A local school has defended its decision to send 150 children off on school camp to Motutapu Island, a decision which was reversed less than 24 hours later due to worsening weather conditions brought by the tail end of Cyclone Debbie.
Somerville Intermediate School principal David Ellery told the Times the school decided – after consultation with camp administrators – to bring the children and their 40 parent helpers back on Wednesday afternoon as the region was lashed by heavy rain for a second day.
Many parents on social media indicated they were happy with the decision to bring the children home and have sent messages congratulating the school on such a well-executed operation.
Mr Ellery said the school had given considerable thought before going ahead with the camp following consultation with the ferry company transporting the children to the island, and the camp administrators too.
“We were assured they would be safe. We knew there would be a weather event and were prepared for that,” Mr Ellery said.
But he said with subsidence at the camp and more rain due [on Wednesday night], “we decided we didn’t want the children out there”.
The departure from the island was facilitated without incident by the teachers, school’s parent helpers, camp staff and Department of Conservation officers. The children, who had to walk 40 minutes to the ferry with their school bags only, were due back today.
“It was a smooth operation to bring them back,” Mr Ellery said.
“We thought about it and took advice very carefully. We’ve been going to the camp for 20 years and this is the first time we’ve called children back.”
Feedback to the move was positive.
“I wanted to err on the side of caution,” he said.
“The parents that we’ve talked to have been very grateful for us making that decision. Student safety is always paramount.”
