NZEI Backs Getting Parents in Children’s Education

Media Release
NZEI Te Riu Roa
Monday Sept 18, 2006
For Immediate Use

NZEI Backs Getting Parents Involved in Children’s Education

NZEI Te Riu Roa endorses the new magazine-style booklet launched today as part of a government’s Team-Up programme, aimed at encouraging parents to get more involved in their children’s education.

Education Minister Steve Maharey and Education Ambassador Tana Umaga, launched the booklet at Wainuiomata Primary School today. The 55 page booklet provides information for parents with children at primary and intermediate schools on how they can help their children’s learning.

"NZEI members working as teachers and support staff give the booklet a thumbs up,” says NZEI Te Riu Roa National President, Irene Cooper.

“That’s because all the evidence shows that children have a more positive attitude to learning, and do better at school, when their families encourage and get involved in their education.”

Irene Cooper says the booklet is great because it provides parents with a wide range of practical advice and information, from science activities they can do with their children, to preparing healthy school lunches.

“If we’re to enable every child to reach their full potential, their education must be a team effort in which families and whanau work with teachers and support staff in schools and early childhood education services.”

Irene Cooper also applauds the involvement of former All Black captain, Tana Umaga, in fronting the Team-Up programme as an Education Ambassador.

“When Tana says his most important role in life is as a parent, that carries a lot of weight because of the mana he’s gained on the rugby field.”

“Teachers and support staff hope that parents will follow Tana’s lead, get hold of the booklet and use it to get more involved in their children’s learning,” says Irene Cooper.

ENDS

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