ACCOMMODATION DIFFICULTY

Southland Times, Issue 25533, 29 November 1944, Page 4

ACCOMMODATION DIFFICULTY

GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL’S PROBLEM If the roll number at the Southland Girls’ High School reaches or exceeds the estimated attendance for next year the provision of accommodation at the school is likely to present a serious problem to the High Schools’ Board, according to the acting secretary, Mr T. J. Gosling. It is estimated that the attendance next year will be about 487, compared with 427 this year. This year the attendance was a record and the accommodation at the school was so severely taxed that it was necessary to obtain the use of two classrooms at the Middle School until two temporary classrooms were moved from the South School to the High School. In addition, a class had received instruction at Mr Charles Martin’s house. With an increase of about 50 expected in the roll the difficulties of providing accommodation would be much greater next year. The estimate provides for 182 new girls—the same number .as this year. It is possible, however, that the number of new students next year will'exceed 182.

At the Boys’ High School the roll will probably reach 400 next year, but the accommodation problem there will not be as difficult as at the Girls’ High School. This year the roll was 373. At the present time the staff at the Boys’ High School is one short of its normal strength, but sufficient teachers are available at the Girls’ High School. However, if the attendances reach the estimates it is probable that two more teachers will be required at each school. OVERCROWDED SCHOOL

The principal of the Southland Technical College, Mr C. A. Stewart, stated that he expected the roll next year to be about 750, The accommodation position was as acute as ever and it seemed likely that the school would be even • more overcrowded next year. Sufficient teachers were available at the present time, but the college would be entitled to more next year.

There is likely to be an increase in the number of new pupils at secondary schools in the city next year. The regulations which fixed the school leaving age at 15 came into force on February 1 and contained a clause to the effect that any child who reached the age of 14 before that date would not have to continue his studies until he was 15. That clause, however, will not apply this year and will probably contribute to an increase in the number of new pupils.