Zone realignment may ease relocation pain
THE State Government has not ruled out realigning existing school zones as early as next year to cater for families impacted by the relocation of Oberon High School.
A number of frustrated parents have contacted the Minister for Education James Merlino and local MPs to voice concerns that their children will have to either travel by bus or move schools when Oberon High School is moved to Armstrong Creek at a date that’s yet to be determined.
In April prospective parent James Blake said families like his, currently zoned to Oberon High School, were concerned their children would be forced to travel almost 15 minutes to the new site, despite living far closer to Belmont High School.
Mr Blake, who lives 400m out of the existing Belmont High School zone, called on the government to implement a transition plan for all families who will be impacted by the school’s future relocation.
Mr Merlino confirmed yesterday that the government would “release Year 7 enrolment options” by the end of the month.
It is understood the Department of Education and Training is currently developing the Year 7 enrolment options to reassure families that their children’s education will be as continuous as possible.
Transition plans include a realignment of neighbourhood boundaries so that some students can either enrol in Oberon High School and remain at the school when it relocates, or enrol in Year 7 at Belmont High School or Grovedale Col- lege if that school will become their future closest designated school.
The relocation of Oberon High to Armstrong Creek was announced in October 2016, with $3.9 million allocated in the Victorian Budget 2018/19 to begin design and early works for the new school.
No date for the closure of Oberon School or the opening of the new school has been set.
The State Government has not released any proposed new boundaries for either Belmont High School or Grovedale College.