THE SCHOOL ATTENDANCE.

Shannon News, 2 May 1922, Page 4

THE SCHOOL ATTENDANCE.

REGULARITY WILL BRING ANOTHER TEACHER.

The Koputaroa School has been rather unfortunate of late in losing the services of two of the staff, placing the school at a disadvantage at a time when every effort is required to keep it at the standard it has maintained for the past few years. Miss Best has been tranferred to pastures new, leavonly one of the old staff, Mr Forsyth, the headmaster, who is acquainted with the scholars. Miss Jeffries has appointed relieving teacher to fill the position lately occupied by Sliss Best, but it takes time to get »acquainted with the individual scholars and to take up the work from the previous teacher. Quite recently we lost the services of Miss Richards, the third teacher, leaving Mr Forsyth

and Miss Best to carry on practically the same amount of work. The loss of Miss Richards was occasioned by sickness amongst the children, and also various other causes, bringing the average attendance down below what was necessary to retain the third teacher. Shortly after her departure the attendance again picked up, and the remaining 'teachers carried on under great distadvantages. They have now worked the school almost back to its former position, and it is to be hoped the parents,, will second their efforts to regain the lost position. Few parents recognise what the attendance of a family on a wet day may mean to the average ottendance of a school, but the following explanation may help them to realise how important it is to send the children n every occasion when possible to do so. For roll-call the five school days per week are divided into ten halfdays Supposing in fine weather the average roll number was 91 for eight half-days, and the remaining day being wet, the two half-day averages fell 57, the total ,average for the week would be only 84. We feel sure the parents have the interest of the school at heart, and will assist the staff, on

realising the position. At present the roll number is 99, and to gain the third teacher the average attendance must be 87 for two quarters. This average is now in sight, and will oe obtained if the attendance is 91 for the next month. We trust the parents will recognise the position now it has been explained to them, and use every endeavour to send the children along and encourage the teachers to regain the position the school formerly occupied