Bay of Plenty Beacon Published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. FRIDAY, JUNE 27, 1947 SCHOOL POPULATION GROWING FAST

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 46, 27 June 1947, Page 4

Bay of Plenty Beacon Published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. FRIDAY, JUNE 27, 1947 SCHOOL POPULATION GROWING FAST

THE rapid growth of population in the Borough of Whakatane and the surrounding district has resulted in a corresponding increase in the number of children attending the schools. At its meeting this week the Whakatane District High School Committee gave consideration to a report that suggested that a start should be made on the new primary school building. It may surprise some people to know that the schools of the town have no less than 830 pupils on their rolls, that there are now 30 teachers on the staffs, and that the work of the headmaster includes the supervision of the Ohope Side School and of a teacher at the Hospital. Householders will be pleased to know that an energetic School Committee is giving its attention to the future educational needs of the growing town. No doubt the Education Board is well aware of the expanding school population of Whakatane and will give favourable consideration to the request put forward for additional school buildings. If all the plans for building new homes in the borough, both by, the State and by individuals, are successfully carried out there is certain to be no slowing up in the growth of Whakatane’s population during the next few years. The school population will increase just as fast, if not faster. Whatever the ultimate decision of the Education Board as to additional school buildings for Whakatane it is greatly to be hoped that a move will be made without delay so that there will be improved conditions for pupils and teachers in the 1948 school year.