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By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter.
The future of alternative education for vulnerable young people in North Canterbury is in doubt.
This follows Rangiora High School’s decision to withdraw from being the provider of the Maungatere alternative education service.
Principal Bruce … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter.
The future of alternative education for vulnerable young people in North Canterbury is in doubt.
This follows Rangiora High School’s decision to withdraw from being the provider of the Maungatere alternative education service.
Principal Bruce Kearney said the school has advised the Ministry of Education it will no longer be the provider for Maungatere after December.
Ministry Te Tai Runga (South) hautū (leader) Nancy Bell said the ministry is discussing possible arrangements with other local schools.
"Our staff will continue to support young people in North Canterbury who have disengaged from school, and their whānau, to locate an education provider that will work for them."
Rangiora High School has hosted the Maungatere alternative education service for about 30 years on behalf of local secondary schools, in partnership with the Christchurch City Mission.
"Maungatere has provided an alternative education for young people where school is not the right place for them, instead of suspending or excluding them," Kearney said.
In the city students could change schools relatively easily by enrolling at another school down the road.
"But it is different in a semi-rural community, because if we don’t engage with them, who will?"
Maungatere director Carol Weaver said it gave students who struggled in mainstream schooling "a second chance".
"They’re not all bad kids. We see many good things happening from taking them out of the big school, and giving them another chance.
"Police youth aid has said it reduces their workload considerably as it stops a lot of the petty crime."
Maungatere has had a number of success stories, with one former student going on to play for the Melbourne Storm rugby league team.
Some of the students have been busy working on their literacy and numeracy standards for NCEA.
Weaver said she is concerned what will happen to vulnerable students in North Canterbury if the service is no longer available.
"We’ve got parents asking us ‘what the heck do we do now?’."
An "alternative education service" is a collaboration between schools, whānau, the wider community and the ministry.
It is designed to transition younger students back into school, while 16-year-olds were transitioned into further education, training or employment.
Maungatere is funded for up to 16 students, with the City Mission covering the cost of the building.
But even with the support of the City Mission, funding did not go far enough.
An Education Review Office report into alternative education services, released in June, found the funding model was "inadequate" and called for sweeping changes.
In response the government has increased funding from next year by 30%, from $12,720 to $16,536 per learner per year.
But the funding model did not allow providers like Maungatere to employ qualified teachers, and providers struggled to keep up with building costs, power and resourcing.
Rangiora High School board of trustees chairperson Simon Green said the school had "done its bit over the years".
"The ministry has under-funded it, so it makes it very hard for us as a school board.
"We've had a good run with it over the years and now it is time for someone else to take it on."
In the meantime, Rangiora High School has developed its own programme to support year 9 and 10 students "who require some time out of class", Kearney said.
The programme is being funded by the school’s board of trustees.
"It is about keeping the connection with the school so they can transition back into mainstream education."
Photo: Maungatere director Carol Weaver is concerned about what will happen to the students she works with. By David Hill/LDR
Try our online heart-health tool 'My Heart Check' to find out your estimated heart age compared to your actual age. The result may surprise you!
Click the link to find out more.
Five colour and styling tips with Resene for creating an at-home work space that works for you.
Costs are on the rise! Who's the hero doing the hard yards to keep things running in your household?
NZ Compare wants to pay $350 towards their Broadband and Power bill! Nominate NOW! Entry ends 28 Sep 2023.
Need more ways to save money? Comparing your power and broadband bills is one … View moreCosts are on the rise! Who's the hero doing the hard yards to keep things running in your household?
NZ Compare wants to pay $350 towards their Broadband and Power bill! Nominate NOW! Entry ends 28 Sep 2023.
Need more ways to save money? Comparing your power and broadband bills is one way to see if you can save more or simply switch to something that better suits your needs. If you’re paying for it, make sure it works for you.
Experienced mousers seek full time employment
Barn cat qualifications include:
Excellent work ethic (they do however require the occassional nap)
Work well alone or as part of a team…why not adopt two?
Desexed and vaccinated
No adoption fee (donations are always gratefully received)
… View moreExperienced mousers seek full time employment
Barn cat qualifications include:
Excellent work ethic (they do however require the occassional nap)
Work well alone or as part of a team…why not adopt two?
Desexed and vaccinated
No adoption fee (donations are always gratefully received)
Fully installed by the boss lady at Kitty Kingdom
Barn cat salary expectation:
Food, Water, Shelter, Love from afar
Barn cats help deter rodents in barns, wineries, storage facilities, workshops or any property suitable for independent minded felines.
Call Karen at Kitty Kingdom cat rescue today: 021 253 1842
18 Volt model PS18-XE drill with 10 cm chuck with torque settings for screwdriving and drilling applications .Drill is in excellent condition, and has battery fuel level gauge on drill battery is getting on in years so works best with a fresh charge to battery before use.
Comes in its own plastic … View more18 Volt model PS18-XE drill with 10 cm chuck with torque settings for screwdriving and drilling applications .Drill is in excellent condition, and has battery fuel level gauge on drill battery is getting on in years so works best with a fresh charge to battery before use.
Comes in its own plastic case with factory English manual or text me Bill on 027 5204264 or message me (advertised else were )
Ryobi mower with dependable factory fitted Subaru 175 cc powerful motor 460 cm cutting width , 10 to 755 cutting Hight, 50 lt all plastic catcher. Model RLM4617ME .Starts first time and cuts very well weather its wet or long grass ,fuel container supplied if required brought new from bunning about… View moreRyobi mower with dependable factory fitted Subaru 175 cc powerful motor 460 cm cutting width , 10 to 755 cutting Hight, 50 lt all plastic catcher. Model RLM4617ME .Starts first time and cuts very well weather its wet or long grass ,fuel container supplied if required brought new from bunning about 5 odd years ago ,have never had any problems with it .Have now got a robotic mower so dont need this fantastic mower any more
Phone or text me Bill 027 5204264 or message me
Rangiora Menz Shed in association with Citizens Advice Bureau are holding a Car Boot Sale/Market this Saturday 16th September 9am - 1pm.
Come along and support our local community
WANTED WANTED WANTED:
Gold • Coins • Watches • Banknotes • Antique • Jewellery • Collectables
The market for many antiques, collectables, vintage watches, artefacts, gold and silver items has been buoyant these past few years. So if you are considering selling any of these or … View moreWANTED WANTED WANTED:
Gold • Coins • Watches • Banknotes • Antique • Jewellery • Collectables
The market for many antiques, collectables, vintage watches, artefacts, gold and silver items has been buoyant these past few years. So if you are considering selling any of these or similar items then our specialist buyers would like to make an offer.
Any items will be considered so please don’t be shy and visit one of our venues.
Large or valuable collections? Single items? Downsizing, moving or decluttering? Family not interested? or simply turning unwanted items into cash.
*Immediate payment made *No commission or waiting *Free no obligation appraisal *Onsite security *Please have your bank details handy
Whether you have a large and valuable collection or a single item of broken jewellery please take this opportunity to see us at a venue near you.
See us at a venue near you - See venues here: https://www.goldco.co.nz/.
Goldco Antique Buyers | Member NZNDA | www.goldco.co.nz | email: goldco@xtra.co.nz | Ph: 0800 105 228
The Members of the Rangiora Scottish Country Dance Club
would like to invite all past and present members / dancers,
to join us in celebrating our
50th Anniversary
at our … View moreThe Members of the Rangiora Scottish Country Dance Club
would like to invite all past and present members / dancers,
to join us in celebrating our
50th Anniversary
at our Afternoon Tea Dance,
on Sunday 24th September 2023 at 2pm
at St John's Anglican Church Hall,
corner of High and Church Streets, Rangiora
With the election just over a month away, kiwis are thinking about where to put their vote. For some, individual policies don't matter too much as they'll always vote the same. And for others, their political leanings have changed over time or with each election. Will your vote be vastly … View moreWith the election just over a month away, kiwis are thinking about where to put their vote. For some, individual policies don't matter too much as they'll always vote the same. And for others, their political leanings have changed over time or with each election. Will your vote be vastly different this year?
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the We Say You Say column of your local paper.
Did you know over 4,000 New Zealand men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year? In fact one in eight will get it during their lifetime.
We're proud to be supporting Paint It Blue once again in 2023 - and we'd love our neighbours to be involved too.
Simply buy any blue … View moreDid you know over 4,000 New Zealand men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year? In fact one in eight will get it during their lifetime.
We're proud to be supporting Paint It Blue once again in 2023 - and we'd love our neighbours to be involved too.
Simply buy any blue Resene testpot 60mL between 8-21 September and Resene will donate $1 to The Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand! Visit your local Resene ColorShop to find your new favourite blues.
One NZ are offering Super Gold Card holders a discount on wireless broadband at $40 per month. I am considering this but would like to know how wireless speed compares to fibre in performance. Has anyone switched to wireless and how have they found the speed performance?
Come and watch, participate or if you would like to volunteer to support the event contact Martin below!
Kia Ora wonderful neighbours!
Have you noticed your broadband costs going up lately?
If you're a customer of one of the big providers Spark or One NZ, we'd love to hear how long have you been a loyal customer to them?
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