Anne Tolley

11 July, 2011

Future schooling in Kawerau

Education Minister Anne Tolley says the reorganisation of schools in Kawerau will bring a much brighter future for education in the town, and raise achievement levels for students.

�The decisions announced today, including some changes as a result of community feedback during consultation, will provide certainty for students, schools and communities,� says Mrs Tolley.

�The viability of some schools could have been at risk in the long-term due to falling rolls and the resulting reduction in funding, and I am confident that the decisions made will allow a much more effective education for students.�

� Kawerau North, Kawerau Central, and Putauaki Primary Schools will merge on the Putauaki School site, to become a year 1-8 primary school, with the possibility of becoming a year 1-6 school in the future. As part of this process, at least $1.4 million in funding will be made available to support the transition of students and raise student achievement.

� A M�ori immersion kura will be established on the site of Kawerau North School, catering for year 1-8 students. The kura is expected to begin the new school year with 60 enrolled students.

� Kawerau South School will remain as a year 1-6 primary school.

The changes will be made in time for the new school year in 2012, and the Ministry will work closely with schools to ensure a smooth transition for students to their new schools.

�After receiving valuable feedback I have decided that more consultation needs to be held on the future of Kawerau Intermediate School and Kawerau College,� says Mrs Tolley.

�This consultation will focus on the possible establishment of a new school, with a year 7-10 campus and a year 11-13 campus on one site.

�Details of the consultation on senior schooling in the town will be announced soon, with any resulting changes taking place in 2013.�