The Naming of Reynella East High School

30th April, 1980

What's in a name?

A great deal of local people attach importance to the name of their institutions, and this school will become a major institution for its community.

From the start, parents in steering committees have recommended that the name of this school be changed.

A small group believed that the name "Reynella" (be it North, South, East or West) had some stigma which would act against students seeking jobs in the future. These people were seeking a completely new name as did "Wirreanda" and "Mawson" schools. I believe that this was a minority feeling last year, and to date have not heard it repeated.

Other parents are happy with the existing name of "Reynella East." Geographically is is located "East" of "Reynella." The name also ties it in with existing Reynella East Primary. It would seem to be both logical and desirable, that two schools sharing a common site and working to lessen the traditional break between year 7 and 8, should share a common name. For these and similar reasons, be a narrow majority at a recent High School Council meeting it was decided to leave the name as it is.

From this meeting, just less than half were in favour of the name being "Reynella High School," an idea brought forward from 1979 steering committee meetings. Those holding this point of view, point out that this is Reynella's "High School". The name should be tied into the history of the area. In future sub-division it would be unfortunate if another school was called "Reynella High" making Reynella East appear to be the late comer. Such a proposition would result in two schools on the same site, having different names, i.e. Reynella East Primary and Reynella High. It would be possible but it is desirable?

As a new suggestion, the schools could be named after the founder of Reynella, John Reynell, with names then being John Reynell Primary School and John Reynell High School.

The name "John Reynell High School" would give a distinctive name to the school and could satisfy those seeking a different name. For those seeking to tie in the school's name with the history of the area, there could not be a better alternative. Finally, providing the "Reynella East Primary School Community" agreed to such a change, then both schools would have the same title and be able to work on together in both name and common interest.

Incidentally both schools have colours taken from the vines of the area. The Primary has green and yellow from the vine leaves, and claret from the grapes. The High has the brown of the soil and the green from the vineyards. These themes would fit in a name change to the founder of vineyards in S. A., John Reynell.

While the subject is still 'alive', its final outcome should not be hurried, thus allowing time for adequate and informed debate.

The thought not to hurry along with the final decision was made by parents on the High School Council. But eventually, and preferably by the end of this year people in the school communities will need to arrive at a common consensus at best or a clear majority at second best.

Terry Slaughter,

Principal.

The name for the school remains as Reynella East High School and has not changed since its opening in February 1980.

More information about John Reynell can be viewed here.

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