An active role in the school

Arrowtown School board of trustees parent representative Chris Clark. Photo by James Beech.

Queenstown Times: Why did you want to become a board member and how long have you been in the role?

Chris Clark: I was elected on to the board of trustees in May this year.

I enjoyed my involvement with the Arrowtown Preschool and after talking to a member of the previous board, the seed was sown.

Being a member of the board allows me to take an active role in the direction of our school and to protect and enhance the great environment and achievements of our children.

QT: What is the biggest issue facing Arrowtown School pupils and what do you want done to tackle it?

CC: Both keeping their education at a pace that matches the developments in technology, and encouraging self expression through sport, arts and culture.

The world has changed so fast in relation to learning aids over the past decade, I believe it is important to ensure that we provide an educational environment that both implements new technology and teaches children how to learn in a world where information is just a key stroke away.

However, most importantly, we need to provide and encourage balance for our children in both the virtual and real worlds.

QT: Will national standards improve a pupil's education at the school?

CC: No, great teachers in a supportive and well resourced environment along with parents who are encouraging will improve a child's education.

National Standards measure our children against "aspirational" standards that will vary from school to school.

The teaching staff at the school have successfully implemented the standards over a very short period of time, however, I have concerns that the reporting may get in the way of teaching.

QT: How would you describe the school's financial situation and what needs to be done to improve it?

CC: As a decile 10 state school we receive limited funding from the Government.

Thankfully, we have a supportive community and PTA fundraising helps bridge the gap.

As a board, we are strategising to make the limited dollars go as far as possible.

QT: What needs to be done to cater for Arrowtown School's growing enrolment?

CC: Families in the Wakatipu are provided with excellent schooling options.

Arrowtown has a growing population of 5 to 12-year-olds, we have just completed an additional classroom and have plans for further classrooms as the roll grows.

QT: How can the community help Arrowtown School?

CC: Schools are the heart of a community, having a well supported school correlates to the health of the community.

It's wonderful to have such a strong community that gets in behind our school.

By supporting and being involved in the school through our PTA and their initiatives, they will greatly benefit the school and the projects that we have on the drawing board.