Fund helps boost staff

New Wakatipu High School arts co-ordinator Emma Tyler. Photos supplied.
New Wakatipu High School arts co-ordinator Emma Tyler. Photos supplied.
The appointment of three new members of staff at Wakatipu High School has been made possible with the help of funding from the Wakatipu High School Foundation.

The foundation, formed in October to promote excellence, will give $65,000 to the school to help fund a full-time sports co-ordinator, a part-time arts co-ordinator and an e-learning co-ordinator.

Foundation chairman Mark Taylor said the first funding announcement recognised the school needed immediate and annual funding, but the foundation also wanted to establish an endowment fund to provide for perpetual income.

School principal Steve Hall, also an advisory trustee, said the foundation had set about establishing staffing positions which would deliver positive outcomes to pupils.

''This community values sport highly and a sports council has been formed at the school comprised of members of staff, the community and the board to support the delivery of high-quality sport and lift participation,'' Mr Hall said.

''With the foundation helping fund the role of a full-time sports co-ordinator, we'll be able to deliver a more structured programme, which is fantastic news.

New Wakatipu High School sports co-ordinator Hayley Ward (left) and e-learning co-ordinator Peggy...
New Wakatipu High School sports co-ordinator Hayley Ward (left) and e-learning co-ordinator Peggy Fitzgerald.
''The arts is also very important and equally valued, so funding a part-time role means we'll be able to promote and deliver more opportunities around music, the arts, performing arts and drama.

''Our ultimate aim is to have all students involved in some form of sports and arts which fits with our strategic goals of what the community wants and what the kids are interested in.

Mr Hall said e-learning was ''massive'' in education and the way of the future.

''Students have access to information and knowledge 24/7 these days and this has the potential to completely change education in the classroom and when and how kids learn.

''Our primary role is to have a pathway and a strategy in place to harness these opportunities.''

More than three-quarters of senior pupils brought their own devices to class, he said.

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