New 12-classroom block opens at Kohimarama school

Associate Education Minister Nikki Kaye opened a new 12-classroom block at St Thomas’s School in Kohimarama, Auckland last Friday, a little over a year after funding for the project was announced.

“In February last year I announced a $3 million project to replace old classrooms and create more learning space at St Thomas’s School, and it is great to be here with local MP Simon O’Connor, just over 12 months later to officially open the new building,” Ms Kaye said at the opening.

“Seven classrooms in the new two-storey block replace existing, older classrooms, and the other five will enable the school to accommodate its increasing roll.

“Keeping ahead of Auckland’s population growth is a major challenge, but it’s one the government is committed to meeting. To ensure there’s sufficient school capacity in our biggest city, $350 million is being invested in new schools and classrooms in Auckland over a four-year period.

“The new classroom block I opened today is the first part of ongoing development at St Thomas’s School. Upcoming projects at the school include a new administration block, and another two-storey block of six new classrooms.

“As with all major school upgrades, the work at St Thomas’s School involves replacing traditional classrooms with more flexible, open-plan learning spaces. This is about providing students with an environment that excites and inspires them to learn and achieve more.

“St Thomas’s is a high-performing school with an inclusive culture, and I know the new facilities here will support its students to strive for the best.”