Minister’s announcement about new (second) school in Churton Park
As advised in a recent newsletter, the Minister of Education has announced that a new primary school will be built in Churton Park on the site in Amesbury Drive. The existing school will continue in operation, with smaller numbers. This is a change from previous announcements, which were that the existing school would move to the new site and there would be one large primary school in the community. We believe this new approach is a sensible option for schooling in the area. Our role now is to plan ahead for our school through the transition period and into the future.
Strategic planning process and future direction for our school
The Board is about to commence its annual review of the strategic plan for the school's future. Planning is a requirement as part of a board's charter. In recent years, the board has focused on reviewing and updating the existing plan. However, with the Minister’s recent announcement about schooling in Churton Park, it is timely to involve the community in developing a new plan.
What the Board is aiming to achieve is a vision for the future that has clear attainable goals to be worked towards, and a clear direction to work in. This planning will focus on the future of the school as a whole, as well as on student achievement.
We will be consulting with the community, listening to and gathering ideas from people and groups who have an interest in our school.
After ideas have been gathered, the community will be invited to join with the Board at a meeting in June to discuss and prioritise ideas. The Board will then develop a final plan.
This process takes time but by Term 3 some clear vision and direction will have emerged.
We value your input into this process and encourage you to take the opportunity to participate. Look out for more information and a questionnaire at the start of next term. If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact the school either by phone or email.
Principal
After 19 years at the school, Arthur von Sturmer has chosen for personal reasons to retire at the end of next term (Term 2). The board has accepted his resignation with regret. Arthur has made a huge contribution to the school over the years of his tenure. There is too much to thank him for to write here but there will be opportunities to express our thanks and appreciation for his work before his last day as principal on Friday 3 July.
The board looks forward to your contribution to our future planning next term. In the meantime, I hope you have a safe and relaxing Easter break.
Clare Helm
Chair