Rutherford Junior High School has expanded to the delight of students, staff and the relief of its principal Joy Hannah.

The new Sutton Wing will be officially opened next Thursday.

It is named after teacher Ann Sutton who taught for 27 years at the school and has recently returned part-time as a teacher aide.

Yesterday Ms Hannah said using the new technology wing had the go-ahead at last.

"We have been waiting weeks for the final sign off from the Wanganui District Council and fortunately that came in yesterday. "

The $300,000 revamp of two old run down and disused classrooms now means there are spacious pods for sewing, a computer lab, a robotics lab, teaching kitchens for cooking a teacher's office, toilets, dressing rooms and bathrooms.

The dressing rooms were a huge bonus, Ms Hannah said, "because we have a very strong wearable arts programme here."

Wanganui MP Chester Borrows will declare the Sutton Wing formally open at a special function next Thursday at 7pm.

- WANGANUI CHRONICLE