Dear Parents, Caregivers and Whaanau,

NZEI Te Rui Roa and PPTA have announced combined strike action in the form of a full day strike on 29th May 2019. As all of our Horotiu teaching staff are members, we are unable to provide classes for students on this day. We ask you to make alternative arrangements for your children as Horotiu School will be closed for the day.

On behalf of all our teachers we do wish to express our thanks to the Horotiu Community for supporting us throughout this negotiation process. This is a key moment for us and despite mixed political messages, education in NZ really is in a crisis and we certainly feel your support.

We are strongly encouraging families and whaanau to join us on the 29th of May to show your solidarity and support for our teachers. We will advise venue and times closer to the time.

Quick facts about the challenges facing our teachers today:

The average NZ teacher is paid $20,000 less than their Australian colleagues;
There is an actual shortage of 850 teachers across NZ today;
We have a growing population and a there has been 40%decrease in teacher trainee numbers in the last 8 years. Scary considering another 50,000 students will attend school by 2030;
The average age of a teacher in NZ is 50 and 20% of these are over 60. There is a genuine concern around who will fill the void when these teachers retire;
The majority of schools in NZ report real challenges around finding or accessing relievers. Many schools will now merge classes or cancel lessons;
Nearly half of all new teachers quit the profession in the first five years;
The average working week for a teacher in NZ is 55 hours, with many regularly working around 60-65 hours;
The increasing number of children entering schools with high level needs, behaviour challenges and hidden challenges (anxiety, depression, ADHD etc) is rapidly escalating.

Thank you for your support. It is very much appreciated.

Leo Spaans David Kimber
Principal Horotiu School Horotiu BOT Chair