Media Release
School Trustees applaud parent involvement
New Zealand School Trustees Association welcomes the idea of a programme aimed at encouraging and helping parents get
more involved in their children’s education.
The government today announced a new long term information programme aimed at parents, with Tana Umaga appointed
education ambassador to front the programme.
New Zealand School Trustees Association President Chris Haines says parental involvement is important to helping
children learn and this is a good long-term investment.
“The more parents who get involved in their children’s education the better,” says Chris Haines. “They can make a huge
contribution through giving their children a good start before they reach school and by helping to foster a love of
learning.”
“For the most part our boards of trustees are made up from parents and caregivers from the school community and they
will welcome this initiative.”
He says one of the key objectives for boards is to lift student achievement.
“By volunteering to stand for a board, trustees are showing they know the importance and the value of being involved in
their local school.”
“This initiative may mean even more parents go from helping their children to helping their schools.”
Chris Haines says parent power already has an important place in New Zealand education through the school trustee
system.
“It is great to see that being widened to all parents being encouraged to get involved and to understand the impact they
can have on their children’s education.”
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