The coalition government moved last year (2019) to take away the burden of collecting donations for schools by announcing a $150 per student top-up to schools' operational grants. Unfortunately, this option was only available to schools in the Decile 1–7 socio-economic categories. Māpua School, as a Decile 10 ranked school, is not eligible for this funding.

We certainly don't lament the governmental decision to top up school funding in this way, but we do find it a challenge to be asking parents to make donations to keep Māpua School up with the play when other schools no longer need to this. Based on our current roll of 285 students, we would be receiving some $42,750 via the government's scheme. That's $42,750 that parents of this school wouldn't need to shell out personally.

Presently we request a $90 donation per child, but in doing so realise that not all families will be able to offer this sum. We are very pleased to receive more substantial contributions from some families and smaller donations from others. Some families make a regular weekly (or similar) donation, while others round up sums payable for extra-curricula activities. Overall the school is appreciative of what it receives and thanks everyone for his or her contribution.

We are regularly asked where funding that is collected by donations goes. In brief, we have just enough money to cover operational costs, but not enough to purchase the items and resources that enhance learning. Visiting programme presenters (e.g. Richard de Hamill – Otago University Educator), EOTC (Education Outside The Classroom) programmes (The Whitebait Collection), teaching resources (e.g. Creative Classroom Kits), sports equipment (balls, bats, rackets, etc.), IT hardware (e.g. Chromebooks, classroom monitors, etc.), readers, and library books are just some of the items that donations help pay for. Without parent donations, financial input from the PTA, and the Easter Fair, Māpua School would struggle to enrich its programme of learning.

Neil Chalmers

Principal