New Boys’ High School Wanted

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31000, 4 March 1966, Page 14

New Boys’ High School Wanted

Will the new high school proposed for opening in the northwest of Christchurch in 1969 be single-sex or co-ed ucational?

This was the immediate question of the chairman (Dr. S. C. Peddie) and other members of the Christchurch Boys’ High School Board yesterday when Dr. T. R. Anderson said the Secondary Schools’ Council had been invited by the {Education Department for its views on the need, site, and type of school. “Why do they change their mind within two years?” asked Mr N. E. Taylor, w'ho claimed that two years ago the council saw no immediate need and considered future pressure would be in other areas. “The move came from the department,” said Mr R. K. Milne. “Perhaps Bishopdale development has created new pressures,” said Dr. Anderson. Mr Taylor said it seemed the new school would be almost on the urban fence. The secretary (Mr P- J. Halligan) pointed out that the Papanui High School and others were once almost rural, but were now centres of big residential areas.

There was a site sufficient for a new school adjoining Burnside High School in Memorial avenue, said Mr A. I. R. Jamieson. “That would be the perfect answer,” said Mr Taylor. One could be for boys and the other for girls. He was told Burnside objected to this idea. Could the board do anything to assist the council’s deliberations? asked Mr N. J. McPhail. Dr. Anderson asked what members would say to the council on the single-sex versus co-education issue. “We strongly favour another boys’ school,” said Mr Taylor.

“ Would it be true to say that the applications rejected by the Christchurch and Shirley Boys’ High Schools would form the nucleus of another?” asked Mr Milne. He said he knew co-educational school principals had a problem in balancing rolls because girls out-numbered boys at some already. If a single-sex school was recommended, it might be better placed more centrally, Mr Milne said. It would then serve a wider areaThe board made no formal decision but agreed that Dr. Anderson, its representative, had a clear idea of its views.