Waiouru school moving forward despite parental apathy

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 587, 23 May 1995, Page 10

Waiouru school moving forward despite parental apathy

By

Michele

Monaghan

The recent annual general meeting of the W aiouru Primary School Board of Trustees was attended by one parent. "That' s upsetting, out of 200 parents," said new BoT chairman Mark Eagle. Mr Eagle said he will shortly be putting pen to paper in an effort to gain more parent support. At the meeting held on 3 May (the last week of term), school principal Tauri Morgan presented his report for the 1994 year. Mr Morgan said he was proud to announce that the increase of unruly behaviour during 1993 had been turned around in 1994. Mr Morgan said staff now celebrate appropriate behaviour and inappropriate behaviour is dealt with using a programme called 'Right Choice' .

Mr Morgan said high turnoverof staff at Waiouru Primary was a fact of life, making it difficult to maintain continuity and deliver the national curriculum. For the first time in 10 years two vacancies at the school failed to attract any applicants despite being advertised nationally. He said there is a national shortage of teachers at the moment. Mr Morgan said that a rewrite of the school charter is being studied by BoT members before being made available to parents and caregivers. The development of planning and development strategies will include consulting with parents, he said. Mr Morgan said school pupils in the past year have been involved in a school junior council. They have participated in the DARE (drug abuse related education), Keeping Ourselves Safe and

New Zealand Education Trust programmes. The pupils have been communicating with New Zealand peace-keepers overseas and have been involved in national curriculum initiatives he added. National curriculum initiatives for the whole school include: 1994 mathematics and science, 1995 science, English and Maori languages, 1995/ 96 technology and social studies. Mr Morgan said that Waiouru Primary is a civil defence post and it is hoped a civil defence plan will be completed soon. Two mini exercises were conducted last year, he said. Outgoing BoT chairman Garry Clayton presented his report. He said two constant themes exist for Waiouru Primary — the relatively high turnover of staff and pupils along with continued progress. He said those involved with the manage-

ment of the school have been directed by one simple underlying philosophy. "To provide the best learning environment possible for each and every one of the 364 students enrolled." Mr Clayton said a sub-committee of BoT members had been formed to keep the school' s charter current. This sub-committee has also been charged with reviewing, and where necessary rewriting, school policy documents. Mr Clayton told the meeting sufficient volunteers came forward to fill positions for this year's BoT elections. However there were not enough volunteers to necessitate a ballot being held and all nominees were appointed as board members. He said staffing levels stood at 17.2 full time Continued on page 12

Waiouru school moving forward

Continued from page 10

permanent teachers assisted by three teacher aides. During 1994 five new teachers arrived and an additional eight held relieving positions. Mr Clayton said during the year the junior department had been totally refurbished internally as had the corridor in the senior department. The boiler reticulation system was also totally upgraded and approval has been granted for new playgrounds in both the junior and senior departments. Mr Clayton said the low incidence of vandalism in the school suggested that upgrading had engendered a sense of pride and respect for the facilities that have been provided. The school' s operating budget of $215,000 last year was sufficient for general operating but left little for

any significant initiatives, Mr Clayton said. He said the wider community will have to offer their support and enthusiasm to fund-raise for future initiatives. In the last year the major achievements which stand out are equipment purchases and curriculum developments. The ongoing purchase of computers and developments in the science curriculum will ensure students are confident and comfortable with the constant changes occurring around them, said Mr Clayton. The board was told of the urgent need to continue with a parent teacher group. Background information will be circulated to householders this term. Wednesday 24 May has been set aside for those interested in forming a parent-teacher group.