Feb 3
There is a huge amount of interest in the new Pegasus School and when it is being built. There is still no news as the MOE are finalising an 'Engagement Plan' for education spending for wider Christchurch. This will be out March and signed off approximately July.
I have a meeting with MOE Property Head, other principals from around our area and Infinity Director John Beattie in a couple of weeks to discuss issues and enrolment trends in the schools around here. I will update you if there are any gems from the meeting.
We welcomed 19 new pupils this week and are almost at the stage of putting a second bus on to pick up the increasing number of Pegasus children. Yes, there is frustration out there BUT please be assured that BOT, Infinity and myself are doing all we can to get a starting date for the Pegasus School build.

November 26

We have a Pegasus Parents group being organised by Suzy Valkhoff. They have several key concerns that they feel need prompt action and are working with the BOT. they are wanting to visit the local MP as well as hold a parents information night. These are a great group of parents and need your support. If you want to be involved....click here.

November 23
Nigel and I have met with Architect Hamish Boyd from Jazmax. Hamish has designed 'The Cloud' used on the Auckland waterfront and he also designed the Dunedin Stadium. He showed us Concept Plans for the new school and we took elements from each and came up with a couple of pretty exciting plan options that could be a go!
I hear you say, "whats the point when we are unsure about the relocation?" The BOT and I are still 120% planning for the relocation until we are told otherwise. 

There is an old adage, "Expect the best but plan for the worst"............ as far as Pegasus School planning goes, we are still "Expecting the best and planning for the best"

 
November 14

Yes, the letter from the MOE came as a bolt out of the blue. In saying that though, the problems in Chch are massive and it would be remiss of the MOE to proceed and spend mega millions on repairs and new schools without doing their homework and establishing a plan on how and where to proceed. This announcement is just part of the MOE trying to get a grasp on how they might proceed. Nothing is definite yet and we won't know until Term 1 next year exactly what is being proposed. This will come out as a consultation document and then the final plan will be signed off by the Minister in July. I want to acknowledge the absolute commitment of our BOT Nigel, Tania, Stuart, Dax, Danelle and Jo and I know their leadership and genuine care for our children and school whanau will see the best possible result for our school.

We had a big discussion about it at the recent PTA meeting. I know some parents are following up on some issues. I know that there is a real appetite for info around this issue but other than what is on the website there is not much else yet to release. Meanwhile we are still committed to Waikuku Schools relocation to Pegasus. Nigel (BOT Chair) and I are meeting with an international Architect who we approached to do a concept plan for Pegasus School based on our vision. He agreed to do it for free.

I get asked / emailed / phoned with this simple question on a daily basis: When is the Pegasus School going to be built? Simple answer: No one knows until the outcomes of the Engagement Plan are finalised and then signed off by the Minister of Education mid 2012.

A statement to our community from our BOT Chair Nigel Sharplin.

At last nights BOT meeting we had a long and lengthy discussion about a letter just received from Ray Webb, South Island Regional Manager of the Ministry of Education.

Ray writes........

" The events of September, February and June along with some CERA announcement have changed the nature of education provision in Christchurch, Selwyn and Waimakariri.....  

One aspect of the earthquakes and CERA announcement which will impact on the Woodend - Pegasus - Waikuku area is the shift in demographics and potentially a much greater number living in the area than previously expected..... An outcome of this change in demographics is that the Ministry may need three schools in this area, including retaining Waikuku. It is too early to make any decisions. At present the Ministry is sponsoring an Engagement Plan (a vision process) which focuses on the purpose, shape and design of future education provision."

Roger was at a meeting yesterday with principals, Ministry people and Roger Sutton (CERA) which was the beginning of this wider Christchurch visioning process. The timeframe is that the Minister Anne Tolley, wants the vision to be completed by Christmas so that the draft vision can be out for consultation early next year. The minister then wants to have it signed off by mid next year. Until then no decision will be made on our relocation or any provision of any new schools in the wider Christchurch area.

This news represents a potentially significant change in direction for Waikuku School however the form this might take is by no means certain.  The BOT, Roger and Staff remain 110% committed to our Waikuku/ Pegasus vision and the relocation and we will be working with the Ministry to ensure that the best interests of our community, students and staff are fully represented.

Kind regards,

Nigel Sharplin.

BOT Chair