PARENTS’ DAY AT SCHOOL.

Putaruru Press, Volume VII, Issue 313, 7 November 1929, Page 5

PARENTS’ DAY AT SCHOOL.

SUCCESSFUL FUNCTION. Great Interest Shown. In a handbook of suggestions for teachers, issued by the London Board of Education, the influence of the home upon the schools is stressed. Intel alia, it states: “ That teachers should avail themselves of every opportunity for bringing about an intimate relationship between the school and. the home. Efforts should be made to dispel the harmful error, ’hat the work of the schools is a mystery not to be penetrated except by the initiated. * Open days ” for parents' visits are also useful institutions.”

Among the believers in the methods above is Mr. R. G. Hutton, headmaster of the Putaruru District High School, and recently he issued invitations to parents to visit the school and see their children at work. Wednesday was chosen for the function, and the keenness of parents to see their off-spring at work was proved by the fact that between 50 and 60 availed themselves of the opportunity. No special exhibition of work was prepared, the idea being to let parents see how the children work on every school day. In the morning the ordinary timetable work was indulged in, and in the afternoon in the lower classes hand work such as weaving and raffia work, basketmaking, plasticine modelling and drawing was engaged in.

The exercise books of the various classes were also thrown open for inspection, whilst singing, recitations and reading showed the children’s aptitude for that class of work. An enjoyable and instructive time was spent by the parents, and there is no doubt but that the objects set out for—a greater understanding on the part of the parents—were achieved. Mr. Hutton has received several appreciative letters, and as it is the intention to hold these days at stated intervals, there is every reason to regard the initial function as being the successful forerunner.