Ministry meets with greater Christchurch schools

18 September 2012

Media release

Ministry meets with greater Christchurch schools and education sector

The Ministry of Education has 24 meetings with the education sector in greater Christchurch scheduled over the coming days, and more are planned.

The meetings are with learning community clusters of schools and specific sector groups from primary, secondary and early childhood.

Secretary for Education Lesley Longstone says the meetings will clarify what happens next for schools, following the announcement of the renewal plan for greater Christchurch last week.

“The meetings are also a forum for schools to ask about the information they have received and to raise any other questions.

“At the same time, our Christchurch team continues to respond to requests for meetings and queries from individual principals and board chairs as they have been doing for many months,” Ms Longstone said.

All meetings are being scheduled to meet schools’ needs, and timings are flexible.

Formal community consultation on proposals for closure or merger will begin with advice to affected schools from the Minister of Education.

“In the meantime, the Ministry is working to make the process clear to schools and to help them understand the next steps.”

The initial meetings are scheduled between Wednesday 19 September, and Thursday, 27 September, and more are being planned.

ENDS

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