News in Brief
news
Schools still uneasy about National Standards Almost half of the Boards of Trustees in New Zealand are still concerned about National Standards, according to a recent survey by the New Zealand Principals’ Federation (NZPF). The survey, completed prior to schools closing in December 2009, asked principals if their boards had discussed National Standards – 98 per cent were aware of the debate currently taking place about National Standards, and 70 per cent had discussed how the standards might impact their school. “Many of New Zealand’s school leaders remain seriously concerned about the negative impacts of the National Standards policy,” says NZPF president Ernie Buutveld. “49 per cent of all Boards who responded either have serious misgivings or some disquiet about the standards. Less than three per cent are prepared to say they unanimously support National Standards and the timeline as set out in NAG 2A,” he says. The survey findings reiterated a mid-year survey by the NZPF, where almost 90 per cent of school principals were either opposed to or had real concerns about National Standards. Buutveld says the survey results are damning news for the National Standards policy. “Boards of Trustees are charged with the governance of our children’s education. Half
Room 20 from Dawson School in Otara with their successful strawberries.
of them still have concerns about National Standards, even after informed discussion. Surely these results show both the Minister and her Ministry that this policy needs to be halted and trialled before any decision is taken to fully implement across the country.”
Dawson school gets growing Room 20 from Dawson School in Otara, Auckland has won $10,000 in the Fresh n Fruity national education programme which encouraged students to grow strawberries over a nine week period. The class was chosen because of the sheer volume of work and the creativity involved in the students entry.
The school plans to use the money to build a kitchen so that students can learn how to cook healthy, nutritious meals. “We are ecstatic that we won,” says teacher, Janine Pieterse. “The students put a huge amount of effort into this initiative and it is a great surprise for us all.” The Fresh n Fruity Get Growing programme was designed to get students involved in gardening and learn skills involved in growing fruit.
Bright sparks wanted Applications are now open for Variety – The Children’s Charity’s Gold Heart Scholarship Programme, which provides talented Kiwi
kids who are sick, disabled or disadvantaged with $5,000 and matches them with a mentor to help them to reach their goals. “CMC Markets will once again generously fund six educational scholarships and we look forward to receiving applications from young Kiwis aged up to 18 who are interested in pursuing dreams in the education field, as well as in the fields of music, art and sport,” says Variety CEO Lorraine Taylor. One of the many inspirational recipients of the scholarship is Daniel Holt, who recently returned from the Paralympic World Championships with a bronze medal. His motto is “put in the miles, reap the rewards” and, with this in mind, he is well on target to fulfill his dream to be at the 2012 Paralympics in London. His visual impairment due to albinism has not stood in the way of his dreams and Blind Sport CEO Ray McLeod says Daniel’s future in his chosen sport is promising and he is on track to compete in the 2011 IBSA World Championships and the 2012 London Paralympics. Applications for the 2010 Variety Gold Heart Scholarship programme close on March 31, 2010. For further information or to download an application form, please go to www.variety.org.nz.
Trades get the thumbs up
Daniel Holt with his mentor Helen Norfolk and her Commonwealth medal.
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school news Issue 09 - Term 1 - 2010
Careers in the trades, technical and associated professions get the thumbs up by 16-year-old students according to a recent survey by the New Zealand Council for Educational X Research (NZCER).
