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UPDATED 8.20AM: Christchurch's Mayor says they'll be working closely in the Ministry of Education over the possible relocation of Redcliffs school.

Minister Hekia Parata announced yesterday the school would remain open, however it may need to shift to an alternative site.

LISTEN ABOVE: Redcliffs principal Rose McInerney speaks to Mike Hosking 

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Mayor Lianne Dalziel said she's already indicated to the minister the council will do everything they can to facilitate the decision to keep the school open.

She said if nearby Barnett Park is to be considered as an alternative site, they'll need to consult carefully with the local community.

However she said seeing as the community had been prepared for the worst, the news is a huge relief.

School board member Darren Fidler said it was an emotional day for the community, which has stuck by the school despite it being off limits since the February 2011 quake, owing to the risk of rock fall.

"We've had to do a lot of work to demonstrate that we've got a solution, and now the ministry's acknowledged that they're happy to work with us to either go with that solution or find a better one, and that's all we've wanted all along."

School parent Ria Wayne has a nine-year-old son at the school and said the decision feels miraculous, and they have much to be grateful for.

"We are hugely grateful to the staff for providing such a supportive environment for our kids and to that board who have just put hours and hours of work and emotional energy into addressing the minister's concerns."