Call for meeting

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 510, 2 November 1993, Page 3

Call for meeting

• Recently it was necessary for me to consult the principal of the Ohakune Primary School over a matter which caused me grave concern. Afterwards I suggested to her that in view of the changes taking place in education nationally and locally it might be time for an agenda to be put together and a meeting held at which parents could freely and reasonably have their say. I have not heard from her since so this is my suggested agenda. • Vertical grouping: The new curriculum documents are divided into different levels. The pupil will find his/her own level and work from there. Pupils in one class or of the same age may be at different

'levels'. Add vertical grouping to this and it seems to be a recipe for utter confusion. My personal theory is that in most cases a student's level is really only a reflection of the teacher's ability to teach or inspire an interest in any given subject. Normally a year with the occasional 'less able' teacher shouldn't do too much harm but with vertical grouping, a child can be stuck with the same teacher for a number of years. This can be harmful where there is a personality clash between a pupil and a teacher. Lastly, what do forms I and II pupils think about vertical grouping? • The Maori content: The Maori curriculum, which is an excellent document, states that all parents must be consulted over the amount of Maori content to be taken by non-Maori - that's my interpretation anyway - and I dare say

that would include the amount of finance to be spent on any bi-lingual or total immersion classes, used from the general grant. If any parents are interested in having a meeting on neutral ground, perhaps the Lions' Den, and chaired by an impartial chairman, would they please ring 385-8461 or 3858861 and say what day and time in November would suit them and what they would like to be discussed. A parents' meeting will be held at 8.00pm Wednesday November 10th at the Lions' Den, Arawa Street. Captain Richard Taylor, Director of the Army Museum and a member of the Army Education Corps, has kindly consented to chair the meeting. The agenda will be: 1. Vertical grouping 2. Maori content 3. Skills for adolescence 4. Kiwi sport

5. Anything else parents would like discussed. All parents and members . of staff, or others interested in education are most welcome to attend.

June

Bates