Nelson Weekly Your Community Newspaper
Tuesday 5 June 2012
Doctors give back
Page 9 Page 22-23
Teacher staff cuts ‘brainless’ Nelson principals have not been shy on technology in schools. “I’m comtaking a swing at the government’s mitted to working with the schools plan to cut funding for technology in finding a solution that ensures teachers – now they also have Nel- that our children continue to get acson’s MP on their side. cess to the technology classes.” A fortnight ago the government He acknowledges that it will take released its budget which showed some time, but Nick wanted to enclassroom sizes across primary and sure parents of his commitment to intermediate classes would be set at technology education being retained. 27.5. That meant more than “The practical nature of tech600 schools would be forced nology classes is very imto sack at least one teacher, portant for children making but intermediate class sizes that transition into college. would actually get smaller – It provides an opportunity until further investigation. for kids to learn a new set of The new policy allowed no skills and will be the foundaroom for technology teachtions for our children being ers, which take woodwork, the skilled trades’ people that Nelson MP metalwork, cooking, perwe need in the future. Nick Smith. forming arts, visual arts and “The impact has not been some science classes. It’s a move fully appreciated by the Ministry of being labelled as “devastating” and Education and that’s where the gov“downright stupid” by Nelson prin- ernment has more work to do.” cipals. The announcement comes on the Nelson MP Nick Smith says he has back of recent government spending had “constructive” meetings with the on technology centres like the one principals of Nelson’s intermediate that was opened this year at Nelson schools and that clearly the Minis- College. try of Education had not “thought SEE PAGE 3 through” the impact of the changes
Nelson Bays wins
WINTER RACE MEET
Page 20
Friday 8 & Sunday 10 June
DIGGING INTO THE BOOK FAIR: Emma Hollis, above, was one of thousands who still honour the value of the printed word, with the opening for this year’s book fair the “busiest ever.” The book fair volunteers work all year to sort the estimated 30 tonnes of books into over 50 categories. “The turn out’s been amazing. A lot of people have e-readers, but to
have a nice book, especially an old book, has a feel that just can’t be replicated,” says Jo McNabb of Hunter Ralfe Lawyers, who this year have forged a partnership with the annual event. The fair, which opened for the Queen’s Birthday weekend, will run through to this Sunday at Founders Park. Photo: Rosie Thomsen.
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