Hall Primary School - the verdict

The ACT Government has rejected the recommendation of the Legislative Assembly Standing Committee on Education Training and Youth Affairs that "it immediately commences the process to reopen the Hall and Tharwa Primary Schools".

The Government argues that its actions in closing a number of schools has been to the overall benefit of the school system, that students get broader curriculum options in bigger schools, and that it would cost $2.0 million up front to reopen the school. The Government's full response to the Committee report can be downloaded here.

The Greens, who kept their election promise to establish an enquiry into school closures, have reluctantly accepted this decision, but have continued to support the community's wish to have early childhood learning provision at Hall.

While reopening of a public school has been ruled out, the Government has agreed to "permit a registered non-government education provider to use part of the Hall site for educational purposes". This is an important provision, as there has previously been some interest from non-government providers and this leaves open the possibility of again having a school operating in Hall.

At the same time as rejecting the reopening of the school, the Government has agreed to expand its support for 'viable early childhood settings in Hall' and the 'work with the local community to develop a master plan for the village which supports enhanced social capital for Hall'.

In relation to early childhood provision it will:

• guarantee access, and work with the Playgroups Association to support Playgroups at Hall
• Continue to allow access to Preschool for three year olds while places are available
• extend Preschoool hours from 12 to 15 per week
• subject to demand, consider establishing a full-time preschool program at Hall.

The 'master plan' envisaged for 2011 will include exploring options for tourism development, increasing opportunities for small business development and associated infrastructure needs.

The Association, together with the Hall Primary P&C, has campaigned for the past three years for the re-opening of our school. Jo Hall, initially as President of the Association, deserves special recognition for her sustained commitment to getting the school reopened.

While the school site was effectively quarantined pending the outcome of this enquiry process, the Association has also worked with government to enable delivery of new community facilities for the Hall and district community - a new artificial grass tennis court, a refurbished Cottage (the Hall and district neighbourhood centre), and a base for a Hall and district 'Men's Shed'. Refurbishment of the Pavilion will be underway in a day or so as part of this community facilities project.

We will now be keen to work with any non-government provider interested and able to establish a school on the site.

Pavilion makeover imminent. »