Queenstown Times: Why did you want to become a board member and how long have you been in the role?
- Yvonne Gollop: I was approached almost two years ago to join the board of trustees. As the board is responsible for student achievement and ensuring the best educational outcomes for our pupils, due to some concerns I had at the time regarding the senior children's education, I jumped at the opportunity.
QT: What is the biggest issue facing Glenorchy School pupils and what do you want done to tackle it?
- YG: As far as I am concerned, the biggest issue is whether the pupils are enjoying learning. Glenorchy School pupils are thriving this year and as long we keep ensuring they are happy at school and enjoying learning at the same time, as well as growing and moving forward, that's all I want tackled - our teachers rock!
QT: Will National Standards improve a pupil's education at the school?
- YG: I believe that National Standards are an unnecessary hindrance on the teachers' ability to do their best work in the classroom. I am confident that our teachers identify the needs of each child in the classroom, taking measures to ensure that none are left behind.
Standards are a construct that do not necessarily identify the issues that need to be addressed or in context to the situation of each child. With or without them, our children have fantastic teachers and I know they will do their best for them.
QT: How would you describe the school's financial situation and what needs to be done to improve it?
- YG: The school's financial situation is stable. It is something that constantly requires work and careful budgeting - thankfully, we have a supportive community and PTFA.
QT: What are the advantages and disadvantages of Glenorchy School's distance from Queenstown?
- YG: The disadvantages of being at a distance from Queenstown are few and far between. The possibility of the annual dental clinic no longer coming here would be a serious disadvantage due to constraints both time-wise and financially for parents.
Our school could be considered disadvantaged when required to attend events out of town, such as athletics, due to the travelling time and the time required of participating parents.
Overall, I think the greatest advantage is that our kids get to grow up in a small supportive community and one big playground.
QT: How are pupils prepared for high school and are there more ways to familiarise them?
- YG: Pupils in their final year at school have come to a point where they become role models to the younger pupils. By year 8, we see students that are well-prepared as independent, critical thinkers, and that are encouraged to develop a sense of self-discipline.
I think by the end of their time at school they have gained all the skills necessary to achieve at high school. This is part of our mission statement "To ready all children for life" and we strive to achieve this through our vision and values of the school charter.
In all honesty, I think that nothing can really prepare them for high school, but with these strong core values taught throughout their schooling at Glenorchy, after the initial shock they will get by just fine - Glenorchy style!
QT: How can the community help Glenorchy School?
- YG: We are fortunate to have a very supportive community and could not hope to ask for more as they are already extremely generous in many ways.
Just need to keep the school roll steady - the community is doing a great job of this and we can look forward to seeing many new entrants in the coming years. And so it will follow that we will also gain some great new board members.
