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While there can be truth in Alex's comment about schools being the worst place, you never know and if the scopes are just going to the dump, why not gamble? There's nothing to lose.
The scopes would need to be operational, ie a functional mount, at least two eyepieces, and a finder and instruction on it's use which I presume Peter could give if the school was local. The C11 sounds like it is an OTA only but the dob only needs a couple of Plösl's. Another option is to strike up a deal with a local school where you donate and store the scopes at the school and if you have the energy, you help run the field nights for the school. You'll need a Qld Blue Card which is $70, half the price of the one I obtained in the ACT a few years ago.
There were two teachers at my high school (Brisbane Grammar) who fostered astronomy. One was a maths teacher (Viv Lawton) who founded the school astronomy club in 1978, the other a science teacher (Doug Morrison) who incorporated astronomy into the curriculum. Viv passed away 16 years ago and I have not heard of Doug who would now be in his mid 90's if still with us.
I was a founding member of the club in 1978 and I am in regular contact with four other founders. One is a regular visitor to my dark sky property out here near Young, the other still lives in Qld. All three of us are now in our 47th year of keen amateur astronomy, the other two have a passing interest and I see their reactions, comments and shares of my Facebook astro posts but they are not active in the hobby. Who knows how many others have launched into the hobby in the decades since.
It's my understanding that the school club is still going strong although I haven't had any contact with them for at least 30 years. The school now has a small observatory there at the school campsite.
The teachers had some support from the school, buying telescopes. The maths teacher ground, polished and built an 8" newtonian and then began a telescope making initiative among club members. I had began my own telescope mirror grinding and telescope build 8 months before he started that activity. The science teacher received school support and the telescopes were purchased via the science program. He would drive his own car up to the schools camp 110km each way from Brisbane one night each week and run a field night for the class that was in attendance. After observing, he would take out a guitar and lead a group singalong of various soft pop ballads with the class.
On one occasion in my senior year, I accompanied him to the camp one night. We didn't get home until 1am. It was then I gained a new respect for his dedication and energy. Both of them were very dedicated to the advancement of astronomy.
Vale Viv Lawton and Doug Morrison!
Joe
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