School rolls up; teacher tally down
South Canterbury primary schools are full for next year but finding enough teachers to teach them is a different story.
For many of the schools, 2019 is going to be a ‘‘bumper’’ year, with enrolments either nearing or at full capacity, principals say.
However, recruiting teachers to cover this influx or replace those who are leaving has been a greater challenge.
While St Joseph’s Timaru School only had to recruit one teacher, principal Carmel Brosnahan-Pye said ‘‘it wasn’t easy’’.
‘‘It’s [recruiting teachers] definitely an increasing issue in South Canterbury,’’ BrosnahanPye said.
Beaconsfield School principal Hamish Brown agreed, saying finding new teachers has ‘‘changed dramatically over the last couple of years’’.
Despite this, most schools have been able to recruit the teachers they need, although Timaru Christian School is readvertising one position.
‘‘We have received fewer applications for positions overall, over the past few interview rounds, and there has been a big increase in the number of overseas teachers applying,’’ said principal Bethany Rentoul said.
Gleniti School principal, and South Canterbury Primary Principals’ Association president, Steve Zonnevylle has also seen more overseas teachers come forward, but felt that added other issues.
‘‘You don’t really know who they are, or what their background is – it’s just hard to base [an appointment on],’’ Zonnevylle said.
Another noticeable change was a significant decrease in the numbers of beginning and young teachers.
Temuka Primary School principal Grant Willocks believed that where they used to receive 80-90 per cent new teachers, it was now ‘‘not even a quarter’’.
‘‘Young people aren’t coming into the profession, and they certainly aren’t staying in it, and that’s the crux of the matter, isn’t it,’’ Willocks said.