On this day in 1979, The Canberra Times reported that a meeting of almost 1000 people had been held to rally in support of Deakin High School, which was under threat of being closed down by the ACT Schools Authority.
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About 300 placard-waving students demonstrated against the proposed closure which had been mooted because of revised population projections and estimated costs.
The acting Chief Education Officer for the authority, Mr Brian Peck, told the meeting that there were too many schools in Canberra against the projected growth of the area and some would have to be closed.
Mr Peck admitted that other newly completed schools and colleges and some still nearing completion would have to be "considered' in the final analysis before any decision to close existing schools.
If the Deakin High School was to be closed, it would be phased out at the end of 1982 school year.
A parent member of the school board, Mr Bruce McCallum, said parents would not accept any decision to close the school.
The solution would be to have the opening of the newly completed colleges deferred.
Mr Peck agreed that this was a valid point and that it would be considered.
Known as Alfred Deakin High School today, it has received a Canberra Gold Award in recognition of 50 years in the community.
