Minister Welcomes Aspire Students On First Day Of School

Tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou katoa. 

Good morning Principal David Selfe, teachers and, students.  I'm delighted to be here today on your first day back at school for 2010 and at your first assembly of the year.  I hope you all had a relaxing break and are refreshed and ready for the year ahead.

As Associate Minister of Education I have responsibility for Independent Schools and have visited several over the past year.  While they are all unique the Corelli School certainly stands out for its special focus on drama, music, dance, and the visual arts.

I was very impressed when reading about your recent achievements in both the Cambridge International Examinations and across all disciplines in the arts.  I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you all.

It is clear from these results that your teachers provide you with the foundations of a sound education as well as specialist tuition in the arts.  That is a very important part of the equation for successful learning, as is your part in it - it is easy to see today the passion and enthusiasm you have for your education.

To achieve consistent recognition here in New Zealand and against international standards for both your artistic abilities and academic achievements takes commitment, hard work, and talent.  There is clearly no shortage of this among you all and I am sure this year will prove to be another rewarding one.

While talent and hard work go a long way, success also depends on being part of a school that caters for and supports your special abilities and interests.

Independent schools like the Corelli School play an important role within the Education sector.  They offer students and their families choice by catering for special talents through tailored programmes.  There is no ‘one size fits all' in education.  Having a variety of schools and being able to choose from among them is a key ingredient for student success.

After becoming the Associate Minister I introduced the Aspire Scholarships, a Government initiative by National and ACT designed to provide more students and their families with choice in education.  Under Aspire, students from around the country who meet certain criteria receive assistance to enable them to attend an independent school.  One hundred and fifty scholarships were made available - 50 each in Years 9, 10 and 11 - for the 2010 school year.  This will increase to 200 in 2011 and 250 in 2012.

Today, I am delighted to be able to extend a very special welcome to Aspire students who have started at the Corelli School today.  Other Aspire students are also starting at their new independent schools around the country this morning.  Like all students around the country starting at a new school this week, you will all understandably be feeling a little apprehensive - but I am sure that, in no time, you will have settled in and will be enjoying all the opportunities your new schools have to offer.

Your teachers are certainly wasting no time getting things started here this morning.

I am looking forward to contributing to the documentary that Corelli School is making, that will follow a number of students through their first six months here.  With a focus on the arts, making a documentary like this is certainly a very fitting introduction to the Corelli School, and I'm looking forward to seeing your talents and fantastic facilities firsthand this morning.

Thank you.  I wish you well for what will be another challenging - but undoubtedly rewarding - year ahead.