INTERCHANGE OF TEACHERS.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 August 1921, Page 8

INTERCHANGE OF TEACHERS.

THREE CANADIANS ARRIVE. NEW BLOOD FOR DOMINION SYSTEM. In pursuance of the policy approved by the Minister of Education for the interchange of teachers between New Zealand and other portions of the Empire, three Canadian teachers arrived in Auckland by the Niagara to take up positions in the Dominion for a period of one year. The Director of Education sent a message of welcome, states the Star. Although the interchange has been approved in principle for some time, it is only recently that a systematic prosecution 'of it has been put into effect. Two Dominion teachers, of considerable experience, have been in Canada for some time, and arrangements have been made to send others, including an inspector. The arrivals are all teachers of ability, who have had up to seventeen years' experience in various grades of schools in Canada, and whose knowledge should be a considerable asset in incorporating new ideas into our system of education. In addition, they will become conversant with-Dominion me- , thods which can be utilised, where beneficial, in our sister Dominion when the visitors return. The scheme is under the direct control of the department, and salaries are on the basis of what obtained in the last position held by the visitor. ' One of the arrivals, Miss Tracey, whose permanent position is in* the Strathcons School, Winnipeg, will take up her voca 1 tion. under the Wellington Educatior 1 Board, in a position vacated by Miss Har greaves, who is proceeding to Canada Miss Lucas, of the Lord Selkirk Junioi

High School, has been provided with a position under the Nelson Education Board, while Miss McQueen, the third visitor, of the William Whyte School, Winnipeg, will remain in the Auckland education district, and will be appointed temporarily to the position of infant mistress at the Hamilton East School. In a brief discussion of Canadian methods, the visitors conveyed the impression that the Dominion system is based on | similar lines to that obtaining in Canada. The health' of the child is regarded as a vital consideration of the State, and Canada has its dental clinics and special attention is given to detecting eye defects, as well as other physical weaknesses. Treatment for any disease diagnosed is compulsory, either by the department’s officials or privately if the parents so desire, and to a degree is free. Religious instruction is a subject to the extent that • pupils repeat the Lord’s Prayer and study ! special portions of the Bible daily for ’ half an hour.