Geraldton move for Meekatharra School of the Air

20/11/06
Education and Training Minister Ljiljanna Ravlich announced today that Meekatharra School of the Air would move to Geraldton.
Ms Ravlich said she made the decision after considering feedback from parents and advice from the Department of Education and Training on the best location for the school, which was destroyed by two fires in September and October this year.
"Last week, I sent a senior adviser from my office to Meekatharra to obtain feedback from parents, teachers and other stakeholders on the future of the school," she said.
"As a result of those consultations, I have today directed the department to locate suitable accommodation for the school in Geraldton as soon as possible."
The Meekatharra School of the Air provides lessons to 68 students in their homes over a 600,000km area.
The Minister said relocating the School of the Air to Geraldton was in the best interests of students, staff and the school community.
Geraldton MLA Shane Hill said the Minister had clearly listened to parents, students and teachers and had made the right decision in relocating the school to a thriving area like Geraldton.
"Geraldton is an excellent base from which the school can deliver quality education to students in a regional area. It is also an exciting regional hub that will prove attractive to teachers," Mr Hill said.
"Importantly, this decision will also mean that teachers, parents and home tutors can access related services such as speech therapists and psychologists.
"The Minister's decision means the school can deliver the quality of education available to young people in the metropolitan area while retaining its unique flavour as a regional school."
Staff are currently providing lessons to students out of temporary accommodation at the Department of Agriculture's Meekatharra site.
Some classes are also being broadcast from the Schools of Isolated and Distance Education (SIDE) premises in Perth.
"The principal and staff deserve the highest praise for adapting so quickly to the temporary arrangements and for ensuring that students continue to receive quality education," Ms Ravlich said.
"I am sure they will continue to do so until accommodation arrangements are made in Geraldton."

Minister's office: 9213 6800