Demand sees roll limit increase for Rangiora Catholic school

The Ministry of Education has granted permission for the maximum roll increase. As a result, St Joseph’s School will increase its roll from 175 to 225 over the next three years. The school has a growing waiting list as more families move to the area and seek a Catholic education for their children.

St Joseph’s board of trustees presiding member Emma Dangerfield said it is the first time in 25 years the school has been able to increase its roll, despite the growing population.

“The Catholic Parish of Waimakariri has also seen growth in the number of active members,” she said.

“While we are grateful to achieve the maximum roll increase, we are conscious it is unlikely to exceed the demand we have for enrolments.”

Ms Dangerfield said the school will build six new classrooms as it takes the opportunity to replace some ageing teaching spaces. The new classrooms will be built next to the playing field off Percival St, while classrooms on the George St/ Victoria St corner will be decommissioned at a later date.

The school aims to have the work completed next year.

Rangiora New Life School, which offers a Christian education, was also given permission for its maximum roll to increase from 470 to 570 students.

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Canterbury Christian schools get green light to expand (By David Hill/Star News)