Positive attitude for NP school

Ruapehu Bulletin, 13 April 1993, Page 12

Positive attitude for NP school

Staff of National Park School are working hard to promote a positive attitude in their school. While the role of 45 is considered small, staff strive to maintain an en-

vironment eonducive to learning. Enthusiasm exudes from the school' s three teachers whose efforts are supported by the PTA, Board of Trustees

and the surrounding cojnmunity. Principal Craig McDonald was appointed to the position above four other contenders, while working as a mo-

bile reserve teacher at the school at the beginning of the year. Mr McDonald taught at Ohakune School for three years before becoming a mobile reserve which saw him in a relieving capacity at a number of schools in the district. New to the region are teacher Clayton Elliot and his wife Jan, also a trained teacher. A keen adventurer, Mr Elliot is enthusiastic about National Park School' s current outdoor education programme and is keen to broaden the activities. Recently pupils spent the day with adventure company Plateau Guides, where they attempted such activities as abseiling, rock climbing and tent pitching. The school' s winter skiing is a wellestablished part of the programme. The school' s resident teacher, music instructor and netball coach, Joss Richardson, is the longest serving staff member with a total of four years at National

Park School. In an effort led by Mrs Richardson the school is searching for sponsorship of an official National Park School uniform, comprising trackpants and hooded sweatshirt, and carrying the school's emblem.

Computers National Park School boasts a total of five computers, about one to every 10 pupils, accessible to new entrants through to Form Two. Pupils may choose from a variety of programmes, including word process-

ing, language and reading improvement and maths, where it is possible for groups to produce basic spread sheets.The aim of the programme is to have all pupils competent, capable and com-,puter-literate upon entering college.