Parent Teacher Association

 

Rangiora High School's PTA has a proud history of serving the school.

 

A Parents' Association was formed at Rangiora High School in 1926, the early aims being to promote the welfare of pupils by establishing the closest possible co-operation between parents of pupils, the Board of Governors and the teaching staff. In two changes of Constitution, these aims have not changed, though they have been expanded by an expressed desire to assist the school in any way possible and to promote progress in post-primary education. Then, as now, the main function of the PTA is to provide opportunities for parents and staff to get together to discuss the progress or otherwise of the children.

 

Membership of the Parents' Association, which was from the first automatically conferred on those with pupils at the school, provided several avenues for active participation in the affairs of the school. From 1915 to 1989 there had been two parent representatives on the Board of Governors and through elections to these positions parents could influence school policy. With the advent of Tomorrow's Schools, Boards of Trustees offered parents further opportunities to be involved with the school. In 1933 parents had access to the School Council, on which one or two parents' representatives served, while two Council members served in turn on the Parents' Association. Today, membership is still automatic, coming with the payment of school fees to the PTA.

 

The Parents' Association and its successor, the PTA, have always been active fundraisers on behalf of the school. They helped pay for the Cottage in 1928 and have given money for sports equipment, the swimming pool, the gymnasium, school prizes and other important items not covered by Government grants. They also helped to raise funds for Boyle River Outdoor Education Centre and what is now the AMI Sport and Fitness Centre. To raise these funds they have traditionally held Shop Days, raffles and "bring and buys", as well as appealing directly to parents for donations. The PTA has always donated generously each year to the school and continues to do so.

 

Like many voluntary organizations, the Parent Teacher Association is kept alive and active by a small core of dedicated and enthusiastic people who recognize the institution's worth and are prepared to keep it going. A number of staff members, plus the Principal, represent the teachers in the organization and, as always, parents fulfil their all important role. They deserve the gratitude and thanks for the entire school community, for they preserve the only organised body through which parents can have a direct say in the education and welfare of their children.

 

Chairperson: Su Jeffcott

Telephone: +64 3 311 8888