SCHOOL, PEOPLE AND TOWN

Taupo Times, Volume III, Issue 151, 17 December 1954, Page 4

SCHOOL, PEOPLE AND TOWN

THE end of the school year is a time that invites thought on the vital importance of the school in the life of the community. Today that importance is widely recognised, a'nd as a general fact needs no stressing. This is as it should be, for we live in an age when sweeping changes are likely to affect every aspect of social and industrial life, as advances in scientific knowledge and techniques bring upon us a future of almost unpredictable character. The average parent and citizen may perhaps wonder what part he can play, if any, in seeing that the school is assisted in its vital tasks. One answer is that such agencies as the School Committee, and par-ent-teacher organisations (such as the local Home and School Association), offer a worthwhile avenue of service. Another is that a live interest in the schooling of his own children, shown so that the children can recognise it as a real interest in theip and their work, will be of great benefit to them and the school. In 'Taupo itself the rapid growth of the District High School, refer-

/ red to in a report elsewhere in this issue of the "Times," indicates the likelihood that the Secondary Department will within ten years, or perhaps less, be replaced my an independent High School. The question of what type of High School will be best suited to the needs of the- district is one that might well repay consideration by all interested in the future welfare of school and district. In view of present development in the district, and the future developments in view, it may be that what is known as a multi-course school would be the most suitable type of High School. Such a school would have engineering, woodwork home science, art and agricultural departments, in addition to providing for the usual "core" of academic subjects. Be that it may, the point is that local interest should now be taken in the future development of education in the district. Alive public opinion, on the sort of High School best suited to the needs of the district, will result in it getting, when the time come, the type it wants.