Southlanders are wonderful!

I had a fabulous time meeting lots of wonderful Southlanders while on the Bluff-Balclutha leg of the Bus Tour. We visited Bluff, Ascot, Salford, Dovovan, Winton, Dipton, Riversdale, East Gore, West Gore, Tapanui and Balclutha schools (in 3 days!) plus leafletted in the centre of Invercargill and outside Bill English's office. A huge thank you to all the Principals and worksite reps who organised their communities to come and support the call for a trial.

I found parents, caregivers and grandparents to be very approachable, lots of people had not heard about the standards roll out until they saw it on the news or talked to us. This shows that the information was sent too late last year for schools to effectively consult and communicate with their communities about it. This is in stark contrast to the new curriculum!

All the best to the bus as it continues its journey around the country!

Giarne Harrison
NZEI Field Officer, Christchurch Office.