The need to "review and improve upon existing channels of communication" is accepted, and is indee'd already the subject of consultation with the Schools' Councils. However, it should be added that the situation varies greatly among the sponsoring bodies, many of which do maintain and use very adequate channels, formal or informal. Nor is it the case that the Education Department has been reluctant to listen to either teachers or managers hitherto. To be realistic, it has to be accepted that while there is scope for improvement, such amelioration will not solve all problems. Even the most free- flowing, obstruction-free channel cannot ensure that the messages conveyed either way, no matter how clearly and rapidly, are acceptable to the recipient. Failure to agree is not always due to clogged channels, any more than it necessarily indicates the frequently alleged insincerity of one party or another.
The Department will certainly encourage greater participation of parents in their children's education generally and the growth of Parent-Teacher
Associations in particular; but it must be recognised that this can only be a long-term objective and that progress will be uneven as between different areas and bodies. It is certainly highly desirable. Care will need to be taken, however, not to provide the occasion for future conflict between parents and teachers.
This is another aspect of the point at (50), and while the Department cannot, and would not wish, to undertake functions appropriate to the Courts or to the Labour Tribunal, it is conscious of the need to offer positive help towards the resolution of conflicts in schools and reconciliation of the various interested parties. It is reviewing its capabilities from this point of view.
Other Matters
(a) Mr P. C. Fung
5
Mr P. C. Fung, who in 1977 was an Education Officer in the Ecucation Department and who had been appointed as an additional member of the School Management Committee, is criticised in paragraph 28 of the Report for failing to acquaint
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