PRINCIPAL'S ADDRESS

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 24, 13 November 1984, Page 12

PRINCIPAL'S ADDRESS

At his fourth prize-giving speech as principal of Ruapehu College, Mr Michael Warbrick reviewed the accomplishments since 1981 and outlined some of the challenges ahead. In his first year as principal he said that he felt it was important to share his aspirations for the College ... "a school which has become an important fapet of my life and one that I cherish deeply," The following year, at the 1982 prize-giving, he had addressed himself to pupil success, the school's building programme, the College Board and the Parent/ Teacher Association as well as the then problem of truancy. The theme for 1983 dealt with the cornerstone of any school fr1' its people — pupils, staff, parents and the ommunity. In reviewing the achievements Mr Warbrick said that "we have all worked hard over the years with one goal in mind — that Ruapehu College should be an establishment that

commands respect and one in which we all share considerable pride. Mr Warbrick said that he was one of several who did some soul-searching during the long winter term when four permanent teachers were lost to the staff. However, in seeking replacement staff it has been reassuring to be able to pick and choose from those who want to teach at Ruapehu College, he said. Within the last few months the College has been able to appoint teachers with excellent qualifications in spite of acute staff shortages in the secondary teaching service. "I suggest that if our reputation was suspect we would not be able to attract staff," he said. "But we would be completely naive if we thought that the College was perfect. It is not. We must ask ourselves if the curriculum we offer really meets the needs of our pupils." And despite fund-raising efforts by pupils, staff and the PT A, the College never has enough money to buy those teaching aids that other schools seem to have, he said.

The upgrading of the College buildings will continue to provide an improved environment for more effective learning and teaching as well as to provide a boost to morale. "Of continuing concern however is the truancy problem which still besets the school despite the endeavours made to have parents redlise that their children will be disadvantaged in the future." In closing Mr Warbrick said that people are at their best when faced with challenge. "I do not look forward to the day when we who make up Ruapehu College have met all challenges for where do we go then?