The teachers' representation of the school's board of trustees talks to James Beech about the issues facing the school.
Queenstown Times: Why did you want to become a board member and how long have you been in the role?
Kirsten Moore: I have been in the role since 2008. I wanted to broaden my understanding of how a school is governed. I knew that St Joseph's was being effectively governed by a supportive board of trustees and wanted to be a part of this.
QT: What is the biggest issue facing St Joseph's School pupils and what do you want done to tackle it?
KM: The biggest issue facing our pupils is that we live in a digital world that is rapidly changing. At St Joseph's, we want our children to be confident learners that are able to effectively communicate in a variety of different ways and have understanding, ownership and responsibility for their learning.
The school has excellent teaching staff who are tackling this issue by continually taking part in professional development and keeping up to date with the latest pedagogy and resources.
At St Joseph's, everyone works together to promote the effective use of information and communication technologies and continues to develop the school's IT systems to improve the children's education.
QT: Will National Standards improve a pupil's education at the school?
KM: St Joseph's School has always striven to lift achievement in numeracy and literacy as well as other learning areas; therefore we are simply continuing this.
National Standards won't improve a child's education; it is one way of assessing and monitoring their progress.
QT: Is a Catholic education relevant in today's society?
KM: Yes - as a school with a special character we aim to work together with the children's whanau to ensure that the children develop values such as honesty and respect.
There is a strong sense of belonging at our school which is fostered through our Catholic teachings and beliefs.
QT: How would you describe the school's financial situation and what needs to be done to improve it?
KM: Our school's finances are managed very effectively by the board. We are, however, constantly thinking of innovative ways that we can operate.
We are assisted by many fundraising events that are carried out by our school community and supported by the wider community.
I believe the Government is yet to allocate sufficient funds to schools in our area. However, we are very productive and manage very well.
QT: What benefits will the proposed Speargrass Flat campus bring to St Joseph's pupils and the community?
KM: The benefits will be the ability to develop and grow our school with extra space. One of the advantages of being a new school is that it will have the latest equipment and design to enhance learning.
QT: What is your response to concerns by appellants the campus would increase traffic and noise and detrimentally affect the amenity?
KM: Queenstown is a place of growth and we need to look forward with a view of the future. Change is imminent and I believe that in the future there could be worse sounds than happy children on such a site. Traffic noise would be limited and would only be during two times of the day with there being none during the holiday periods.
QT: How can the community help St Joseph's School?
KM: By continuing to get behind our school and supporting our children and the school events. This has been done by making generous donations, attending school functions and offering assistance during our education outside the classroom experiences.
We also receive encouraging correspondence when the children have done something positive in the community. This is greatly appreciated and always passed on to the children to show them that what they do makes a difference.
