Founded in 1918, the school’s original hall was converted into a library in the 1980s and since then, teachers and students have used an outdoor area to host assemblies and other special gatherings.
However, after a long and strong community campaign for a multi-purpose hall – with State MP for Canterbury, Sophie Cotsis leading the charge – funding was secured and work began on the hall in 2020.
The new facility includes a stage, an indoor sports court, equipment storage, toilet facilities and back of house facilities, and will help enhance the learning environment at the school and for community use.
A proud Ms Cotsis said “thank you to everyone who signed the petition, because that provided the key momentum for us, and demonstrated the unwavering advocacy of our community”.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, Prue Car, said that while she and the former PM may have their political differences, “one thing on which we certainly agree is the importance of public education”.
“As a product of Canterbury Boys’ High School and Earlwood Public School, Mr Howard is testament to just how great our public school teachers are and what public school students can do,” she said.
“It is fitting that the 106-year-old public high school that nurtured John Howard, now finally has a fantastic hall bearing his name.”
