Schools’ response to ‘hub of learning’ idea
THIS is just an idea. Given King’s
High School’s outstanding current development of academic excellence, sporting achievements and amazing standard of pride pupils have developed in themselves and their school, perhaps it is time to consider the development of King’s, Queen’s High School and Bathgate Intermediate into a Dunedin South ‘‘hub of learning’’.
Dan Reddiex could be appointed an administrative principal of these three schools but they would retain their individuality and current administrative structures.
The DCC could allow Tonga Park to be utilised as part of the hub with continued use for current sports bodies which are based there. The facilities could be used by all sporting, cultural and community organisations.
There would be space for hostels and ultimate facilities and the potential for the ‘‘hub of learning’’ would be unlimited.
No doubt many sceptics will consider this ridiculous or impossible and they may well be right for many reasons.
But why? It could become a campus for all aspects of youthful development with a wideranging catchment area.
Lance Pearson
St Clair [Queen’s High School principal Barbara Agnew replies: ‘‘Queen’s
High School is committed to providing the best education possible for the young women who attend our school. We value the opportunities singlesex education provides for girls and will continue to provide this for those who choose to attend our school.’’]
[King’s High School board of trustees chairman David Booth replies: ‘‘The board of trustees is very proud of the contribution King’s High School makes to our community. Our focus and responsibility is centred on the young men at King’s and developing them scholastically and personally. This will continue to be our primary focus.’’]
[Bathgate Park School acting principal Katrina Robertson replies: ‘‘In regards to the letter, we would like to make a correction, Bathgate Park is a full primary not an intermediate, so operates differently and has its own special character. We currently enjoy a wonderful working relationship with both King’s and Queen’s that meets the needs of our pupils. The Ministry of Education has set up the opportunity for schools and boards of trustees to participate in becoming part of a Community of Learning (CoL) should they wish to.
‘‘Schools who are interested in such a structure, around Otago, are currently working through discussions on this matter and following the correct processes. Bathgate Park is always working hard to make sound decisions that benefit the pupils and their families at our school.’’]
Bus system
I WOULD really like to see the Dunedin City Council work closer together with the Otago Regional Council over the bus system. Bus fares have gone up, people are struggling, buses have been taken away altogether. So many problems, all over this bus system. And is any help coming from our mayor and council? No. What a slap in the face for the people of Dunedin.
The ODT recently reported, ‘‘Queenstown transport shakeup’’ on the front page. It seems to me the Mayor Mr Jim Boult and the lakes district council are trying to do their best for the people of Queenstown by going into talks with the ORC and the NZTA to try to get a frequent, reliable and inexpensive public transport system. Mr Boult is aiming for $2 bus fares across the Wakatipu.
Well Mr Cull and Dunedin council, what are you doing to help the public of Dunedin? Reinstate buses, lower fares; do something to help.
Teena Henderson
Brockville [Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull replies: ‘‘The Dunedin City Council has a very active threeway partnership with the Otago Regional Council and New Zealand Transport Agency on transport. We have been discussing changes to the Dunedin bus transport system as part of that. The ORC is currently responsible for bus transport, and of course lower fares have to be paid for some other way — generally through higher rates. These issues will be covered in coming months.’’]