Riccarton Enrolment Not In Open Meeting

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32350, 16 July 1970, Page 12

Riccarton Enrolment Not In Open Meeting

The Riccarton High School board of governors discussed its enrolment policy yesterday in committee because the subject “impinged on the policies” of other Christchurch secondary schools.

The headmaster (Mr T. R. Hitchings) declined to discuss the matter in open meeting after questioning from a board member. He said that successful applicants could not be officially notified of their enrolment at the school before July 21 and he did not therefore know bow far he could speak on the subject out of private meeting. He said enrolment was tied up with accommodation at the

school, and suggested discussing it in committee because the matter impinged on other schools’ policies. Mr Hitchings said in his report that there were 1057 pupils at the school at July 6, indicating that about 60 had left during the year. “This is a very satisfactory position when it is considered that half the year has passed,” he I said.

Commenting on the recent completion of the school’s [Second technical drawing | room, Mr Hitchings said this [was the first time that pupils had had adequate space for their technical drawing classes.

In a letter to the board the Education Department approved a grant of $lOO towards the cost of a variable stroboscope and two electric stopwatches for the physics department, and approved the purchase of a double-ended grinder for the woodwork department.

However, the department 'asked for a revised quote from [the board for modified .floodI lighting of the grounds. A new quote of $367.92 will be submitted.