Tēnā koutou
As you are aware, we (the Board of Rewa Rewa School) are in ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Education regarding the need for more learning spaces with our increased roll.
Sadly, our negotiations over the last 18 months with the Ministry regarding the return of the Wellington RTLB (Resource Teacher Learning and Behaviour) teaching spaces to Rewa Rewa School to use as classrooms have not resulted in the outcome we were wanting. The Ministry remains firm that these spaces will not be returned to us.
While we are disappointed in this outcome, we will continue to encourage the Ministry that this is the best solution for our longer-term needs. However, as it is now clear to us that this is unlikely to be an option in the short-term, we have therefore started looking at other options to ensure that our kura (school) has enough classrooms and facilities for our learners and staff. Having a classroom in the hall, and a lack of good library space, is not sustainable or suitable for our school, learners or staff.
Modular classrooms
Due to our current and pressing need for additional learning spaces, we are now working with the Ministry to determine whether modular classrooms placed on our lower field could be a valid option. Some board members and teaching staff have viewed these classrooms at the factory and we believe that this is an option that we can explore. We acknowledge that our community will be upset about losing green space and we are balancing those concerns alongside the need for suitable teaching spaces.
We do not have a timeline for any development of these modular classrooms however they are unlikely to be available during 2024 even if we proceed with this option.
Enrolment zones
The Ministry has also now indicated to us that they intend to start consultation on reducing our school enrolment zone as a solution to our overcrowding issue. This process is not connected to the acceptance of modular classrooms, but is intended to go ahead regardless of that discussion.
The intention of reducing the enrolment zone is to permanently reduce our school roll. Over the coming weeks, the Board is keen to discuss the potential impact of zone reduction with our community.
Your voice
When the Ministry’s proposed zoning plan is released and community consultation commences, we will be seeking your voice on the proposed changes. This consultation will likely be via an online survey as well as an in-person community meeting in Term 3 to discuss the Ministry’s proposal and what this means for our community. We would appreciate your comments on how this would affect our kura. The more voices we hear from, the stronger our position will be and will enable us to honour our community wishes going forward.
If you have any questions or wish to provide your opinion on anything raised in this letter, please contact the Board Presiding Member (Miranda).
We appreciate your support. Ngā mihi maioha.
Miranda Zander
Board Presiding Member
miranda.zander@rewarewa.school.nz
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