THE HIGH SCHOOLS.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 July 1922, Page 5

THE HIGH SCHOOLS.

JUNIOR SCHOOLS PROPOSAL. BOARD NOT FAVORABLE. The monthly meeting of the New Plymouth High Schools’ Board of Governors was held last night. Present: Messrs. J. S. Fox (chairman), H. Trimble, A. E. Washer, F. W. Atkinson, A. Morton, and Dr. E. F. Fookes. Leave of absence was granted to Messrs. E. P. Webster, L. A. Nolan, L. C. Sladden, and S. G. Smith, M.P. The Director of Education, under data July 12, wrote in reference to the establishment of junior high schools, stating: “It is hoped that the final regulations concerning the establishment of one such school in the Auckland district will soon be issued, and this may be taken in general as a type of what might be undertaken in other districts, with the exception of the staff, which will be modified according to the size of other schools established. In the meantime I shall be glad if your board would consider in what localities it would be most advisable to consider the establishment of junior high schools. I may say that it is not likely that more than three such schools will be established nest year. One of these should be in a town containing from 5000 to 9000 inhabitants; another in a town containing from 10,000 to 15,000 inhabitants, and one in a district whete there is at present a district high school which would under the junior high school system be enlarged by the inclusion of the present fifth and sixth standards. In connection with the last-men-tioned type of school, it would be dear* able also to know whether it would be possible to convey to the shortened portion of the present primary department *of a district high school from small adjacent schools. If this could be done if wpul enable the grade of the primary portion of a present district high school to be maintained. Suggestions regarding suitable localities, as above mentioned, should be sent in within a month ' from present date.”

Members did not express themselves in favor of the junior high school scheme, it being pointed out by the chairman that if one were established in this district it would mean the loss of 130 third-form pupils, including 40 boarders. The scheme was described as a disconnecting link, as pupils who reached the top class in the junior school would have no encouragement to go to the upper school. In the absence of information as to whether new buildings would be erected, what arrangement for transport ,/ould be made, and under whose control the proposed schools would be, the board did not express an opinion on the matter.

PRINCIPALS’ REPORTS. The principal of the girls’ school (Miss Mclntosh) reported that the second term had been opened with a roll-number of 42 in the primary department and 156 in the secondary. The report continued: "I regret that we have not been able to obtain the A grade teacehr to whom we became entitled in April. There will probably be another change on the staff in December, which will entail some re-arrangement. In view of this, and of the fact that even if a teacher were appointed now, it would ba some months before she could take up her duties, I recommend that the appointment be held over for the present and that applications be invited again in September for next year. The position is an important one, and having waited so long I should prefer to wait a few months longer with the better chance of filling it satisfactorily. It seems almost useless to suggest the appointment of a relieving teacher, as there is so little prospect of obtaining one. In the interests of the school, however, one should be appointed if possible.” The recommendation as to appointments was adopted.

The principal of the boys’ school (Mr. Wl H. Moyes) reported: “I am pleased to say that news has been received that the trophy donated by the Governor-General for the best performance in the Imperial Challenge Shield competitions has been awarded to this school for the year 1921. This is the first occasion on which the trophy has been awarded, and it is gratifying to know that the first name engraved

on it will be that of the New Plymouth High School. I would respectfully draw the board’s attention to the fact that the old boarding-house is badly in need of a coat of paint. On some portions the paint has almost disappeared, with the result that the bare boards are left exposed to the action of the weather.” The principal expressed appreciation at the action of the Hawera citizens who entertained 350 boys at lunch and afternoon tea op the occasion of the annual football match between the school and Wanganui College. Tenders will be invited for painting, as suggested, and submitted to the department. It is hoped to put the work in hand during the next term holidays.

GENERAL. The Napier High School Board wrote that they had affirmed the suggestion made by the principal of the Napier Boys’ High School that a High Schools’ Boards’ Association be formed, and the board was asked to express an opinion on the subject. It certainly appeared only fair that high school boards should be consulted on such an important proposal as the junior high school. Boards needed also to protect themselves against centralisation. There were maty questions dealing with hostels, notice of termination of engagement, local rating, representation of teachers on boards, etc. It was suggested that an annual meeting should be held while all the other education conferences were being held in Wellington. —Messrs. Atkinson and Trimble, whilst approving of an association being formed, did not think the expense of an annual meeting was justified unless under special circumstances. A resolution was passed affirming the principle of the association. A letter of appreciation will be forwarded to Mr. Easton returning warm thanks to the citizens of Hawera for the generous manner in which they had entertained the boys on the occasion of the college football match.

A letter of congratulation will be forwarded the principal of the boys’ school on the school’s success in winning the Gover-nor-General’s shooting trophy. The finance committee was instructed to enquire into and report upon the advisability of insuring players at the schools against injury sustained in playing games.