RE-ADJUSTMENT OF THE STAFF OF THE TEMUKA SCHOOL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 981, 22 July 1882, Page 3

RE-ADJUSTMENT OF THE STAFF OF THE TEMUKA SCHOOL.

TO THIS EDITOR. Sir, —I see by your paper this morning a report of the Temuka School Committee, from which it appears that the Board of Education has asked the advice of the Committee as to the readjustment of the teaching staff of the school, and the way the Board seems to be going about the work does not look as if things will be improved in the school. I cannot understand how it is to the interest of the school to remove an old, tried and faithful servant for a young and inexperienced one. It seems as if the Committee likes new brooms ; they may sweep clean for a while, but will they last ? Sir, I, as one who takes an interest in the education of oar children, and a householder, make my huinb'e protest against the removal of Mrs Rowe, and I do this feeling that I shall be backed up by most of the parents of children going to the school. It is well known to everyone who has had children g under her N care that they have progressed more in the same time than while under any other teacher. She is beloved by the children ; she knows how to care for them when care is required ; she also knows how to manage older ones by the tact that she has gained by her long experience with children of all ages. All that I see the Committee think they want is a male as second teacher, Mrs Rowe holding that position at present. This male has to be engaged in the interests of the school. Sir, has the school suffered ever since Mrs Rowe held that position 1 If so, it must be very bad by this time, as she has held the position between eight and ame years. How is it that it was not found out before 1 and what proof have we that the school will be better served by the boy the Committee have chosen. Just fancy removing an old, tried, certificated, and experienced teacher for a young, inexperienced, and uncertificated one. This is, as Mr Haylmrst termed it, ! going back with a vengeance.’ I hope the householders will not let this change take place without having a voice in the matter, and would suggest that the Chairman be requested to call a meeting of the householders, and see whether they are willing to have their children placed under a stranger, when they have a teacher already whom they have faith in. Before I leave oft let me tell you what I have been told by those who know better than myself —that during the eight or i nine years Mrs Rowe has been teaching in

our silhh 1 ihere ha* never been any complaint made about her. in any way, to the Committee, nor has a scholar left her to go to another school. Can the same be said of the male teachers, whether first, second or third ? I will now close, hoping that some other parents, who value their children’s progress, will have something to say on this subject.—l am, etc., Householder. Temuka, July 20, 1882.