Empire Is Marching,” - “Umbrella Man,” “It’s A Lovely Day To-morrow,” and “ Bless ’Em All.” At the conclusion of the programme, Mr R. P. Callaway addressed a few remarks to the parents on “The Problems Of The Adolescent.” Speaking, not from textbook knowledge, but from a knowledge of children gained from fifteen years’ teaching experience, this period, said Mr Callaway, was the most important in a child’s life, particularly from a school teacher’s point of view. Now that the school age has been raised to fifteen, and possibly sixteen, years of age, that problem has become greater still. For this reason there was a tremendous need for co-operation between parents and teachers and, above all, for greater co-operation in the home. Yet, unfortunately, there was perhaps more argument and disagreement during adolescence than at any other time in the home life. It was a time for strict supervision, for the guiding of ambition, for the provision of some outlet for the splendid physique of the growing youth; a time to remember that augmenting was merely a mental exercise; for watching and guidance of associates, for this was an important period of characterformation. Mr Callaway then -briefly commented on the choice at a profession.

He said the proper age to commence preparing the child for his life’s work was at the age of five. “Give him his ambition right from the start. For instance, if you want him to be an engineer, give him a few engineering tools as soon as he can handle them.” Mr Callaway reminded parents that after four years at secondary school the teachers know a child pretty thoroughly, “So if you are in any difficulty with regard to him,” he concluded, “come and discuss it with us.” Mrs Wheeler thanked the speakers and the performers and informed the parents that the long-worked-for picture projector was now in sight, but it would probably cost an additional £lO. “So if you see the association or the school committee trying to raise money, you will know that the arrival of the picture projector is a matter of only three or four months.” Mrs Wheeler concluded her remarks by reminding parents that the annual subscription of Is was now due and the secretary was available to receive same. The committee then dispensed afternoon tea, and full justice was done to the good things for which Paeroa housewives are famous.