Amesbury School Digest + School Notices 16

Kia ora koutou

New Build: It was great to meet with parents for the New Build Consultation session last week. A huge thanks to parent, Karen Johnstone, who helped to organise it, and to our two facilitators, Robin Johnstone and Noel Berney, who led parent groups through a series of questions. Thanks to the parents who attended and shared their ideas and views. For those who were not able to attend, we will use Loomio to carry out an online discussion about the questions raised. This will give you an opportunity to contribute your ideas and also for those who attended the session to contribute any further thinking.

Recapitation: As a Board of Trustees, we have raised the issue of recapitation (becoming a year 1- 8 school) again. Hence, I met with the Ministry a couple of weeks ago to discuss this. Though absolutely no promises were made, we definitely had a very positive and productive discussion. It was certainly the most open-minded, positive meeting about recapitation that I have had with the Ministry in the last six years of raising the issue. There was a feeling from them that it was a good time to consider the education provision for this part of the suburb and they did see the new build as an opportunity to meet future provisioning needs – an opportunity that would not come around again. Hence, I think they will give serious consideration. It is planned to meet with them again towards the end of November. I have the feeling that there is a slightly different policy focus with the labour government which might mean a more positive response to our application. I will pass on further information as it becomes available.

Strike Action: Just a further reminder about the school closure that will take place on Friday 16 November as part of the rolling strike action by teachers that will take place during the week 12 – 16 November. NZEI, who represents teachers and principals, have been called into facilitation with the Ministry on 5 November. Facilitation means bargaining continues, but subject to the process determined by the Employment Relations Authority (ERA). In facilitation, ERA cannot make a ruling but they can make a recommendation. However, neither NZEI or the Ministry of Education are compelled to accept any recommendation. Therefore, currently the strike ballot still stands, and the strike is proceeding.

Nga mihi nui

Lesley