The principal and trustee tells James Beech education will be improved by good teachers and parents who motivate pupils, rather than tests, such as National Standards.
Queenstown Times: Why did you want to become a board member and how long have you been in the role?
Melody Hart: I became a board member in 2007 when I took over the principal's role. I am thrilled to be a part of a board which has a huge vision for our school.
We see ourselves as pioneers for the future generation, prepared to put in a huge effort to lay excellent foundations for a school where biblical truths and high academic standards form the basis for all our education.
QT: What is the biggest issue facing Southern Lakes Christian School (SLCS) pupils and what do you want done to tackle it?
MH: All children in New Zealand are faced with the pressures of a society that selfishly demands and expects instant gratification and constant entertainment, have few boundaries and little or no consequences for wrong actions; many have a lack of purpose or meaning to their lives.
At SLCS, we desire to help parents raise, train and empower their children to love God and be compassionate towards their fellow beings, and to be good stewards of the gifts, talents and resources God has given them.
We encourage students to commit to a life of service for God, ready to both serve and lead as responsible members of their family and community.
QT: Will National Standards improve a pupil's education at the school?
MH: There is a huge debate regarding National Standards. At SLCS, although we ultimately support the Ministry of Education in their implementation of National Standards, we do not believe that a set of tests will raise the standards of pupils' education. It is through good teachers and parents who are dedicated enough to motivate pupils to achieve their unique potential that education will be improved.
QT: How would you describe the school's financial situation and what needs to be done to improve it?
MH: This situation has often been precarious, and we have learnt to make the best of the resources we have, buying what we need, not what we want.
With the financial injection we will receive from the ministry, we will have more freedom in pursuing our vision for the school without constantly cutting corners. We will continue to be good stewards of what we have and take the lessons we have learnt and apply them to our current status.
QT: Is a Christian education still relevant in today's society?
MH: Absolutely, Christian education is essential in our society! Sadly, this last generation reflects the lack of boundaries and ever-changing values where many have lost their sense of purpose.
At SLCS, we aim to develop core values such as integrity, discipline, honesty, love for each other, and compassion, which are desperately needed in today's world, where face-to-face interaction is diminishing.
We believe that parents are their children's primary educators, and Christian education is there to support and assist them in their God-given responsibility in educating their child.
We believe in developing the child's character, equipping them to apply biblical principles in everyday life, encouraging them to recognise their unique value and purpose, and providing the kind of environment where they can achieve their individual potential.
QT: What benefits will the school's transformation from a private school to a private integrated school bring to pupils and the community?
MH: The Government taxes its citizens and distributes some of this taxation money for education. We have called on the ministry to disperse these resources justly so that parents who choose a Christian education for their children may enjoy the same benefits as those who are in a state school.
The benefits include more equity in funding for day-to-day expenses, improved resources, access to educational services and funding for specialist teachers.
