Palmerston North primary pupils on first name basis with teachers

Two Palmerston North primary schools are allowing pupils to call teachers by their first names, if the teachers agree.

The informal approach to honorifics has applied at Russell Street School for the past two years, and this year has been picked up by Milson School.

Milson School principal Barrie Eccles said about half the 14 teachers would use their first names and the others, including himself, were keeping their honorifics.

The school saw it as an extension of kindergarten, where honorifics are not used, making an easier transition for new entrants.