Kia ora koutou
 
We have now received a letter from the MoE outlining their plans for the earthquake strengthening of the Main Building.
 
In their capacity as the owner of school property, the Ministry has advised us they intend to  repair the Main Block in two stages.

• Stage One which will bring the block up to a rating of around 45% of the New Building Standard will be completed before the start of  the 2012 school year.
• Stage Two will take longer and will be prioritized against other earthquake prone buildings across  the Education portfolio.

The ministry will advise the BoT in early 2012 about the timing of that work.Work on the hall will begin this term and is planned to be completed for the beginning of term four.

While this work is underway some students will continue to be taught at Wellington College for the rest of this term. Classes taught by Ms Tsina, Mrs McKorkindale and Ms Morgan will be affected, and those students will receive information about these interim arrangements to inform parents.
 
We are confident that these classes will be able to return to school in term four when we will once again have access to the hall. We are hoping to have staff fully relocated into alternative spaces by the end of next week, 2 September. We have been able to relocate the following student services and administration staff into temporary spaces:·  The Student Services Office, the International Office, the Main Office, the principal and deputy and assistant principals will be located in offices on the front courts.  ·       
 
 The guidance counselor, nurse, careers office and deans will be located on the courts near the Sports Centre. 
 
The Ministry expects that staff and students will move back into the Main Building for the beginning of the new year.
 
I would like to acknowledge the work put into the planning for the relocation by senior staff and support staff.  We have also been well supported in this process by our BoT. As always, our focus is on the teaching and learning of our girls, and we are doing our best to minimize the impact of the relocation for staff and students.
 
Please let me know if you have any concerns or you are experiencing any difficulties over this period.
 
Nga mihi
 
Sally Haughton