Johnsonville School new Learning Spaces - Update # 1
In 2018, we received the exciting news that seven new learning spaces would be added to our school. The new teaching block will replace old classrooms that are no longer fit for purpose and allow up to comfortably accomodate expected growth in our school roll.
Since then, while consulting with school staff, our Board and Principal have been working with the Ministry of Education and architects to design our new building. We want to enhance our school's environment and create spaces that everyone will love to learn and teach in.
We have recently reached a milestone in the project and can now share the plans with you.
The two-level building housing the new teaching spaces, will be situated where room A, B and C and the junior playground currently are. The junior playground will be relocated and upgraded as it is due for a revamp!
The ground will be excavated so that the upper level opens out onto the bottom court, and the lower level will open out onto a paved area facing Ohariu Road. This will ensure that both levels have good indoor/outdoor flow. The two-level design allows us to retain more greenspace and futureproof the site for when further developments may be required.
The design has four learning spaces on the upper level and three on the lower level. Each level has:
- Three break out spaces
- A technology hub
- Toilets
- Accessibility lift
- Full height and double-glazed windows
- Good ventilation and heating, and interior features to manage acoustics
Heath and Safety
Our new buildings will be 100 percent compliant with Building and Ministry of Education standards.
The safety of children, staff and visitors will be our high priority. Health and safety plans will be in place for any work starting on site and will be actively managed throughout construction. We will enforce a strict no access policy to any of the construction zones during the build process. The swimming pool, Premier Preschool, Special Education Unit, all other classrooms, and the courts will remain accessible throughout the build. The Sunday markets will also continue to operate during construction.
Publicly available information on the Ministry of Education design guidelines are available at http://www.education.govt.nz/school/property-and-transport/projects-and-design/design/
Timeline (as at 26th November, 2021):
- September 2018: Ministry of Education announces that Johnsonville school will get seven new learning spaces
- 2019: Ministry of Education engaged WSP architects to develop the plans for new learning spaces
- 2020-21: Ministry and the Board of Trustees work with WSP Architects to design the building
- July 2021: Designs approved by the Ministry
- Feb - March 2022: Funding secured and site preparation begins with demolition of the old rooms A, B and C
- Mid to late 2023: Building is completed
For more information, check back here for regular updates, or email us if you have any questions or concerns (principal@johnsonville.school.nz or BOT@johnsonville.school.nz).
