After years of phenomenal growth, both the Wanaka Primary School and Holy Family Catholic School expect to be at, or close to, capacity by the end of next year. The proposed opening of a new primary school in the Three Parks subdivision in 2020 will arrive just in time.
According to the Ministry of Education’s March enrolment figures, Wanaka Primary School roll has gone from 353 in 2009 to 680 this year — a 93% increase.
And principal Wendy Bamford expects to end next year with the roll at, or close to, the school’s capacity of about 800 — although 140 will then move on to high school at Mt Aspiring College.
The situation at Holy Family School is similar.
In 2009, the school had a roll of 77 but this week it was at 194, with more to come before the end of the year.
Principal Jo McKay said the school had a cap of 225 set by the Ministry of Education.
It takes mostly "preference" pupils with a connection to the Catholic faith, although 10% of places are available for children without that connection.
The first stage of the new primary school will cater for up to 400 pupils, and Ms Bamford said she was looking forward to it being ready.
"For me it’s quite exciting because next year I’m looking at managing growth, which is what I’ve been doing for the last five or six years, and then in 2020 I’ll be doing the opposite — I’ll be managing the unknown again."
As well as potentially losing some pupils to the new school, Ms Bamford expects to lose some teachers.
"I’ve told all the staff that I will support their applications for the new school because I’ve got some amazing teachers and they are ready to take that next step."
As reported by the Otago Daily Times yesterday, the process has begun of establishing school enrolment zones in Wanaka.
Hawea Flat School, which already has its own zone, has more than doubled its roll over the past nine years, increasing from 110 in 2009 to 225 this year.
