Schools keen to re-open

Education Minister Anne Tolley has announced that 19 schools in Christchurch City have indicated they want to re-open later this week or early next week, following the recent earthquake.

“It’s extremely heartening that these schools feel confident enough to re-open,” says Mrs Tolley.

“Many schools and ECE services sustained only minor damage. Those that believe they are in a position to re-open should seek support from the Ministry of Education. The Ministry will then work with the school board or ECE service, Civil Defence, and other relevant authorities to determine when they can open.

“Many schools have already begun the clean-up operation, and I want to thank Federated Farmers for their kind offer to go in and help schools over the next few days.

“Phillipstown School was the first to benefit from this today and I know the principal, who is determined to open for students as soon as possible, is extremely grateful for the assistance provided by farmers, students and local people.

“A number of options are being considered for the worst-affected schools, as we plan to get all students back into some form of education as soon as circumstances allow.

“This includes some students going off-site, schools splitting days on the same site, bringing in relocateable classrooms and providing relief teacher support where necessary.

“Meanwhile, 42 schools and 52 early childhood education services have now opened in the Selwyn and Waimakariri districts, with more to follow later in the week.”

Parents should contact their schools for more information on schools re-opening, or go to the Ministry website at www.minedu.govt.nz

The Ministry also has Traumatic Incident teams on stand-by if schools require additional support.

“There have been generous offers of support from schools around New Zealand, and this is greatly appreciated,” says Mrs Tolley.

“Latest figures show that 2252 Christchurch students have been enrolled at schools around the country.

“This shows that parents want to get their children back into education, and we are doing everything we can to make sure Christchurch schools are up and running as quickly as we can.”

The Ministry website has been updated with information for parents on supporting children and their learning at home, at www.minedu.govt.nz.

Note to editors.

The following table shows the local authorities where students have enrolled:

Timaru District

237

Dunedin City

168

Ashburton District

147

Auckland

142

Marlborough District

134

Queenstown-Lakes District

130

Hurunui District

115

Waitaki District

102

Nelson City

99

Tasman District

94

Invercargill City

74

Central Otago District

62

Kaikoura District

62

Wellington City

57

Buller District

53

Selwyn District

50

Waimate District

44

MacKenzie District

43

Waimakariri District

43

Grey District

41

Westland District

38

Southland District

32

Lower Hutt City

21

Clutha District

18

Palmerston North City

17

Horowhenua District

16

Rotorua District

15

Porirua City

14

Gore District

10

Hastings District

9

Manawatu District

9

New Plymouth District

9

Waikato District

8

Western Bay Of Plenty District

8

Hamilton City

8

Kapiti Coast District

8

South Waikato District

8

Napier City

7

Thames-Coromandel District

7

Far North District

7

Whakatane District

7

Waipa District

7

Whangarei District

6

Gisborne District

5

Masterton District

5

Carterton District

5

Christchurch City

5

Rangitikei District

5

Kaipara District

5

Tauranga City

5

South Taranaki District

4

South Wairarapa District

4

Hauraki District

4

Central Hawkes Bay District

4

Stratford District

4

Upper Hutt City

3

Waitomo District

2

Tararua District

2

Matamata-Piako District

1

Wanganui District

1

Otorohanga District

1

Taupo District

1

Total

2252

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