新西兰英语 665 Changes to schools in Christchurch

 　　Last week, the Minister of Education, Hekia Parata, announced some very big changes to schools in Christchurch. Everyone knew some schools would have to close because families have moved since the earthquake. Also some school buildings are damaged and some land is not safe to re-build on. However, nobody expected the big changes that the Minister announced. Thirty-one schools – about 20% of the schools in Christchurch – will either close or merge¹ with another school at the end of this year.

　　The Minister gave four possibilities for the future of two single-sex schools in the red zone – Avonside Girls’ High School and Shirley Boys’ High School. They are waiting for a report on their land to see if it is possible to re-build there.

　　Many people are upset, especially if their school is not badly damaged and houses in their area not badly damaged. Schools are part of the local community. Neighbourhood children go to school together and play together, parents become friendly with other parents. Schools have a Parent-Teacher Association² and they organize activities together.

　　The Minister did not explain why four intermediate³ schools will close. It is possible the government would like to change intermediate schools – make them three years instead of two or close them instead.

　　The Minister said that these are proposals⁴ and she will listen to what parents say.

　　Vocabulary

　　merge – join together

　　neighbourhood – local area

　　intermediate schools – Years 7 and 8

　　proposal – possible plan

1 merge   

v.(使)结合，(使)合并，(使)合为一体

参考例句：

• I can merge my two small businesses into a large one.我可以将我的两家小商店合并为一家大商行。
• The directors have decided to merge the two small firms together.董事们已决定把这两家小商号归并起来。

2 association   

n.联盟，协会，社团；交往，联合；联想

参考例句：

• Our long association with your company has brought great benefits.我方和贵公司的长期合作带来了巨大的利益。
• I broke away from the association ten years ago.我10年前就脱离了那个团体。

3 intermediate   

adj.中间的，居间的，中级的；n.中间体，媒介物

参考例句：

• This country is now at an intermediate stage of development.这个国家目前正处于发展的中间阶段。
• Gray is intermediate between black and white.灰色介于黑色和白色之间。

4 proposals   

n.提议( proposal的名词复数 )；推荐；求婚；赞成提案

参考例句：

• The director has given her assent to the proposals. 负责人已表示同意提案。
• The police gave the proposals their full backing. 警方对这些提案给予全力支持。