Schools bursting at seams

Two Piako schools are bursting at the seams at well over 100 per cent capacity, while three schools are at risk of overcrowding, according to a recent Ministry of Education report.

Te Wharekura o Te Rau Aroha and Manawaru School were considered over capacity at 130 per cent and 119 per cent respectively, while Morrinsville College, David Street School and Motumaoho School were at risk of becoming overcrowded.

Manawaru School and Te Wharekura o Te Rau Aroha have been in discussions with the Ministry of Education about a number of different options including introducing zoning or adding classrooms to combat the problem.

Capacity was defined as 100 per cent use of a school’s buildings.

Any school operating above 85 per cent capacity was at risk of becoming overcrowded, according to the ministry’s findings.

Hundreds of schools are over capacity or at risk of becoming overcrowded as thousands of extra children turn up to school each year, government documents show.

The Ministry of Education report reveals 214 schools around the country were considered over capacity, while 488 were at risk of becoming overcrowded.

Motumaoho School currently sits at 88 per cent and while that means the school is seen as at risk of becoming overcrowded by the ministry, principal Justin Bertrand said they are in a perfect position to take on more students.

The general misconception when parents are choosing a school for their children, is bigger is better, Bertrand said.

Having taught in places like London in schools with 600-plus children, he said as a parent he knows what his choice would be.

‘‘Would you rather a class of 30 students or 20?,’’ he said.

With a current roll of 35 students, Bertrand said Motumaoho is in a prime position to take on more.

‘‘Geographically our location is perfect, we are not too far out of Morrinsville,’’ he said.

‘‘And after receiving a glowing ERO review and getting building work completed, and funding for further resources, we are in a great position to take on overflow.’’

Closure of country schools like Waitoa, Ngarua and Kereone could be putting more pressure on schools to take on the overflow, Bertrand said but he didn’t want to speculate because of other factors involved.

‘‘I know that teachers are doing the best they can. We are here to help one another while making sure that the quality education of our children is always the focus.’’