PAPANUI HIGH SCHOOL

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28268, 4 May 1957, Page 6

PAPANUI HIGH SCHOOL

21st Anniversary This Month

Papanui High Sbhool, the first of the modern post primary schools to be built in Christchurch, will celebrate its 21st anniversary this month. Since it was built in May, 1936, it has kept pace with the rapid development of the suburb it serves and the school roll which started at 100 is now more than seven times that number.

Considerable expansion has taken place at the school to cope with the increased number of pupils. The latest building to be ccm.pleted is the Johns Block which houses a library, specialist geography room and five classrooms. This block was named after the first chairman of the school board of governors (Mr J. B. Johns) and is erected on land given by him to the school. A new assembly hall which includes a stage and music room is expected to be completed in about two months.

Till about two years ago, the school was known as Papanui Technical High School and was originally built as a technical school. It still maintains a strong technical department, although a complete postprimary education is provided. In addition to the 730 pupils, the school also has 33 evening classes in a wide range of subjects, including examination subjects for school certificate and university entrance. There are also classes in various hobbies such as dressmaking and millinery and trade courses in building and engineering. Classes are held on five nights a week and numbers average about 14 pupils to each class.

A visit is expected soon by the Education Department architect who will survey possible sites for the" school’s final permanent building which will provide additional accommodation for a school roll of between 700 and 800. The new building is likely to be a home class block.

No celebrations have been planned to mark the school’s coming of age because of the proximity r pf the 25th anniversary in four time.