FRIDAY OCTOBER 21 2011
MAINLAND PRESS
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Google confusion P3
FRIDAY DECEMBER 9 2011
Landmark to go P5
Quake song P6
Christmas tree to light up Hagley Park
Cool, clear water Fresh and clear: Four five-year-old Roydvale School pupils, Rylee Watson, left, Adi Barot, Evie Freller and Tessa Given are delighted to enjoy a glass of Christchurch’s pure chlorine-free water for the first time since February. Chlorine was introduced to the city’s water supply after the February 22 earthquake to address potential contamination issues caused by damage to the city’s underground water and sewer services. The chlorine has been removed in a gradual roll-out process over the last six weeks or so, restoring the water supply to the high standard Christchurch is famous for. Photo: Christine de Felice
A TOWERING 25-metre high Christmas tree is being lit up in North Hagley Park tonight. The Telecom Christmas tree is being introduced to Christchurch this year, after being a regular feature in Auckland and Wellington for several years. Promoter Paul Ellis said the Telecom foundation approached him to help arrange a tree for Christchurch after he helped organise the Band Together concert for Canterbury following last year’s September 4 earthquake. The lighting up event, at 9.30 tonight, will feature Jason Gunn as master of ceremonies, music from Opshop’s Jason Kerrison and lone piper George McEwan. Mr Ellis said the attraction itself would be interactive, with people able to go into old phone boxes and ring Santa Claus, then see their messages go to the top of the tree. They would also be able to change the colour of the thousands of lights. People were also encouraged to bring a gift to the tree to go to Christchurch children who have had a tough time recently. The tree will be open 24 hours, lit up from dusk until dawn every day until Boxing Day. This year’s Carols by Candlelight event will be held next to the giant tree on Christmas Eve.
Teacher redundancies worrying principals Gina McKenzie
BANKS Avenue School principal Murray Edlin is one of a host of principals in the eastern suburbs who are questioning the future of education in Christchurch after plunging rolls forced him to make three fixed term teachers redundant. The school in Shirley was expected to start next year with 430 pupils but the future was uncertain with a predicted loss of 80 further students throughout 2012. Education Minister Anne Tolley announced in September that government funding for the equivalent of 167 full-time teachers or 4.5 percent of Christchurch’s teaching staff would
be cut. Mr Edlin said it was extremely difficult for him to let three teachers go. “It’s always difficult to tell staff there is no position for them at the school next year. “Some of our staff lost houses so it hasn’t been an easy year for anyone.� Mr Edlin was particularly concerned about the impact the redundancies would have on young beginning teachers and on those contemplating a career in the education industry. “Many are teachers at the beginning of their careers and we lose quality teachers who
have a significant contribution to make to the children in New Zealand. Some might not choose to become teachers or pursue other fields, which is a huge shame especially when we lose talented people. “If things had been normal we would have expected to have the 630 pupils we had at the end of 2010. “The ministry has said we could lose up to another 80 pupils next year. If that happens we would have to look at permanent teachers as staffing levels are directly related to the roll.� Mr Edlin said the only way to cope with roll declines and teacher redundancies was to
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focus on the positive aspects of the school. “The school might be smaller but we have a great school community and team of staff so we will focus on delivering quality learning programmes.� Meanwhile, a 25 percent drop in Linwood North School’s roll had resulted in two fixed term teachers and one teacher aide being made redundant. Principal Sandra Smith said it was an incredibly challenging time for the school. “It’s not easy for anyone and it’s sad to think of the teachers who will be leaving Canterbury.�
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