Published Wednesday, 23 January, 2008 at 10:23 AM
JOINT STATEMENT
Minister for Education and Training and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Rod Welford
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
START OF SCHOOL DELAYED FOR EMERALD STUDENTS
Premier Anna Bligh announced today that the start of the school year will be pushed back a week in Emerald to allow time for flood waters around the town to recede.
Ms Bligh said that while schools in the area had not been badly affected by flood damage, flood waters were making it difficult for residents to travel around the town. In addition some schools are being used to accommodate many of the 2,500 people forced from their homes.
“After consultation with local school principals, we have decided that Emerald students will go back to school on Monday 4 February instead of Tuesday 29 January this year,” Ms Bligh said.
“Principals of the Catholic and Independent schools in Emerald have also indicated that a delay in the start of school year by a week would be advisable.
“Our schools have been extremely fortunate not to have been damaged by the flooding waters surrounding Emerald.
“However, as parts of the town are likely to remain cut off from each other for some time, it will be easier for families if the start of school is delayed for a week.
“Many families will also be spending this time to clean up around their homes as the flood waters recede.
“With the town currently cut off on the main roads to the north, south, west and east, it may also be difficult for families returning to Emerald from holidays to reach the town before 29 January.
“We also have teachers transferring to Emerald who may not be able to get to the town before the scheduled first day of school.”
Ms Bligh said the following schools will start the school year on Monday 4 February: Emerald State High School, Emerald State School, Emerald North State School, Denison State School, Capricornia School of Distance Education (Emerald Campus), Marist College (Emerald), St Patrick’s School (Emerald), and Emerald Christian College.
The Premier has also requested that the Department of Education and Training continue to monitor schools in other flood affected parts of the State.
Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said almost 2700 students and more than 180 teachers would be affected by the changes to the start of the school year.
“My department will be liaising with the various school communities to ensure appropriate adjustments are made to help students settle back into school,” Mr Welford said.
Wednesday January 23, 2008
Media contact: Office of the Premier – 3224 4500
Ms Bligh said that while schools in the area had not been badly affected by flood damage, flood waters were making it difficult for residents to travel around the town. In addition some schools are being used to accommodate many of the 2,500 people forced from their homes.
“After consultation with local school principals, we have decided that Emerald students will go back to school on Monday 4 February instead of Tuesday 29 January this year,” Ms Bligh said.
“Principals of the Catholic and Independent schools in Emerald have also indicated that a delay in the start of school year by a week would be advisable.
“Our schools have been extremely fortunate not to have been damaged by the flooding waters surrounding Emerald.
“However, as parts of the town are likely to remain cut off from each other for some time, it will be easier for families if the start of school is delayed for a week.
“Many families will also be spending this time to clean up around their homes as the flood waters recede.
“With the town currently cut off on the main roads to the north, south, west and east, it may also be difficult for families returning to Emerald from holidays to reach the town before 29 January.
“We also have teachers transferring to Emerald who may not be able to get to the town before the scheduled first day of school.”
Ms Bligh said the following schools will start the school year on Monday 4 February: Emerald State High School, Emerald State School, Emerald North State School, Denison State School, Capricornia School of Distance Education (Emerald Campus), Marist College (Emerald), St Patrick’s School (Emerald), and Emerald Christian College.
The Premier has also requested that the Department of Education and Training continue to monitor schools in other flood affected parts of the State.
Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said almost 2700 students and more than 180 teachers would be affected by the changes to the start of the school year.
“My department will be liaising with the various school communities to ensure appropriate adjustments are made to help students settle back into school,” Mr Welford said.
Wednesday January 23, 2008
Media contact: Office of the Premier – 3224 4500