SCHOOL AND PEOPLE

Taupo Times, Volume II, Issue 67, 29 April 1953, Page 4

SCHOOL AND PEOPLE

I HE meetings of householders reeently held to elect school committees have drawn attention to the work and needs of both schools and committees. Judging from reports in the press, the amount of attention so drawn, however, has noi been nearly as great as it might be. In the majority of cases the words used to describe attendance at meetings have varied from "small" to "very poor." In Taupo the attendance, though small in proportion to the number of parents and householders, was four times as great as at last election, and this fact, taken in conjunction with the results of the election, indicates general satisfaction with the work of the committee. Six members of the previous committee offered their services again and all were elected. The Chairman of the outgoing Committee, Mr B. J. Baumberg, retiring after twelve years work for the school deservedly was honoured at a recent social held by the Taupo Home and School Association. During the past few years there has been a remarkable growth in the numbers attending the school, a signi.ficant indication of the progress of the town. The number of classrooms has been doubled in the past three years, but accommodation is still inadequate and the teaching staff not yet up to its due number. There is no doubt that had it not been for the Committee's persistent pressure the buildings now in use would not have been built when they were, nor would the land have been available and ready for use. These facts, well known to those in touch with school affairs, indicate the importance of a School Committee to the well-being of the school. Even though the Education Board may be keen to do its best in administering the school system, there is no substitute for a live and energetic School Committee. And since the development in recent years of parentteacher associations, often known as home and school organisations, it has been demonstrated that these organisations are an invaluable addition to the1 School Committees. This has been stdikingly shown in Taupo, where' the Home and School Association has rendered great service to the School and Committee. The latest example of that service, the raising of £50 by a member of the Association, Miss Rickit, for a projector for the school, deserves the c-ontinued support of all parents so that the full amount required may be secured. Parents and others who wish to help the Schooi will find that support of the activities of the Home and School Association is a ready road to that end.