Re: St Sampson's & St Andrews School "Saved" Education now broke!!

by GD Mon 26 Jan 2009, 1:54 pm

Guernsey's Chief Minister has asked for changes to a forthcoming debate on the future of two island schools.

The States are due to consider the recommended closure of St Sampson's Infants before discussing plans to keep St Andrew's Primary school open.

But Lyndon Trott, a St Sampson's parish deputy, has placed an amendment asking for the order to be changed so a decision on St Andrew's is made first.

The closure plan is partially linked to falling pupil numbers in Guernsey.

Both schools have protested against the proposed closures, which would take place next year if agreed by the States.

But the Education Minister Deputy Carol Steere said: "I do believe that if these schools are closed the children would move into their new schools and would be part of the community.

"They would feel equally passionate about these new schools as they do about their schools now." (from BBC News)

by Diddycoon Fri 30 Jan 2009, 2:38 pm

What fantastic news that the school has been saved - well done to all involved!.

by Spirit Fri 30 Jan 2009, 2:39 pm

Now that a decision has been made, I hope they quicky sort out the dangerous road outside St Andrew's School.

by GD Fri 30 Jan 2009, 3:01 pm

Both Schools to remain open, voting very close, now what will Carol Steere say to that..

In a close vote, the House decided to reject the recommendation to close St Sampson’s Infants by 24 votes to 23.
And they followed this by approving the Education Department’s recommendation to keep St Andrew’s open by 29 votes to 18.

by Thistle Fri 30 Jan 2009, 3:13 pm

i listened to the vote and most of the speeches.steere is not a very happy bunny.best news the islanders have had for a while.long may the schools remain open

by Diddycoon Fri 30 Jan 2009, 3:15 pm

I will await Carol's reaction with interest.....I voted for her originally but I wouldn't now. It's the right decision to keep them open - long may they stay open. St Sampson's was so special to me and it will hold many more memories for other children to enjoy. I am so pleased - I agree with thistle this is what islanders wanted.

by kiwis kitten Fri 30 Jan 2009, 4:15 pm

Great News.....I so wanted St Sampson's to remain open..
My godson went there and its such a lovely little community and the teachers are so friendly and are never to busy to say hello and welcome u .....

:) :MERRY:

by Digger Fri 30 Jan 2009, 5:32 pm

It is good news , i think it what the people wanted. so does that mean the speed bumps are staying.

by karma Fri 30 Jan 2009, 11:45 pm

Yes - a good result - but I feel that people have a short memory about Carol Steer (Fletcher) ....go figure!!!! She went off to llive in Spain after her last term in Guernsey politics (she was very radical then) .....and she, (in my opinion only), is of the same ilk as the lady who sanctioned the new HUGE buses then shoved off to live in Cyprus!!!!

by Dell Sat 31 Jan 2009, 9:39 am

Uuugh..... Karma, you are cynical!!

I am also happy that the local communities around these the St Andrew's and the St Sampson's schools benefit as a result of this decision by the States.

But.... remember that we all as taxpayers effectively lose out as the whole purpose was a 'cost cutting' exercise by the Education Dept. This will mean a bit extra to pay towards their upkeep etc, but personally I am happy to pay that as education of our children is of paramount importance as they are our future! study

by kat Sat 31 Jan 2009, 11:16 am

a couple of states jollies less each would save even more money
they should go look at the waste of money along their own line and cut back on them first before telling children we cant afford to educate them.
perhaps if we had less deputies this would save us a considerable sum

by wayside Sat 31 Jan 2009, 11:24 am

We have a situation where we cant afford to keep these schools open but if we want to keep some of these Island Life things alive we need to adapt to be able to afford them.

Too many things have been lost over the past 20 year just because they are not economical and slowly and surly we are ruining the place we live.

Well done to thos deputies who saved the schools, just look as wastage wich is abundant in the states and you will find we will be able to afford these kind of Island Life Luxuries.

by Fast Robert Sat 31 Jan 2009, 12:11 pm

Getting the banks to pay for GuernseyFinance would be a start. An immediate £0.9m saving. The idea that the tax payers are paying for business PR seems ludicrous when we are talking about cutting schools. The banks, and other businesses pay hardly any tax on their profits now. Why don't they invest it into GuernseyFinance and leave the kids be.

by GD Tue 03 Feb 2009, 3:00 pm

THE Education Department is in need of financial help, according to its minister, Carol Steere

After her department’s proposal to close St Sampson’s Infants School to save money was rejected by the States, she said money had to come from somewhere or it would have to make cuts.

‘Our budget is fully stretched and it will be difficult to make any savings without looking at frontline services.

‘I wonder if some other departments could look to see if some funds could go to education,’ she said.

She hoped Culture and Leisure minister Mike O’Hara meant what he said.

‘Deputy O’Hara said he would be happy to have the Commerce and Employment budget reduced to give some more money to education

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