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Schools to share space in Christchurch

Education has become a major casualty in Christchurch following the devastating Earthquake that struck the Garden City on February 22.

Marian College for Girls are among the worst affected and according to Education Minister Anne Tolley, it would take ‘some time’ before the damaged buildings are restored.

But she said arrangements had been made for the students of these schools to be educated elsewhere in the City.

“Avonside Girls’ High will share the site at Burnside High School, while Marian College will share the space at St Bedes College. One set of students will attend in the morning, with the other school having classes in the afternoon. The exact details are being finalised, but this is a positive step forward,” she said.

Marian College Principal Anna Heffernan said the Institution was working with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority to handle the assessment procedure for Year 11 to 13 students enrolled in the NCEA Curriculum.

“We are also working with tertiary education providers regarding the entry of our graduating students in 2012. The Senior Leadership team is addressing the needs of girls who have had classes at Shirley Boys’ High School,” she said in a message to parents and students published on the School website.

The College will operate on the St Bede’s College site in the afternoons during the year, whilst the Marian College site is being restored.

Avonside Girls High School Principal Sue Hume said classes will be held from 1 pm to 530 pm at the Burnside High School.

“The Education Ministry will transport to and from Burnside High School for our students,” she said.

Ms Tolley said her Ministry was making arrangements for all the severely affected schools.

“We want to get students back in school and provide certainty for families as soon as we possibly can,” she said.

There are 121 state-owned schools in Christchurch City, of which 76 school buildings are stated to be safe. All schools would be required to have a structural report prior to their reopening.

Ms Tolley said her Ministry was in contact with the Boards of Trustees of schools, Civil Defence officials and other authorities to determine when the schools could be opened for students.

“We must ensure that schools are safe for students, and we are doing all we can to get schools open as soon as possible,” she said.

She advised parents and students to contact their schools or read updated information on the Ministry website (www.minedu.govt.nz).

Wellington based Independent Schools of New Zealand (ISNZ) Executive Director Deborah James said all schools and early childhood services in Christchurch City would remain closed until further notice and follow Civil Defence advice about the conditions of the state of emergency.

“This means members of boards, principals, staff and students must not enter the buildings and grounds of schools and business in Christchurch City until the Civil Defence orders are amended. This also applies to school properties in Christchurch City inspected by the Education Ministry and to schools being used by Civil Defence,” she said.


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