Hard-hitting issues on agenda for school trustees

Hard-hitting issues on agenda for school trustees

Childhood obesity, the negative impact of decile ratings and helping young offenders face up to their actions are topics on the table at this year’s New Zealand School Trustees Association conference.

The theme of this year’s meeting is “Safeguarding our Future – Kaitiaki mo Apopo.” The conference from July 9 to 11 in Palmerston North will bring together trustees from around the country to focus on issues affecting New Zealand schools.

NZSTA president Chris France says with the 2004 conference coming just three months after the trustee elections, the event will be a great opportunity for new trustees to learn more about their important role.

“A very diverse range of workshops, presentations and speakers has been organised to cater for all levels and interests of governance.

“It will be heartening to see a large number of new trustees attending who are passionate about the education of New Zealand children.”

Issues the conference will focus on include:

Combating the childhood obesity epidemic – what health education policies can achieve;

Restorative justice – helping young offenders to come to terms with the consequences of their actions and change their lives; and

Suspension and expulsion – how to keep young people in the education system.

Keynote speaker Dr Stuart Middleton, current Executive Director Student Affairs at the Manukau Institute of Technology, will challenge the usefulness of decile rankings and discuss the role communities play in supporting schools.

Education Minister Trevor Mallard will address the conference on Saturday July 10 at Arena Manawatu.

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