MAIREHAU ROLL

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32114, 9 October 1969, Page 18

MAIREHAU ROLL

“Department

Over-Cautious”

The Department of Education was being over-cautious in considering the stable roll of Mairehau High School to be 1000 pupils, the headmaster (Mr A. B. Ryan) told the monthly meeting of the school’s board of governors yesterday. Mr Ryan was commenting on a letter from the department which recommended the construction of a two-unit arts and crafts block, but stated that a development plan for the school would not be undertaken. The board decided to ask for the provision of the new block as soon as possible. Mr Ryan said that the stable roll of the school was likely to be 1100 pupils, not 1000 as the department suggested. “The new block would not, however, prejudice further development at the school,” he said.

In his report, Mr Ryan said it was disappointing to learn that the department was unable to give urgency to the preparation of a development plan. It was pleasing, however, that the new arts and crafts unit was to be built although the completion date would not be before the third term of 1970.

The department’s letter said that a request from the board for a building development plan had been given careful consideration, but would not be proceeded with because of the rapid extension of north-east Christchurch.

A new school might be established in the area and it was not considered prudent to plan for accommodation for more than 1000 pupils because of this.

The possibility of the school’s roll reaching 1000 before the establishment of a second school had been realised, the letter said, and it was suggested that the extra pupils be accommodated in temporary buildings.