Showing posts with label Irrawang High School. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Irrawang High School. Show all posts

Wednesday, 19 July 2017

A political statement, not an education statement: MacDonald on Foley

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Opposition Leader Luke Foley visited Medowie yesterday committing to build the high school which was promised 15 years ago.

But the state government have been quick to say it's no longer needed in the area because since it was initially required both Irrawang and Hunter River High Schools are now both under capacity.

There was talk of building a high school for Medowie back in the early 2000's, but now in 2017 the need is no longer there according to the Department of Education. Both Irrawang and Hunter River High are at 1,539 students which is under capacity.

Luke Foley & Kate Washington in Medowie on
Tuesday.

Image: Twitter @Luke_FoleyNSW
Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald says the figures aren't that different to back in 1996 so he just doesn't see the point.

"It's just disappointing that the Opposition Leader won't take the advice of the Department of Education which is very clear in this case that in the Medowie area we need to back the two schools that are there now - Irrawang and Hunter River High - and not build and not promise to build a high school that's not needed for many many years."

The Opposition Leader also called on the current government to step in and make a move towards building a school, but the government won't have any of that.

"What this is, is a political statement not an education statement. It would penalise the school communities and the students of Irrawang High and Hunter River High. There is capacity at those schools, it would mean weaker subject choice for those schools and they would be even further under capacity," said Scot MacDonald. 

Friday, 28 October 2016

Another Life Lost On Hunter Roads

BY IAN CROUCH

 There's been two fatal crashes within 12 hours this week on Hunter roads.

A 59-year-old man from Mayfield died yesterday morning when his Toyota Camry crossed to the wrong side of Lake Road, Glendale, hitting a fence and sign post.

He was taken to the John Hunter Hospital but couldn't be revived.

Investigations are continuing.

Meanwhile, the teenage learner rider killed in a motorcycle accident at Medowie on Wednesday night has now been named as 17-year-old Corey Pethebridge.

The budding sportsman represented Irrawang High School in lawn bowls and recently trialed with the Sydney Roosters junior rugby league side.

The latest fatalities have taken the Hunter's road toll for 2016 to 50.

Corey Pethebridge Photo courtesy Port Stephens Examiner