Ohakune Primary School rethinks role

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 537, 24 May 1994, Page 6

Ohakune Primary School rethinks role

Ohakune Primary School will provide for the learning and social needs of the children of the community, within an environment which recognises all elements of a childcentred education. That is the mission statement of Ohakune Primary School, formulated during the charter review which parents and staff of the school recently completed. The reviewed mission statement and goals are now open for comment from the community, although school principal Ellen Gould said that was not an invitation to overturn the review. She said it was an opportunity for people to point out any omissions or errors. Then it would be up to the staff to work to implement the goals set out in the review document. Mrs Gould pointed out that there would be many things not covered in the review that appear in the national guidelines. People who would like to comment on the review can write to the school. Under the mission statement are nine sub-heading goals with up to three goals under each sub-heading. They are: Heritage Goal 1: To develop in children an appreciation of the place in which they live and the surrounding environment. Goal 2: To develop in children a pride in their own culture and a respect for the cultures of others. Goal 3: To recognise the good intent of the partnership of the Treaty or Waitangi, throughout the school. Partnership Goal 1: To communicate regularly with parents, caregivers and the wider community. Goal 2: To encourage the active participation of these people in school activities. Goal 3:To consult with and provide feedback to all groups in the community when it is appropriate to do so. Equity Goal 1 : To provide equal educational opportunities for all children at OPS. Goal 2: To recognise and acknowledge the unique qualities of each individual and the contribution they make to the corporate life of this school. Goal 3: To recognise and address the particular learning needs of Maori pupils. Programmes Goal 1 : To develop programmes of the highest possible quality. Goal 2: To provide learning experiences which motivate and challenge children, and reflect a child-centred approach. Skiils: Goal 1: To help children develop a broad base of essential learning skiils. Goal 2: To develop in children a love of learning and an understanding that learning is a life long activity. Assessment Goal 1 : To regularly monitor and assess achievement of and with individual children. Goal 2: To set realistic and attainable learning goals so that all children have success and enjoy their work. Goal 3: To ensure that standards of work arecomparable with standards throughout New Zealand. Resources Goal 1: To provide the resources necessary for the implementation of quality programmes. Goal 2: To identify likely resources and learning opportunities in the local environment and utilise them when appropriate. Goal 3 : To keep abreast of the developments in technology and ensure that the children are given instruction in their use. Climate Goal 1 : To provide a school environment which is safe

and supportive, and where all children can grow in confidence and self esteem. Goal 2: To establish a behaviour management system which is firm, fair and consistent. - With the chart of goals is a list of parent's suggestions which Mrs Gould said were included in almost all cases, though not necessarily with the same wording. These suggestions included: awareness of environment; equity for the school; global awareness; up with the average NZ children; equitable learning opportunities; high achievement standards; recognised ways of measuring achievement; high standard of academic achievement; aiming to meet national standards; respect for own culture and heritage; using community resources to best effect; using school' s resources effectively; inclusive programmes; Ohakune children not disadvantaged; highest quality learning; planning involvement for children; incorporate learning through projects; use children' s interests and knowledge; today's study relevant to the future; children becoming self motivated; learning should be fun and enjoyable; learning through discovery; challenging yet attainable programmes; knowledge of health and nutrition; children can adapt to change; develop problem solving ability, computer and technology literate; good practical skiils, good physical and sporting skiils, a broad

base of skiils; learning to learn; small classes; straight classes; one-age classes; regular hortiework; informative reporting; stronger form of discipline; respect for authority and others; develop listening skiils; develop leadership and knowing when to follow; Show how to turn negative situation into positive one; ensure childrerihave necessary social skiils for a changing world; co-operative environment; co-operate and abide by the law; reinforce positive behaviour; mix with peers confidently; learn manners and show respect; be responsible and show independence.