ADVERTISING for the reopening of Allison House is set to go out, after overwhelming pressure to have the boarding home run again in 2027.
After the boarding facility for isolated high school students closed last year due to declining numbers, there has been significant interest in having it reopened.
The Allison House Student Accommodation Inc held their AGM during the month and Ross Andrews returned as chairperson, with David Shrimpton as vice-chair and Lynn Pritchard continuing as secretary/treasurer.
In an aim to address interest in the reopening of Allison House, the committee created and distributed a questionnaire across Far West New South West to families on pastoral properties and in small communities such as Tibooburra, Milparinka, White Cliffs, Packsaddle and Pooncarie.
The aim was to gather definitive data on the ongoing need for the boarding house and whether it would be financially viable and sustainable to continue.
The committee also looked into leaving the fees as they were, or if parents would support an increase in fees per term above the assistance the government pays to many isolated children to continue with their secondary education.
Twenty-six families responded with 21 of these considering boarding their children at Allison House in the future.
“The main factor that influenced this consideration was distance from their home to school along with the opportunity to attend a public high school at either Willyama High School or Broken Hill High School,” Mr Andrews said.
“The social and academic benefits of boarding and the financial benefits for the families was also a strong factor in their replies.
“Fifteen said they would commit to enrolling their child/children at the House if it reopens, with pastoral care and student welfare being a priority they would like to see as their accommodation preference, followed by study facilities.
“Ninety-six per cent of the respondents also said they would be willing to cover an additional cost above the government support which is available to many of the families.
“The majority of the comments left by the respondents were very positive with some great suggestions, some had concerns that the House wouldn’t stay open once reopened.”
Mr Andrews said after careful consideration of the results, in particular the ages of students for the future, the committee made the decision to look at reopening Allison House to boarders for the beginning of the 2027 school year.
The house’s reopening is being advertised through an updated web page which has been offered by the ICPA (Isolated Children’s and Parents Association), local media, and Boarding Schools Association.
“We are confident these numbers can be sustained,” Mr Andrews said.
“Furniture, fittings, and painting will also be updated prior to opening, with the staffing model to be revised and staff recruitment made a priority.”
