My daughter is set to start at Timaru Girls High School in 2026. We've carefully considered our educational options and concluded that this school aligns best with our values and needs. Now, with only three viable alternatives being either co-ed or not aligning with our religious beliefs, having this option altered disrupts our family's plans profoundly.

Timaru Girls High School has long been a bastion of quality education and a safe learning environment for many young women. Its long-standing reputation is built on academic excellence, diverse extracurricular activities, and fostering a community where girls thrive. The recent zoning changes threaten to undermine this established institution's ability to serve its current and future students.

This decision directly affects families who have structured their lives around the expectations of this school's availability and the unique opportunities it offers. The change restricts access not only geographically but also socially, forcing families into difficult decisions that may compromise their children's educational paths. In 2004 Pleasant Point High school was closed but we were told the options would still be available to us. If this goes ahead it could cause many parents to have to move into the zoning areas and reduce the community spirit we have here.

Evidence shows that specialized institutions like Timaru Girls High School contribute significantly to student success, particularly for young women seeking an environment tailored to their educational and personal development needs. The disruption caused by this zoning change poses risks not only to educational outcomes but to the social fabric of families in Timaru.

We urge the government to reconsider this zoning decision in light of its far-reaching implications. It's crucial to maintain the accessibility of Timaru Girls High School for those it's ideally suited to serve. Families deserve the freedom to choose educational institutions that align with their values and future aspirations.

Sign this petition to protect the educational choices available to us in Timaru and to preserve the integrity of an esteemed school that stands as a pillar in our community. Let's ensure that Timaru Girls High School remains accessible to all who wish to benefit from its unique advantages.