Boundaries cleared up

Parents back plan for Oberon move

THE State Government has revealed transition plans for families affected by the relocation of Oberon High School to Armstrong Creek.

Concerned parents had contacted Education Minister James Merlino and MPs to voice concerns their children would have to either travel by bus or move schools when Oberon High School moved to Armstrong Creek at a date to be determined.

But Geelong MP Christine Couzens said a transition plan had been established and would be rolled out.

“The future designated neighbourhood boundaries for Belmont High School, Grovedale College, and the new secondary school at Armstrong Creek have been approved after department consultation with the school principals,” Ms Couzens said in a letter to parents.

“The new boundaries will reflect commonsense as to what parents would reasonably expect in choosing a school for their child.”

Under the plan, children enrolled at Oberon High School in Year 7 will be entitled to relocate to the new Armstrong Creek Secondary School when it opens.

Alternatively, families will be allowed to enrol their child at Belmont High School or Grovedale College if that school was to become their future closest designated neighbourhood school after the relocation.

“The Department of Education and Training will contact schools over coming weeks to let them know of the changes,” Ms Couzens said.

“Schools will be able to communicate this infor- mation to their communities.”

Parent James Blake said the new transition plan made sense.

Mr Blake said parents expected to be told of the new boundaries for Grovedale and Belmont high school by the beginning of July.

This month the department quashed rumours the relocation of Oberon High School would impact on parts of Highton zoned to Belmont High School.

A spokeswoman confirmed Oberon High School’s current designated neighbourhood boundary would be absorbed by Belmont High School, Grovedale College and the new secondary school in Armstrong Creek.

“The department is not considering changes to the designated neighbourhood boundaries of other schools,” she said. school