This morning we had our first Project Team Meeting and I came away very encouraged, both by the people we have involved in our team, and by what was discussed.
Our team is made up of Steve our Property Manager, Paul our AP, Karen Brandon our BOT Chairperson and I from the school; Gill Maher and Rae Karipa from the Ministry of Education, and John Sinclair our Project Manager. I was also very encouraged by the news that ConstructA will be our building firm and that our contact with them is Hamish Hunter who was the foreman on the redevelopment of our junior classrooms. Hamish is an excellent guy and I'm really glad that we will be working with him.
We are moving now to "control the controllables". I say that because some things are, at the moment, out of our control. We can only effect the things that we have some control over. As time progresses issues will move from being "uncontrollable" to "controllable," and we will be able to start work on them.
At present the things we are working on today are:
- Getting our server going so that our website is up and running.
- Getting clearance from Civil Defence to empty our damaged areas of resources and furniture.
- Getting hold of some shipping containers to store resources.
- Booking in some of the student army to help with shifting the resources and furniture.
- Procuring three relocatable classrooms.
- Fencing off the two damaged blocks.
- Addressing immediate dangers e.g. we have pulled down the ball wall which was moving in the wind today!
- Getting the Farmy Army to remove liquefaction around the school.
- Investigating the possibility of a septic tank and pump system for sewage.
- Investigating pumping water from the bore that was used before the school went on to the town supply.
Engineers' Reports etc
So far we have had:
- A visual inspection from a Project Manager from Arrow. This prioritised us for a structural assessment.
- An initial inspection from two Structural Assessors.
- An assessment from the insurers.
We now need to have:
- A full Structural Engineer's report on the buildings. This will tell us if, as recommended by the two previous inspections, the staffroom to R4 block, and the R5 to R8 block need to be demolished.
- A Geotech report on the structure of the ground. This will tell us if the ground is safe.
When these happens is out of our hands, we just have to wait for them to take place.
I'll keep you updated as further information comes to hand.
Our thoughts, as always are with you and your children. Keep safe.
Hi, is there anything that families can do to help?
ReplyDeleteHi there isn't really anything that families can do at school at present as we don't even have clearance yet to go on the school grounds. Probably the most useful thing that families can do is to stay in touch with each other and offer each other support. This could be families joining together for some shared learning experiences at home or taking turns with childcare to give each other a break.
ReplyDeleteHi Freeville. At Glenbervie School (Whangarei) we are thinking of you all. Our Social Response Team, made up of 6 Y5&6 students, have kicked into action and are raising awareness and funds for your wonderful school. We have a Red & Black Day on March 10th with all $$ raised going to Freeville School. Our PTA are holding the annual Garage Sale & Market Day on March 12th and 15% of the funds raised on this day will also be sent to your school for you to use in whatever way you choose. Our aroha, wairua and deepest thoughts are with you all. Kia Kaha
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