Information Update October 2004

On June 13th we received a letter from John Mather, regional manager for the Christchurch office of the Ministry of Education. In it he formally advised us that Trevor Mallard has decided to defer a consideration of the application for a section 156 designated Character School for Mozarts Performing Arts primary School.

What does "defer" mean?
It means the Minister has requested "further analysis of the likely effect of this proposed school on the Christchurch network of schools", and, "a better understanding of the alternative approaches to learning which form the basis of your proposal."

Naturally we are disappointed and there is a degree of frustration at the length of time this is taking although MP Tim Barnett has advised us to be patient. Trevor Mallard could have given us a flat refusal and he hasn't done that. The Minister of Education has requested a response from the local MOE by 10th December.

So what now?
We continue to get inquiries about the school at the rate of 1-5 per week. We believe it would be a vibrant and positive addition to the Christchurch educational scene. We also believe that just because demographic trends show falling rolls in the primary sector, doesn't mean that innovation shouldn't have a fair hearing. We also have a friendly progressive MOE local office who have made time to meet with us and assist us through the process of submission of documentation. Although suggestions have been made that we trial a "classroom" as a satellite of another school, we don't believe we can do this without compromising the integrity of the concept, not to mention an absence of long term educational cohesiveness for the children who parents would be willing to allow such an "experiment".

Currently Mozarts has around 120 children in after school drama classes. These children are aged between 5 – 13 years and are a "primary" example of education through the arts. Of course, with classes of around an hour a week we are not even remotely claiming to cover a general curriculum, but the MOE does see this group as providing some degree of evidence of an alternative approach to learning. So with this in mind, Geoff Allen, Acting network manager will be working with our committee to flesh out the evidence which we have to prove the effectiveness of what we do, i.e. he will be working with myself and Mozarts to document specific cases. I expect to hear from Mr Allen within the next week or so and then I will be clearer about how this next step will work.

I will endeavor to provide updates from now on via our web page. If you feel you have anything to offer with respect to this venture please contact me. At this stage we are very open to any comments and feedback.

Felicity Williams
On behalf of the Establishment Committee

Information Update December 2003

The proposal for this new special character school was forwarded to the National Curriculum Office in Wellington for assessment in September. This is a normal part of the process of establishing a new school. About 2 months ago we received feedback from the national office together with a request for additional information. This largely centered around delivery of the curriculum and the means by which a balanced programme would be offered through the arts.

Because substantial evidence is available internationally which indicates a school like this would be absolutely capable of inspiring and motivating students in a dynamic, thoroughly modern and innovative way; the Establishment Committee was able to respond to the questions authentically and persuasively. We await feedback from National Office in Wellington and are hopeful a face to face meeting will be held before the end of the year.

On the political front Tim Barnett continues to be extremely supportive. A quote from a recent letter received from his office reads, “Thank you very much for keeping me informed of the progress of plans for your school. I thought the quality of your November 19th response was typically outstanding, and am convinced that a fair system would (and will!) produce a great result.” Regular news updates also continue to be sent to Ruth Dyson, Lianne Dalziel and Helen Clark.All four politicians support the concept of a Performing Arts Primary School.

Meetings continue to be held with the Arts Centre of Christchurch and so far these have been positive for both parties. Of course with any site there are major issues to be confronted, everything from rental to playground space received scrutiny. However at this stage we are maintaining a firm interest in this possibility.

With this final newsletter for 2003 go the best wishes from the Establishment Committee for the support and encouragement of parents and friends who form our support network. We still hold to 2005 as a viable opening date and we will enter 2004 full of positive optimism to see this dream come to fruition. Merry Christmas Everyone!

Felicity Williams
On behalf of the Establishment Committee

Information Update September 2003

The proposal for this new special character school was received with very positive feedback by the Ministry of Education in Christchurch back in June. Subsequent to submitting the application a meeting was held with the MOE and the Establishment Committee. At this meeting it was explained that our application would be forwarded to National Office for assessing and evaluation. We also received praise for the clarity of the application and the depth of vision it offered for a viable educational alternative in education through the arts. It was gratifying to receive congratulations for 3 months of intensive work. Well done everyone on the Establishment Committee!

At the moment final approval for the school has to wait until the Ministry completes a strategic plan for implementing change within the education sector. This should be complete by the end of the year and we have been told that an opening date of January 2005 is realistic. The application is now given to various divisions of the MOE (curriculum, resourcing, legal, property) for their considered response. Responses should be within 6 – 8 weeks.

Tim Barnett continues to be extremely supportive. We also enjoyed visits to Mozarts by Ruth Dyson and Lianne Dalziel on August 19th. It was really fun (yes FUN!) Ruth Dyson slipped in announced and was totally entranced by the Numeracy Game "5 Wild Pigets". She was particularly intrigued by Jenny's comment, "Let's get out the mud". Initially she had visions of Jenny and the children going outside,turning on the hoses, and digging up half the sandpit, but NO! That's not it! She promptly offered to play the part of the wicked Taniwha (who eats all the piglets) which I think says a lot for her sense of spontaneity! Lianne joined Ruth for a tour of the various activites in the school which demonstrated the sort of thematic approach that we hope the primary school will embrace. Currently the topic is Taniwha which has resulted in much fantastic art work, poetry writing and drama.

We then retired to the staff room where intense discussion took place interspersed with heaps of jokes. I explained about nuturing imagination and Lois Chick from the EC added her wisdom, humour and anecdotes along the way. The burble of happy children was ever present. We emphasized how critical it is to get the strategic plan for coping with change completed by the end of the year and Lianne said she is going to seek a ministerial update. We also explained about the site in the Arts Centre. Both women were VERY clued up about current issues facing education providers. They are both very positive about Mozarts' current reputation, and absolutely support innovative change for ChCh as far as schooling goes.

All in all it was a very positive experience and their support both now and down the road will be very much appreciated and valued.

Felicity Williams
On behalf of the Establishment Committee