Earthquake Update, 7 March 2011

On Friday 4th March we had a comprehensive inspection of our buildings by structural engineers, builders and our architect. Some minor remedial work is required before students can return to school which should be completed by Friday 11th March. Power, water and sewerage are fully operational and have been signed off. We are therefore anticipating that students will be able to return to school on Monday 14th March.

You will have heard reports through the media that Marian College has been extensively damaged and will share our campus. I can confirm that for the rest of 2011 Marian College will operate on the SBC site in the afternoons while the Marian College site is being restored. They will have their own administration and staff room block housed in re-locatable classrooms which should be up and running in about three weeks.

This has meant that some changes to the school day will be needed and staff are currently working on these details. You will be advised once they are finalised, however it is likely that SBC classes will continue initially with the old timetable and then transition into the revised morning timetable over the next three weeks. Therefore school will resume with an extended Form Time at 8.25am on Monday 14 March.

We are working closely with the MOE and NZQA for the best learning outcomes for our students in these circumstances. For Year 11 to 13 students doing NCEA, we are working with the NZQA about how your assessment situation is to be handled and likewise with tertiary providers re entry to courses in 2012. The Ministry and NZQA are dealing with this in a sensitive and supportive manner to ensure our students will not be disadvantaged in any way.

Both Boards and the school leadership are committed to ensuring that St Bede’s and the education it provides continues with minimal disruption. The agreement with Marian College is clearly designed to allow two schools to co-exist independently.

J Boyle, Rector