Educationalists meet

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 15, Issue 694, 8 July 1997, Page 18

Educationalists meet

The Ruapehu branch of the New Zealand Educational Institute meets regularly to discuss matters of national, regional and local concerns. One of the main objects of the Institute is to advance the course of education generally while upholding and maintaining the just claims of its members individually and collectively. Officers recently elected for 1997-98 are chairperson Ruth Jackson, secretary Audrie McKenzie, treasurer Joe Pohatu, delegate to Central West Region Grant Fountain, convenors for various educational groups in the area; support staff Lyn Fetzer, kindergarten Lynne Pope, Maori J Pohatu, rural principal Grant Fountain. Regular reports are received from those groups at each meeting. National, regional ancf social issues are discussed with the aim of improving conditions for the benefit of students and teachers in the area. Meetings are followed by professional development seminars including Treaty of Waitangi, liaison officers' training conducted by David Woottan (field officer). Other seminars coming up will be curriculum vitae writing and interviews and the new contract scheduled for November. The national conference of the NZEI is to be held in Wellington in September. Delegates will be Korty Wilson and Audrie McKenzie. Some issues which need to be addressed are shortage of trained teachers, the role of the Education Review Office (ERO), advice and support for school improvement. Support staff achievement week was held the week of 16-20 June. Support staff including teacher aides and school secretaries are an integral part of the smooth running of a school and their essential contribution enhanced by their diverse skills. At present students in local schools have been asked to designed a logo for the local branch.