For your information – press release regarding new school for Churton Park
from the Minister of Education
Hon Anne Tolley
Minister of Education 17 March 2009
Media Statement
New primary school for Churton Park
A new primary school will be built in Churton Park, Wellington, Education Minister Anne Tolley announced today.
“Population growth in Churton Park has caused school rolls in the area to swell - projections show there will be 600 additional primary-age student places needed by 2021,” Anne Tolley said.
“To make progress with establishing a new school, I have asked the Ministry of Education to consult with the boards of schools whose rolls may be affected. After that, I will be able to make final decisions on whether the new school is a Year 1-6 or Year 1-8. The establishment board of trustees will then be appointed.
“I considered relocating the current Churton Park School to the new site in Amesbury Drive, but this would have cost an extra $7 million on top of establishing a separate school.
“If one primary school was going to continue to serve Churton Park, the school roll would grow to more than 1000 students. Therefore, the existing Churton Park School in Churton Drive will be retained.
“There are quite a few details to be finalised, but this is an exciting time for Churton Park. It is an opportunity to develop a school from the beginning, to ensure it is equipped for 21st century learning and that it reflects the community it serves,” Mrs Tolley said.
The new Churton Park school is one of the 11 schools to be built over the next three years under the Government’s infrastructure package.
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