Build Update
Troy, our Board of Trustees and I have been working incredibly hard since the Ministry announced to our community on August 8th 2022 that we would require additional build works to cater for our growing community. 
Our priority was to ensure the Ministry of Education not only understood the importance of the Stage 3 build but also the additional requirements we would need to ensure our school was 'fit for purpose'. 
After a considerable amount of effort we are really excited to be able communicate the following information. 

Stage 3 Build 
The site fencing will be going up on Monday 28th August as we start construction on Stage 3.
We are pleased to be again working with Southbase Construction who understand our school and the importance of a strong relationship to ensure our school remains operational during the build process. 
We have clear expectations around build works which include no heavy vehicles entering the site between 8.30am - 9.15am & 2.30pm - 3.15pm. 

East Maddisons Road 
The Ministry of Education has agreed to redevelop the East Maddison's Road side of our school to ensure we are able to use it as an entry and exit point to our school. 
Our current wood fence will be replaced to match the fencing that surrounds the rest of our school and a new 'Pick Up, Drop Off' area will be installed as well as a 'Kea Crossing'. 

New Playground
We have been provided funding to build a new playground to cater for the larger roll size. 
Due to build works this project won't be able to be started until September 2024. 
We will seek input from our student population closer to the time. 

Covered Outdoor Learning Area (COLA)
It is with great excitement I can confirm we will have installed a Covered Outdoor Learning Area that will be located in the heart of our school providing full cover for our courts area. 
This will be equipped with lights and speakers to allow us to come together as a full school. 
It provides an outdoor area on wet days that can be used by all students. 
I believe Te Uru Tarata | Lemonwood Grove School is the heart in the community and this investment in creating a place at our school where we can share in that whanaungatanga as a community is hugely important. 

Working On 
We are currently working with the Selwyn District Council to reduce speed limits around schools and install a 'raised speed table' to improve safety. 
We also are working with the developers to establish a footpath on the opposite side of East Maddison's Road to join the 'Kea Crossing' to the Westwood area of our community. 

Blair Dravitski
Tumuaki | Principal
Te Uru Tarata | Lemonwood Grove School