Queenstown Times: Why did you want to become a board member and how long have you been in the role?
James Lynch: Earlier this year, I accepted a nomination as a parent representative on the board.
As the father of two boys at St Joseph's, I am pleased to have this opportunity to support the school and to become more involved in the school community.
I see being a trustee as an excellent way in which to learn more about how the school functions and to contribute to its governance.
QT: What is the biggest issue facing St Joseph's School pupils and what do you want done to tackle it?
JL: As technologies advance, and learning strategies change, it is important that our children have exposure to these, in order to understand and adapt to the challenges of a global community.
St Joseph's, like all schools, must strive to provide the resources and opportunities to extend its pupils academically, physically and socially.
I believe a balanced approach to education is important.
Children need acknowledgement of their successes and support and encouragement in their challenges.
As parents, and as a community, I believe we have a responsibility to ensure that every opportunity is made available to help the school achieve this.
QT: Will National Standards improve a pupil's education at the school?
JL: I see the National Standards as an assessment tool that can allow educators to reflect on progress within a defined framework.
I do not, however, see it as the definitive result for an individual or, for the school, as a whole.
As a board, it is important that we continue to see St Joseph's strive for excellence in education.
The gauge of this excellence will come from a whole multitude of indicators.
I believe the yardstick for assessing standards that will remain relevant and most understood is feedback from staff, parents and pupils in an open and supportive environment.
After all the hard work and effort put in to implementing these National Standards, it would be hopeful that the Government follows through with more support and timely funding.
QT: Is a Catholic education relevant in today's society?
JL: Yes.
Catholic education gives pupils and their families a real sense of identity and belonging.
I believe that a spiritual focus within the school encourages a deeper perspective and the development of self-belief and personal values.
It provides children with an understanding of what it is to follow truth and to be a proud, caring member of our society.
QT: What benefits will the proposed Speargrass Flat campus bring to St Joseph's pupils and the community?
JL: The limited physical space at St Joseph's has been a long-standing problem.
It has meant constraints on roll numbers despite ongoing demand by families wanting a Catholic education for their children.
Schools connect communities and a second campus at Speargrass Flat will allow many more families to benefit from this special education experience.
A Speargrass Flat campus will also offer our children the space in which to excel physically and truly experience the gifts that living and learning in the Wakatipu Basin afford.
QT: What is your response to concerns by some the campus would increase traffic and noise and detrimentally affect the amenity?
JL: Given the recent level of development within the Speargrass area and its surrounds, I see less impact on, and more benefit for, the local community in allowing a school to exist here rather than any number of possible commercial alternatives.
The traffic, unlike that related to commercial operations, would be domestic, predictable and periodic.
