Waitaki Girls’ High School. PHOTO: ODT FILES A co-ed hostel has been mooted to take the place of Waitaki Girls’ High School’s boarding facility, which is set to close at the end of the year. Waitaki Girls’ High School limited statutory manager Ben Nettleton said early discussions were under way with Waitaki Boys’ High School around the possible co-educational facility. ‘‘These discussions are still at an early stage and require careful consideration of any arrangement, as well as consultation by Waitaki Boys’ High School with its own community.’’ Ben Nettleton. PHOTO: ODT FILES The girls’ secondary school hostel numbers on their own did not support long-term financial sustainability, he said. As part of ‘‘next steps’’, early discussions were under way with the boys’ school about the possibility of a co-educational hostel on the grounds of the boys’ high school. Waitaki Boys’ rector Darryl Paterson confirmed the school was in discussions with Waitaki Girls’ High School about the ‘‘possibility of girls coming over to board’’ there next year. ‘‘We have so far consulted with our boarding community and their feedback has been very positive. ‘‘There are a lot of challenges ahead if indeed this idea is to come to fruition, but we want to support our ‘sister’ school. ‘‘This feedback is now with the respective boards and we’ll see where we go from there,’’ Mr Paterson said. Waitaki Boys' High School rector Darryl Paterson. Photo: ODT files Waitaki Girls’ High School has been under statutory management since September. A five-year period of ‘‘sustained downturn’’ was behind the decision to close the hostel, school authorities have said. Following a period of consultation with affected staff and the school community, the Waitaki Girls’ High School board decided boarding on the school grounds would conclude at the end of the present school year. The hostel numbers had dropped to 15 students this year, when about 22 boarders were required to ‘‘break even’’. Mr Nettleton said the hostel numbers had not returned to levels that supported long-term financial sustainability. He said the board recognised the hostel’s closure was a ‘‘significant change’’ for the students and families using it, and support was being provided to help them plan for the transition. The consultation process under way included meetings with affected parents, staff and students to talk through the issues in more detail, alongside written submissions and other feedback. ‘‘This engagement provided valuable insights and helped inform the school board’s decision and next steps’’. jules.chin@odt.co.nz
