Proud of school

SARAH CODDINGTON

ONCE-troubled Glenfield College is looking at a bright future, thanks to principal Ted Benton.

An Education Review Office report confirms his leadership "has been pivotal to the ongoing improvements in the school's culture and tone".

Mr Benton says he just wants the best for the students.

"I am a firm believer that kids deserve the best deal in education. I think every state school should be a great place for kids to be," the principal of five years says.

Back in 2004, an ERO report highlighted problems and the Education Ministry replaced the board of trustees with a commissioner.

Principal Mel Cooper also resigned.

Mr Benton says the school is still suffering from the bad publicity but it is looking forward to a positive future.

The school has had problems with Bloods and Crips gangs in the past. But Mr Benton says there are "no signs of any gang influence at the school, it is just not an issue here".

He brings drug dogs in on surprise visits to search staff and students.

"The problem is no more or less than any other school. Students know they do not bring drugs to school and if they do they will get caught," he says.

The NCEA results are improving and Mr Benton says pupils are supported with their learning goals.

The school has a steady number of international students and an increasingly diverse student population.

The top three ethnicities are New Zealand European at 32 percent, followed by Maori at 15 percent and Filipino at 14 percent.

The changing ethnic population reflects the changing community, Mr Benton says.

He hopes the school will be granted a five-year review from the ERO. The reviews are given to schools that received two consistent positive reports in the past three years. He expects to be with the school to help them achieve that goal.

- © Fairfax NZ News