Rotary Park School to close

Today on the news the 2011 ERO Rotary Park report was quoted about the relationships between adults at the school.

The radio report, and I think all other media, chose to ignore the main educational content of this 2011 ERO report

‘ERO observed high quality teaching with some examples of exceptional teaching practice.'

In mathematics and reading, almost all students (100% and 98%) met or exceeded the National Standards.

· In writing, 89% of students met or exceeded the National Standards.

· Some targeted students have made significant progress throughout the year.

· Some students excel in regional and international competitions.

ERO also stated that another strength was student engagement. Noting that ‘students are highly engaged in, and enthusiastic about, their learning'

ERO also observed very positive relationships among students and between teachers and students.

· Students spoke highly of their teachers and learning.

· Teachers communicate effectively with parents about the educational needs of their children.

So Rotary Park is a school where the children are achieving highly, and where the children are highly engaged, enthusiastic and happy with their teachers.

Seems very strange to be closing such a school.

Kia kaha to the exceptional teachers.

As one of the parents that changed schools, I take a small amount of offence that I did so "as a show of defiance over her return" - I moved my child because it was best for my child to have a stable environment where he'd have the same teacher all day, all week and all term.

It was not a "show of defiance" directed at Ms Casey nor any of the staff, it was a practical decision in order to provide my child with the best opportunity for learning available.

I cannot speak for other parents, of course, but neither does this article speak for me.

I am amazed that Ms Curran feels she can comment on the situation, when she has never actually visited the school. 

The Ministry and Ms Curran do not actually care about the real people whose lives are being affected here.

To find out about the school's closure from the ODT, shows how much the teachers are valued by our Ministry and their Commisioner.

Kia Kaha wonderful teachers!