Anne Tolley

10 March, 2011

110 Christchurch schools to re-open by Monday

Education Minister Anne Tolley says that 80 schools in Christchurch have now re-opened for students, with that number set to rise to at least 110 by the start of next week.

�This has been a marvellous effort by everyone involved,� says Mrs Tolley.

�Principals, teachers, parents and the Ministry have worked incredibly hard to re-open schools and get students back into education, and this fantastic progress is continuing at other schools.

�In addition, 165 ECE centres have now re-opened, with over 200 scheduled to be back up and running by Monday.

�For schools that can�t open in the short-term, alternative plans are being finalised, such as innovative site-sharing with other schools, and we are providing transport for students to attend their temporary school sites.

�The Ministry is offering support to schools by establishing distribution centres for learning resources and providing on-line teaching resources to assist teachers and parents.

�It is also bringing in experienced principals from outside the city to provide guidance to schools during this difficult time.

�I�ve been hugely impressed by the determination and can-do attitude from schools and parents.

�The future of education in Canterbury is secure and the contribution from local communities has played a huge part in that.�