Enough teachers

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 272, 31 January 1989, Page 1

Enough teachers

After earlier worries about staffing the area's primary schools most classes start the year this week with a teacher in front of them. Waiouru Primary School lost seven teachers at the end of last year but school principal Tauri Morgan said they have teachers for every class "at least for the first term". He said he was "pretty pessimistic" at one stage. The term starts with

six relievers at the school. Mr Morgan said while he was glad to have teachers for every class, having six relievers out of a staff of 20 was worrying. The number of permanent senior staff that have left was of concern also. Mr Morgan said the increased > teachers' rents in Waiouru, from $15 to $90, had played a large part in the decision of at least four of the teachers who

left. He said he would hesitate to say it was the only factor, but that four teachers had made it plain they were leaving partly because of the rent increases. He said six permanent jobs at the school were to be advertised in the next education gazzette. Acting Principal of Ohakune Primary School Ellen Gould said they were "very fortunate" to be fully staffed at the start of Turnpage 3

Enough teachers

From page 1 the term. Three long term relievers from last year were now in permanent positions, said Mrs Gould, and there were three relievers. This was in comparison to last year's position, with five or six relievers at times. Raetihi School has just one reliever, appointed last year. School principal Doug McLean said the school had a very stable staff and so had no problems. He said the school also had "quite a bit" of additional help from teacher's aides. Rangataua School now has a permanent principal, after a long period of relieving principals. A reliever fills the second Rangataua position. Orautoha School also has a new principal and a permanent second teacher and there is no change at Ngamatea. National Park Primary School also has a new principal.