24 November 2009

Dear Parents / Caregivers

B BLOCK UPGRADE NEWS

The upgrade of B Block is well underway and as a school community we can look forward to
modernised English and Media Studies teaching spaces. During the demolition phase
asbestos has been discovered which is not totally unexpected as this material was used in
many buildings built in the early 1960’s. As part of the upgrade, all asbestos will be removed
by a professional asbestos removal company before Christmas.

In discussion with the asbestos removal company re the process they will use to remove the
asbestos the Board of Trustees felt that it was important to communicate with parents and
whanau about what was taking place. The process will include part of the building being
encased in polythene with an airlock system put in place to trap whatever particles are
disturbed during the removal process. All debris is collected in heavy duty plastic bags
before being transported to the tip site in South Auckland.

Asbestos in lumps is not an issue and only becomes potentially hazardous when dust particles
become airborne. Asbestos poisoning is not the result of one off or short term exposure to
particles. Students repeatedly taught in B Block will not be at risk as the asbestos under the
ground was intact and any particles would remain trapped in the cavity under the floor.
If the school Board believed there was a health and safety risk for either staff or students
during the removal process then the decision would be made to close the school. This will
not be the case as we have received reassurance from the asbestos removal company that
due to their knowledge and extensive experience in undertaking work of this nature, there
should be no risk to anyone on site. The asbestos removal company works strictly in
accordance with all Department of Labour guidelines and recommendations and notify
them accordingly when work commences.

If you would like to find out more information about the removal of asbestos you can google:
“dol govt publications asbestos guidelines” or go directly to www.dol.govt.nz or
www.osh.dol.govt.nz to find answers to any questions you have.
Yours sincerely

G T MOORE
PRINCIPAL