Hokowhitu School Tops
While one empathises with the parents of Winchester School children who face the impractical day- to-day consequences of decisions made by Ministry of Education representatives, it is the implications made in the Manawatu Standard editorial and articles regarding neighbouring schools that prompt this letter.
The reports, especially the editorial (April 28), regarding the zone being imposed on Winchester School lead the reader to believe that Hokowhitu School is a less- preferred school.
There is no mention that Hokowhitu School has also experienced substantial growth in recent years. In 2006, the roll increased by 19 percent. And in February 2007, the school opened with a roll that exceeded the ministry’s end-of-year predictions.
One new classroom has already been opened, and continuing enrolments indicate another is likely to do so before the end of the year.
With College Street Normal School also experiencing high levels of enrolments, it is obvious that the demand for places in Hokowhitu state primary schools is growing rapidly.
Last year, when looking to change our child’s primary school, we evaluated several schools in depth. Hokowhitu School was our No 1 choice. It well meets our high academic expectations.
The atmosphere is warm and welcoming. Friendly and communicative staff are dedicated to providing a high-quality education, in addition to a well-rounded one.
The children are courteous, well- mannered and show obvious pride in belonging to Hokowhitu School.
Parents are respected and viewed as equal partners in their children’s education. Hokowhitu School thus has a lot to offer, and ever-growing numbers of parents are choosing to send their children there.
In reporting the woes of one school, please take care to ensure statements regarding neighbouring schools are accurate. It may well be that they are also highly sought-after schools.
M L Horne
Palmerston North
(c) 2007 Evening Standard; Palmerston North, New Zealand. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.