The Meander Primary School community has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Education outlining its intention to seek the closure of the school at the end of this year.
The Department received an Expression of Interest from the Meander Primary School Association on November 7 to seek support to close the school after a decline in enrolments in recent years, with fewer than 20 students expected to have enrolled in 2015.
The School Association, following extensive consultation with the school community and with support provided by the Department of Education, voluntarily determined that closing the school was in the best interests of the students.
I commend the school community for its sensitive and consultative approach to this difficult decision, and for ensuring the students' education remains the number one priority.
It is anticipated that most students will attend either Deloraine Primary School or Mole Creek Primary School.
The Department of Education will continue to work with the community to ensure the transition of the students to their new schools is as seamless as possible.
Financial support will be provided through the School Transition Fund to assist with the transition. This includes a 0.5 FTE staff member until the end of Term 1 to support the closure process and funds to purchase new school uniforms and support parents from Meander with the costs of schooling for 2015.
The Department of State Growth will assist in ensuring adequate bus services are continued.
A School Transition Steering Committee will be established, chaired by the general manager of Learning Services North, and will liaise with the Meander Primary School Association and community to determine the future of the school building and grounds.
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