Aim to build on natural learning tendencies

St Joseph's School board of trustees parent representative Pauline Copland. Photo by James Beech.
St Joseph's School board of trustees parent representative Pauline Copland. Photo by James Beech.
St Joseph's School board of trustees parent representative Pauline Copland is concerned science, technology and the arts will have less focus in the future of national education.

Ms Copland has two children at the school and began co-chairing the PTA two weeks ago.

She tells James Beech she was born and raised in Gore, has lectured in tourism at the International Pacific College and has privately taught English language internationally for 20 years, most recently at ABC College of English in Queenstown.

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

Pauline Copland: I was asked to be a parent representative on the board mid-last year, to fill a position that had become vacant.

I have two children at the school in years 3 and 4 and have always been interested in education.

I see primary school as a very important stage in children's lives and took that opportunity to become more involved in that and to learn about the governance in today's schools.

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

PC: One of the major issues is preparing our children with the framework they will need for a rapidly changing and competitive world.

The ability to think outside the square and look outwardly to the world with confidence will be highly valuable as New Zealand evolves further in the global market.

Part of the education ethos at St Joseph's is [to] "light the fire, not fill the vessel", which I believe is about harnessing natural creative and learning tendencies and building on them.

I believe this forms a strong basis in a child's education in terms of enjoyment, expression and success.

Such motivations are invaluable in creating lifelong learners who will be able to adapt quickly and contribute in positive and creative ways.

QT: Will National Standards improve a pupil's education at the school?

PC: Education to me is about quality teaching and the supportive environment provided by family and community to allow potential to become talent.

National Standards will act as a signpost indicator with the real improvement coming down to how and what is taught.

I think National Standards will serve to highlight problem areas in our present education system and hopefully will mean that government funding in the future will provide teachers with the support ... for example, for students with learning differences.

I am concerned that other subjects such as science, technology, sport and the arts will have less focus in the future and that reporting under National Standards alone fails to inform parents of how their children are developing in all aspects of these formative years.

QT: Is a Catholic education relevant in today's society?

PC: I think developing spiritual awareness is important and is a skill for life.

They learn about caring for and valuing each other and [this] creates a sense of belonging - within the school and the community.

I feel it encompasses the "three Rs" of life we all need to learn: respect for self, respect for others and responsibility for your actions.

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

PC: As with most schools in the area, being decile 10 is a challenge in terms of funding.

I think we are very fortunate in that the school has a great sense of community and a very hardworking parent network.

The challenge is to strengthen and celebrate the relationships we have and foster new ones in the future.

QT: What benefits will the proposed Speargrass Flat campus bring to St Joseph's pupils and the community?

PC: To have this campus will allow an increased roll and a great natural environment for pupils with all the benefits of a modern school.

As population grows in the Wakatipu, a second campus will allow more families access to a Catholic education.

QT: What is your response to concerns by appellants the campus would increase traffic and noise and detrimentally affect the amenity?

PC: I think having a primary school as a neighbour would have far less impact than some other commercial and tourism ventures.

The school day is relatively short and weekends and holidays are quiet.

Significant traffic flows are limited to two times a day and schools don't have helicopters nor campervans.

QT: How can the community help St Joseph's School?

PC: Community is a fundamental part of this school.

We are continually amazed by the generosity we receive and are very grateful to have the support of local businesses and individuals.

I believe by continually improving communication channels with the school staff, PTA, the board, the parish and the wider community we can strengthen this relationship and create greater involvement.

 

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