By Simon Clarke | Posted: Tuesday September 20, 2016
New Zealand teachers and principals in unison on the proposed "Global Budget" for schools.
Another term has flown by with many highlights. Our Kapa Haka had a fantastic performance at the Polyfest and our sporting and academic teams have performed with distinction.
We farewell Emily Larkins and wish her all the best for her next exciting challenge and welcome back Sonya Menzies who will be teaching in Room 10 for the remainder of the year. Tony Reid has also tended his resignation for next year but his services will not be lost to the school as he will be working two days a week supporting senior teachers with their role. Both of these jobs have been advertised and we will announce the successful applicants next term.
You may have seen in the media that the teachers and principals across the country in both primary and secondary schools have rejected the Ministry's proposed funding plan and asked the Ministry to go
back to the drawing board.
“This funding proposal has created unprecedented concern – and unity – across the education sector. Educators see no benefits but great risks to education if bulk funding was to go ahead,” says NZEI President Louise Green. "We feel passionately about this. Educators are standing up for our students, and we will not be satisfied until bulk funding is off the table and our education system is adequately funded to ensure the best education possible for every child."
What is especially pleasing to see is that the campaign will focus on better funding rather than how we are funded to ensure the best outcomes for all students. All schools in New Zealand have had their funding frozen for next year and this unfortunately makes events such as the upcoming fair even more important. It should not be up to the community to raise funds to not only purchase the "extra" items that improve your child's learning such as the chatbus but in many cases fund essential services like our teacher aides and field trips.
Thank you for your understanding and support on this important topic. I hope that the Ministry will listen to our concerns and focus on creating an even better education system.
We look forward to seeing you all again next term.
Simon Clarke
Principal