Principals respond to school criticism

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 511, 9 November 1993, Page 2

Principals respond to school criticism

Kangaroo court meeting? □ As a group the Ruapehu Principals' Association would like to respond to the letter from Mrs Bates published in last week's issue of the Bulletin. This group represents all principals in the area and its function is to promote an effective educational environment in this region. Mrs Bates in her tomments is looking at a wide range of issues which, although aimed specifically at one school, do impact on all schools in the area in some way. The new educational environment encourages greater parental/caregiver involvement in education and the avenue to influence policy and direction is through the Board of Trustees. Concerns expressed in last week's letter should be addressed to the trustees of that school and dialogue started at that level. A public meeting, even with a neutral chairperson suggest a 'kangaroo court' as-it is established in such a way that the outcomes are pre-ordained. Our students in the Waimarino deserve the best in education, schools and parents/caregivers can achieve this by working together through the board of trustees. Meetings of disaffected parents will achieve little, or more likely create bitterness that could prevent real progress

being made in our childrens' education.

Ruapehu Principals ' Association

Armistice Day □ Remembrance Day this year is the 75th anniversary of Armistice Day. On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month (this month), a celebration of peace and commemoration of those who gave their lives for peace in the Great War will be held in every community from North Cape to Bluff. I quote from the RSA Review, October 1993, that the New Zealand Returned Services Association has adopted the 75th anniversary as a special project and the Dominion Executive Committee has made five suggested projects, such as the synchronized sounding of church bells, sirens and other public alarm systems, precisely at Ilam - followed by one minute's silence (I will toll St Mary's bell). Another is the planting of a tree or shrub in a suitable public place. A new section of the church grounds at St Mary's, Raetihi, is presently being landscaped as as the hall near by holds a plaque to those who gave their lives during World War n, it makes the grounds a suitable site for planting. Any organisation, school, family, or person desiring to take up the Executives' suggestion to plant a shrub or tree (preferably native) in remembrance, is most

welcome to do so on this church site. It will be appropriately marked to record both the donor and the occasion. I can be contacted by phoning 3854 957.

The Reverend Bernard Cox Vicar of Ruapehu