Page 343 - Week 01 - Thursday, 14 February 1991
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(5) The acoustical tests tested the noise responsiveness of the HIV room at Weetangera and the proposed room for the HIV relocation at Hawker Primary School. Hawker has an air-conditioning reverse cycle system and Weetangera has fan forced ventilation system. The noise generated by both systems was not tested. However, both systems were operating when the acoustic testing was carried out. The consultants report stated:
"Acoustic tests were not carried out in the open plan classrooms of either school but subjectively they appeared to be similar in their acoustic environment." (page 8)
(6) Of the two schools only Hawker Primary School offers air-conditioning. Weetangera Primary School has fan forced ventilation. The question of the associated noise factors was not a major discriminator, therefore whether there are sufficient windows or not is irrelevant.
(7) The question of integration was considered but since the noise levels in the mainstream classrooms "...subjectively...appeared to be similar..." it was not a major .factor in the decision. Realistically integration should be carried out in as normal an environment as possible.
Significantly, between 1978 and 1984, a hearing impaired student completed K - 6 at Hawker Primary School. This child was successfully integrated. The cost of acoustical testing both schools was prohibitive (estimated cost $10 000).
(8)
(9) The Government has revised its decision to close Weetangera. The need to carry out acoustical testing of the classrooms at both schools is no longer necessary. The Government did not consider it necessary at the time as the acoustic suitability of the HIV areas was considered paramount.
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