Important information from the Papanui School Board regarding planned strike and school closure on Thursday 16 March 2023.

Primary teachers and principals – who are members of the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) – have voted to undertake a full day strike on Thursday 16 March 2023.

The Board has carefully considered whether it is viable for Papanui Primary School to remain open on the day of the strike. The conclusion is that it would not be possible to access the required staffing to provide normal teaching services or to meet child supervision requirements during the strike. On this basis, we have decided to close the school.

We certainly understand that this may cause inconvenience for our parent community and students but we must put student safety and wellbeing first. It is important that parents make alternative arrangements for the care of your children on the day of the strike.

We reiterate that the school will be closed and will not be providing any supervision for children on Thursday 16 March 2023.

The Ministry of Education has presented an offer which NZEI members felt did not address the workload and resourcing issues that are at the core of the claim. Addressing these issues will improve the working environment for our staff and the learning of our children.

The Papanui Primary Board of Trustees is fully supportive of our teachers and principal who are taking this stand. The importance of attracting and retaining high-quality teachers and ensuring conditions where they can deliver the very best education to our students cannot be overstated. Papanui Primary School is very fortunate to have excellent leaders, teachers and support staff who always have our students’ best interests at heart. We know they have not taken the decision to strike lightly.

Ngā mihi nui

Mark Strong

Board of Trustees Presiding Member