The community of learning is expected to lead to a more collaborative approach between the region's Catholic schools.

The schools involved are Roncalli College, Sacred Heart School, St Josephs' School Pleasant Point, St Josephs' School Timaru, St Josephs' School Temuka, and St Patricks' School in Waimate.

More than 1000 South Canterbury school children will be involved.

St Josephs' School Timaru principal, Carmel Brosnahan-Pye, said the schools were already working closely together, and it made sense to continue to seek the benefits of that approach.

"We can collaborate more, and share our knowledge and expertise."

She said some teachers would be released to work across all of the contributing schools, and school boards would also be looking to work closely together.

The schools are working to set the goals for what they wanted to achieve.

The community of learning comes under the umbrella of the government's flagship $359 million Investing in Educational Success programme.

The policy, announced in 2014, aims to improve student achievement by fostering collaboration between schools and getting top teachers to coach others.

The minister of education Hekia Parata said that more than 1000 schools, or 40 per cent of all schools in New Zealand, were now involved in communities of learning.

"This is magnificent. These communities will help drive up achievement for all kids all the way along the pathway from early learning to senior secondary."

Source

• stuff.co.nz
• Image: cea-ace.ca

The school was forced to move from Monte Cecilia Park after Auckland Council began acquiring the land in 2000.

A school has been on the site adjacent to the historic Pah Homestead for more than 100 years.

Moving into the new premises at the St John Vianney Church on Whitmore Rd was a bitter-sweet moment for principal Michele Mill.

"For the first time we are a parish school with a parish on site," she says.

"There are no words to describe how I personally feel as a principal moving into this marvellous facility."

The new site is built around three Modern Learning Environments that can each accommodate up to 75 pupils.

The school has a roll of 165 pupils but the move means it will be able to cater for up to 227 children.

Council has begun demolition on the old school at Monte Cecilia Park, but the Whare building will be retained.

The building will likely be used as a functions centre for the James Wallace Arts Trust.

Source

• stuff.co.nz
• Image: stuff.co.nz