TEACHER'S REFRESHER COURSE AT TURANGI

Taupo Times, Volume III, Issue 108, 19 February 1954, Page 1

TEACHER'S REFRESHER COURSE AT TURANGI

On Tuesday, February 9, a one day Refresher Course for teachers of Maori Schools was held at the Tokaanu Maori School, Turangi. The gathering had been organised by Mr J. W. Durward (Tokaanu), in conjunction with Mr A. O. Golding, Inspector of Maori Schools, and was most successful. A further similar meeting is planned later in the year. The staffs of the following Schools were present: — Taurangataupo, Turangi, Mokai, Oruanui, Waitahanui, Otukou, Ngapuke, Moerangi and Te Aputa. Also attending were Mr A. O. Golding, Inspector of Maori Schools, Mr D. Alexander, Relieving Inspector, Mr W. Smiler, Maori Welfare Officer, Mr J. R. Osborne, Headmaster, Taupo D. H. School, and Mr T. G. Holmes, Principal of Taumarunui College. In opening the proceedings Mr Golding mentioned that it was the first such gathering in the district and hoped it would be the forerunner of other similar courses. In the morning the Course was divid,ed into two groups, Head Teachers in one, Infant room teachers in the other. Mr Irving (Tauranga-taupo) led a discussion on the teaching of English and most of the Head Teachers took part. Mrs Irving led the discussion on Infant Room methods and practices. Mr Osborne spoke on Social Studies, and this subject of the curriculum was fully discussed. ' , _ ; ±

After lunch, Mr T. G. Holmes spoke on Maori pupils in post-pri-mary schools, and was followed by Mr Smiler, who dealt with problems of his work as a Welfare Officer, a subject that was also fully discussed. Mr Nicholls gave his impressions~of the Rural Schools Refresher Course held at Feilding in January. Mr Golding and Mr Alexander took part in all discussions. At afternon tea, votes of thanks were passed to the Inspectors, visiting speakers and the host School.