Burnside High School will close on Thursday and Friday following the temporary closure of two of its classroom blocks, known as I and J block.

It follows concerning seismic assessment reports.

The reports, drafted by engineering consultancy BECA for the Ministry of Education, revealed that both blocks fall significantly below the New Building Standard (NBS) for earthquake safety, posing a potential risk to students and staff.

The detailed seismic assessments were part of a broader investigation into the weathertightness of the buildings, conducted by BECA.

Initially assessed in 2014, Blocks I and J were found to have ratings of 50%NBS and 57%NBS, respectively.

However, under new national seismic guidelines introduced in 2017, buildings must now maintain an earthquake rating above 34%NBS to be considered safe.

The recent drafts indicate that both buildings stand at a mere 15%NBS, far below the minimum requirement.

In response to these findings, the school’s board has decided to close the entire school on Thursday, March 21, and Friday, March 22, to allow time for reconfiguration.

The school plans to reopen on Monday, March 25, with new timetables and teaching locations.

Chris Wallace, the Board deputy chair and chair of the property sub-committee, emphasised that the safety of students and staff is the school’s utmost priority, acknowledging the short notice and potential disruption to families.

The closure affects 24 classrooms, nearly a quarter of the school’s teaching space.

The measure comes as the Christchurch City Council is expected to classify both blocks as earthquake-prone, a designation that would significantly impact the school’s operations and the community’s trust in the safety of these buildings.

Principal Scott Haines shared the school’s plan to minimise disruption, including rostering one Year level per day to study from home for the three weeks leading to the end of the school term.

Special arrangements will be made for Year 9 students who cannot be left at home alone.

Haines also outlined a temporary adjustment to the school day for Term 2, dividing it into two sessions for junior and senior students respectively, until the new Pukehinau Block opens in July.

The decision reflects a broader concern for safety over convenience, a sentiment previously echoed by Lincoln High School’s board in 2021 when faced with a similar situation.