HAWERA HIGH SCHOOL.

Hawera Star, Volume LII, 1 February 1933, Page 4

HAWERA HIGH SCHOOL.

The re-opening of the Hawera Technical High '.School next week will bring into contact with that institution many members of the community who have not hitherto made first-hand, acquaintance with the school. Some will realise for the first time that the institution provides the only source of secondary education available to their children and in consequence they will find that its facilities for training youth is a matter of first-class importance to them as parents and citizens. This increase in the circle of people directly interested in the school is an annual occurrence and is no insignificant part of the foundation upon which tradition is built. As is the case with all comparatively new schools, Hawera’s greatest lack is “tradition.” Increasing age will help to fill that- lack, ibut .the passing of the years cannot, of themselves 1 , fill it completely. The founding of a “history” in a school calls for warm, human feelings of interest in its present condition as well as faith in its future. There is every reason why Hawera should give an abundance of its support, to the Technical High School. Selfinterest alone demands it, for, as has been borne in upon some parents during the last year or two, it offers the only alternative to seeking secondary education further afield at greatly increased cost. This town and district would bo immediately up in arms if threatened with the loss of its secondary school; fortunately there is no danger of such a threat arising, but it is logical to suggest .that a small,part of the interest that would be aroused by any such proposal should bo directed now into channels which will assist the school in reaching a high place among the secondary schools of the Dominion. The staff is, admittedly, responsible for the scholastic achievements of the sichool, but that admission does not relieve the community as a whole of its responsibility. Increased support by parents seeking secondary education for their children means an increased roll number, and for every 28 additional pupils the school is entitled to an additional teacher. The value of local 1 interest- in the institution becomes immediately apparent when it is realised that the growth of the school not only provides an abject of legitimate local pride, but .increases the educational facilities available to local boys-and girls. This year the school opens under the direction of a .now principal—the second to assume control —and can thus be said to be entering upon the second phase of its brief history. With the help of its past-pupil organisations, which are yearly growing in strength and age, and with the sympathetic, support, of a big district behind it, there is no reason indeed why Hawera should not look forward to a time when its secondary school will occupy a prominent place among similar North Island institutions.