01 February 2018

Storm Fehi affecting schools across the West Coast and South Dunedin

A number of schools and early childhood services across the West Coast and South Dunedin have been affected by rain, wind and power cuts.

At this point 26 schools and eight ECE have now closed due to the severe weather.

“The Ministry of Education’s regional teams have been contacting schools and early childhood centres across the South Island throughout the day”, says Katrina Casey, deputy secretary of Sector Enablement and Support.

“We are helping all the impacted schools and early learning services. No reports of damage have been received.

“The closed schools in the West Coast are: Barrytown School, Blaketown School, Cobden School, Awahono School, Franz Josef Glacier School, Hokitika School, Kaniere School, Lake Brunner School, Paparoa Range School, Paroa School (Greymouth), Runanga School, Sacred Heart School (Reefton) and Westland High School.

“The closed schools in Otago are: Bathgate Park School, Tahuna Normal Intermediate School, Bayfield High School, Anderson’s Bay School, King’s High School, Queen’s High School, Musselburgh School, Broadbay school, Abbotsford School, St Clair School, Portobello School, Macandrew Bay School and St Bernadette’s School.

“The closed ECEs are: A to Z Preschool, Rainbow Preschool, Family Ties Educare – Musselburgh, Little Wonders Early Childhood Centre St. Kilda, Gumtree Montessori and Children, Queens High Preschool, Punavai Ole Atamai Pre-School and Family Ties Educare.

“Other schools are considering closing, or if remaining open, are following advice to keep children inside.

“We are monitoring the situation in other parts of the country and will provide support where needed.

“We are working with transport operators that provide bus transport. They are working with schools and sending buses out to collect children where it is safe to do so.

“Parents who are concerned should get in touch with their children’s school. Schools and ECE will also be able to provide updates tomorrow morning.”

ends

© Scoop Media