The role of schools in disaster settings: Learning from the 2010-2011 New Zealand earthquakes

This article draws from detailed qualitative case studies of five schools as they responded to the devastating earthquakes in Christchurch, New Zealand throughout 2010 and 2011. Three key themes emerged from a cross-case analysis. The first theme is the place of the school in a community's disaster response and recovery. The second is the leadership role of principals and teachers in disaster response and recovery. The final theme is how schools support the emotional recovery of staff and students. The article concludes with recommendations for wider recognition of the potential that schools hold for disaster response and recovery.