Hagley High School

Press, 10 November 1981, Page 24

Hagley High School

Sir,—Now is the time for concerned people to come to the aid of Hagley High; even the newspapers could be helpful by setting aside special

space for an influx of letters which could be expected for so important a problem, objecting to Ministerial suggestions of closing. Such a closing by the Government would be a political scandal. I venture to say if this school was situated in any one North Island marginal seat, the Minister would never suggest closing. True, that closing would save a few thousand dollars in rebuilding costs, when we hear the “Think Big” strategists talking of spending billions. When Wellington College’s old decrepit buildings were replaced, the college was saved, and now a flourishing community college within a regenerating population area. Hagley has a recognised zone — adult students come from as far as 6 kilometres away because they want to.—Yours, etc., H. R. PEERS. November 7, 1981. [See editorial yesterday. We are not able to print a letter a day from one correspondent on one subject.—Editor]

Sir,—While I agree with your editorial (November 9) that Hagley High School deserves to be continued because of its work with, adults, I do not see that this need involve its continuance as a high school. The school pupils present or projected for Hagley could easily be accommodated elsewhere. A better solution than straight continuation would be for the school to translate to a community college — parallel to the polytechnic but Open for all sorts of community groups to hold classes there as is done in community colleges elsewhere. These would be in addition to school-level classes, both day and evening, to enable adults to take such school exams as school certificate, university entrance and bursary. Some of the community courses which the polytechnic wishes to run but which the Education Department will not approve might be acceptable to the department at a community college. — Yours, etc., ROBIN MITCHELL. November 9, 1981.