Temporary solution for Woodend School’s growth
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Woodend School is set to get a temporary new classroom in time for the new school year.
Ministry of Education spokesperson Sandra Orr said the ministry has been working with the school’s board of trustees on options to address the school’s growing school roll.
An offsite manufactured classroom will be delivered to Woodend School in time for term one as a temporary solution, she said.
In July, the ministry announced the school’s proposed building project was on hold, but subsequently met with the school to discuss alternative arrangements.
It followed a review of 352 school building projects in a bid to save $2 billion.
Woodend School principal Andrew Retallick said it has been a ‘‘frustrating’’ process
But he is pleased the ministry is starting to address to the school’s concerns.
The temporary classroom will provide some relief, but with the school roll set to pass 600 next year at least two new classrooms will be needed.
‘‘We still need to wait until July to know whether we will get any new permanent buildings,’’ he said.
‘‘It is frustrating because we want to start planning now, but they (the ministry) are saying there’s limited money, so we can’t start until we are on the list for roll growth.’’
Retallick said 124 new students were enrolled during this school year, including 60 new entrants.
‘‘The hardest ones to plan for are the across age groups enrolments, because you set your classrooms knowing it could change by one or two children.’’
He said the ministry had been receptive to the school’s concerns and had ensured the school had the right staffing levels to allow for next year’s growth.
Woodend School’s growth has been on the back of the booming Ravenswood subdivision.
A large new 1500-home subdivision has been proposed at nearby Waikuku as part of the Government’s Fast-track Approvals Bill, which will put pressure on local schools if it goes ahead.
Retallick said a rethink of the local school network was needed as Woodend School and neighbouring Pegasus Bay School had limited capacity for growth.
The Woodend School board of trustees has been contacted for comment.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.4% Yes
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46.6% No
A riddle to start the festive season 🌲🎁🌟
I'm a fruit. If you take away my first letter, I'm a crime. If you take away my first two letters, I'm an animal. If you take away my first and last letter, I'm a form of music. What am I?
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
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‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
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