At the heart of every school, is the belief that all students have an equal opportunity to achieve their potential.
Championing this mantra is the school’s principal who, sadly, is often privy to the barriers standing between some rangatahi/youth and their ability to thrive in the school environment.
Recognising that principals are best placed to know the needs of their students and encourage their success, the Trust provides funding to support schools through the Principal’s Discretionary Fund, a fund that supports all primary, intermediate and secondary schools across the rohe/region.
Designed to help remove barriers to participation, the discretionary nature of the funding gives principals the power to allocate funds where they see the most need. This includes being able to respond to financial hardship and help to raise participation and reduce isolation.
The funding schools receive is based on the school’s roll and equity index - a statistical model that estimates the extent to which students face socioeconomic barriers to achievement at school.
For the 2024 school year, the Trust allocated $595,203 across the 94 schools in the rohe. This funding contributed to helping make 490 meals, supporting 343 students to go on school camp, providing 1,117 students with stationery and much, much more.
Community Trust South Chief Executive Jackie Flutey said with this funding, support can be targeted to where it will be most effective.
“The Fund allows principals to retain the mana of our rangatahi and foster a more inclusive, equitable and supportive school environment.”
A local principal agreed saying that the discretionary element of the fund was an absolute gift.
“As principals we are often privy to the circumstances our young people find themselves in and we are able to quietly remove barriers, so their dignity is maintained, and they are able to take full part in the wider life of the school.”
Recognising that rangatahi are our leaders of tomorrow, the Trust is committed to supporting equitable opportunity for the students of today.
