Schools continue business as usual with fuel crisis

As school holidays come to a close this week and the school term resumes, roads across the city are expected to fill, with families facing a sharp increase in fuel prices.

New Zealand is currently at Phase 1 of the Fuel Response Plan.

On February 27, the day before the outbreak of the Iran conflict, premium petrol was $2.66, regular $2.53 and diesel $1.87. At the time of writing, BP Orewa had premium at $3.64, unleaded 91 at $3.42 and diesel at $3.84.

The principals of two of the Coast’s largest schools, Whangaparāoa College and Ōrewa College, say that currently the plan is business as usual.

Whangaparāoa College principal Steve McCracken says the Secretary for Education has made it clear that schools will remain open at all times.

“However, we have been looking at the number of learners who live locally and further afield. We know that data well and will keep a very close eye on things like attendance. We also have a high-level plan in place should we need to move to remote learning.”

His stance was echoed by Ōrewa College principal Wiri Warriner.

“At this stage, our understanding aligns with what has been signalled by the Ministry of Education (MOE) – remain open and operate as usual unless advised otherwise.

“I think most schools have made good progress with attendance this year, so maintaining that momentum and keeping a close eye on trends will be key.”

Earlier this month, Education Minister Erica Stanford reiterated the government’s position of keeping schools open and children in class during the fuel crisis.

She says ministry officials are building a national picture of fuel use and operational impacts across the education system to better understand the effects on essential services such as school lunches, attendance services and transport.

In a school bulletin released on April 16, the ministry suggested a number of measures schools can take, including considering local options for school outings, reviewing overseas travel plans, and increasing carpooling for winter sports and tournaments.

However, in the bulletin, the ministry also advised that any fuel-related absences would be be treated as ‘unjustified’ and followed up.