the training needs in this field and intends to approach the tertiary institutions to increase substantially their involvement in the training of school administrators.
13
The Director of Education is also conscious of the need to strengthen expertise in the administration of schools among his staff and is looking into the feasibility of organising a systematic training programme for them.
Powers to close a school
14
The Committee of Inquiry recommended that the Education Ordinance should be "amended to empower the Director of Education only to suspend a school for a period of time. Thereafter, if it is deemed essential that the school be closed, such authority should rest with the Governor in Council." The closure order in respect of the Previous Blood Golden Jubilee School issued by the acting Director of Education on 14th May 1978 was made under section 83 (1) of this Ordinance. This section reads:
"The Director may, if it appears to him that-
(a) there is any danger or risk of danger to persons in
any school premises;
(b) the conduct of the managers, teachers or pupils of a
school is or has been unsatisfactory; or
(c) any provision of this Ordinance is being or has been
contravened in respect of a school,
by order in writing served on any manager of the school-
(i) close the school premises, or any part of the school
premises, for such period as he thinks fit or until further notice;
(ii) prohibit the use of any place for the purposes of a school for such period as he thinks fit or until further notice; or
(iii) give such directions and make such requirements as he
thinks necessary.
11
* Final Report of the Committee of Inquiry: paragraph 54