Newsletter 23 July, 2019
Dear Parents/Caregivers
Assalaamu AlaikumWRWB
From the Commissioner
Kia Ora Everyone,
I have been the Commissioner of Al-Madinah School for just over one school term. A school Commissioner replaces the Board of Trustees and is responsible for the governance of the school but he is not the Principal who is still responsible for the management of the school and its daily operation.
I have started to get to know the staff and students and seen many of them at work. I have been impressed by the natural warmth and enjoyment that the children show at school. You should be pleased with your children. I was a school principal for nearly 30 years so I know what happy, engaged and busy students look like!
There are many good things happening at the school especially concerning teaching and learning. As parents you should have confidence that your children are being well taught by hard working teachers. The school’s NCEA results are an example of sound teaching and learning taking place at all year levels. NZQA have expressed a high level of confidence in the school and Massey University is interested in the Gifted and Talented programme being run at the school. These are all very good signs.
I have taken the attitude that I want to work with the people at the school to strengthen the school for the good of the students, rather than work against them. So far nearly everyone I have met has been helpful and supportive so I am optimistic that we can address any issues we may encounter. Al-Madinah School is a state integrated school which means the Government pays for the running costs of the school such as operational costs and teachers’ salaries but the property is not owned or funded by the state. The property is owned by a proprietor, the Islamic Educational and Dawah Trust which is responsible for maintaining the land and buildings. To that end the school is entitled to charge attendance dues to pass on to the proprietor to fund the property. Paying attendance dues is a legal requirement when attending an integrated state school. The attendance dues at Al-Madinah School are $246 per student which is lower than many other state integrated schools. There is also a $54 school donation added making $300 in total but the school donation component is not compulsory.
I have been disappointed to learn that several parents have not paid their attendance dues. Any such families will soon receive a letter requesting such payment. The proprietor needs the funds to maintain the property and make improvements where possible. If you have not yet paid your attendance dues, please do so very soon. We are looking at improving the school’s security, among other things, but that costs money.
The Government is offering decile 1 to 3 schools an annual payment equivalent to $150 per child to replace school donations. Al-Madinah School qualifies for this payment from the beginning of next year and we intend to accept it. This means there will not be any school donations of $54 per child from next year. This is entirely separate from the Attendance Dues which I have outlined above.
I am interested in meeting parents to hear their views too. If you would like to meet me and discuss any issues regarding the school, I will be at school on Thursday August 6th from 10 am until 4 pm. That is the same day the school is having parent-teacher interviews. Please make a booking online. This is your opportunity to raise any matter regarding the school with me. I would like to meet as many of you as possible.
Nga mihi nui
Bruce Adin QSO.
Comissioner.
Bruce.w.adin@gmail.com
