Struggling school beats predictions

BY PIERS FULLER - WAIRARAPA NEWS

Sagging student rolls once threatened to close Makoura College, but next year's intake is now expected to beat projections by 50 per cent.

Principal Tom Hullena says it looks like they will get about 60 Year 9 new entrants in 2010, demonstrating the community's confidence in the school.

"Given there is a bit of a dip in Year 8 students this year across the whole of the Wairarapa  that means there's less students going on to Year 9 next year  I think we've done pretty well," he says.

Traditionally, the school gets about a quarter of its enrolments at the start of the year, and if this trend continues, they will have 60 Year 9s.

Education Ministry projections predicted only 40 new students in next year's intake.

But because year groups with lower rolls are continuing to move through the ranks, the overall school roll will stay about the same.

"Until we actually build up the numbers again from the junior school, our overall roll might remain the same in the next year or two," Mr Hullena says.

The Ministry's projection of falling enrolments was a key factor pushing the school toward closure at the end of last year.

"That hasn't proven to be the case, and from that point of view it's very positive."

Mr Hullena says another positive development for the school is the appointment of a new deputy principal with a proven track-record.

Kellas Bennett joins the senior management team of Mr Hullena and another deputy principal, Sandee Lidbetter.

Mr Hullena says Mr Bennett will balance the senior management team, pointing to Mr Bennett's success working with at-risk youth.

- © Fairfax NZ News