Due to the threatened closure of the PVO school Ida Gerhardt Academy in Hoorn, the open days will not take place this weekend. A group of fanatical parents will not stop there. They organize two information evenings on their own. “We hope it becomes a madhouse.”
These are turbulent times for the PVO school (Personal secondary education) in the Hoorn Mission House. The location was assessed several times by the education inspectorate as weak or very weak. That, in combination with a low number of new students, ensures that the future of the school is high is uncertain. It is currently being examined whether the school can continue under the flag of Atlas College. More information about this should be known by mid-February.
Petition signed 900 times
Many parents and students worry for the survival of the school. And take action. A stuffed one petition was signed almost 900 times. Due to the unrest, the Pvo board decided to cancel the open days tomorrow and Saturday. And that really hurts the fanatical parents. They therefore organize information evenings on their own – without the cooperation of the school.
“Because we think it is very important that this school continues to exist,” says mother Estelle Bon from Noordbeemster in front of the school. “We brought a lot of flyers to schools,” says Marja van Gulik, also the mother of a student. “So people know that the information days on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon will continue as usual.” The information days are Friday from 7:00 PM and Saturday from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM.
‘You wish that for every child’
While the school is under fire from the education inspectorate for its poor performance, students and parents are fighting to preserve it. “We would also like to explain to interested parents that the weak assessment relates to the paper part, the administration. The quality of education is really more than adequate.”
Small classes, lots of personal attention and homework done at school. “A quiet school is something you want for every child,” says Bon. Her son – Nelisa from 4th VWO – does not want to think about a possible closure. “I would really, really hate it.”
It hasn’t gotten that far yet. The combative parents and students are ready to inform interested parties on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon. “We hope it will be a madhouse, that’s what we’re going for,” Van Gulik concludes enthusiastically.
School management praises parents’ action: “Heartwarming”
The management of the PVO school in Hoorn feels supported by the actions parents are taking to keep the school open. “It is heart-warming,” says school leader Wieneke van Veen. “We appreciate that the parents are so enthusiastic. Apparently we are not doing that badly, otherwise this would not happen.”