Queenstown Times: Why did you want to become a WHS board member?
Vanessa van Uden: "I consider that WHS is a core part of our community and wanted to be involved in ensuring that we continue to provide opportunities for all of our children to achieve in whatever area they choose."
QT: What changes do you envisage making to the way the school operates?
VvU: "Currently, from my perspective, wholesale changes to how the school operates are not needed. We have a caring and committed staff that go above and beyond the call of duty in developing and looking after our children.
"We need to complete the strategic plan and that will ultimately define what changes may need to be made in how the school operates in order to meet the community's expectations."
QT: What is the biggest issue facing WHS pupils?
VvU: "I think one of the biggest issues facing all of our children is learning to function in a rapidly changing world - something they are already probably better equipped to deal with than most of us. We need to ensure that when they leave WHS, they are equipped with all the skills we can possibly give them to function in a society where increasing knowledge and change are the norm."
QT: How is the structure of mixing age groups in classrooms working?
VvU: "In my opinion it is too early to be able to say. As a school, the outcomes achieved from this will need to be reviewed and reported to all of our students and parents.
"As a parent of children in these mixed classes, I think this practice has considerable benefit for all our children. It enables children to move ahead in subjects in which they excel while gaining additional assistance in subjects where they are not as strong.
"Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, the students are now able to have individual programmes that best meet their needs. As for the perceived social issues from mixed ages in one class, it seems to me the children are not overly concerned about it now that things have settled down."
QT: How would you describe the school's financial situation?
VvU: "As with all schools in New Zealand, we are underfunded and could deliver so much more to our students with appropriate levels of funding. Once again, there is a one-size-fits-all mentality and every school is funded on a standard formula.
"In my last three years on the board, we have frugally managed the finances in order to deliver the best possible outcomes for our students within the funding constraints. I think this will continue to be a focus, along with identifying and pursuing other possible sources of funding."
QT: What feedback have you heard from the community regarding priorities to focus on?
VvU: "Most of the feedback I have heard has focused around communication issues. The issue of mixed-age classes has resulted in a significant increase in interest in the school from the community.
"I think there is also a considerable interest in the outcomes achieved by our students and the need to continue the school's focus on student academic, cultural and sporting achievement.
"The culture of the school and the pride our children have in their school are also issues that are raised."
QT: Are they your priorities?
VvU: "They have been for the last three years and they will continue to be. We need to ensure our school enables all our children to achieve to their highest level, and ... all our school community needs to continue their commitment to that outcome."
QT: Do you think the school communicates effectively with the community?
VvU: "There is a need for improvement in this area from both the school and the community. The style and methods of communication from the school to the community can be further developed and improved.
"However, the community also has to be part of this improvement by providing feedback on what works and what doesn't, and by taking some responsibility for being informed themselves."
QT: How can the community assist the school?
VvU: "In my experience, we have a supportive community that are willing to help in whatever way when asked. Being willing to put your hand up when help is needed, whether it is coaching a team, helping with fundraising, or being involved in a working party to name but a few opportunities, is the best way that the community can assist."
ASK THE BOARD
Do you have questions for the new Wakatipu High School board of trustees or have issues you want to raise? Email your queries, with "Ask the Board" in the subject heading, to news@queenstowntimes.co.nz.
Send them, or drop them off, with the address Ask the Board, Otago Daily Times, PO Box 774, Queenstown. 9348.
