Villa Education Trust was established in 2003 with the aim of influencing middle school education in NZ and to provide educational opportunities for young people. Mt Hobson Middle School and Central Auckland Middle School both operate under the umbrella of the Villa Education Trust. The aim of the Read to Your Kids campaign is to help fulfil the aim of providing educational opportunities for all young people.
Roger McClay has had a professional life in the fields of education, politics, child advocacy, business and general advisory work. He is currently the government/education liason person for World Vision NZ and Heart Children NZ, having come from a term as a political advisor in Parliament and 5 years as New Zealand's Commissioner for Children.
The 40 page booklet is written by
Leading up to the opening of Mt Hobson Middle School I had been teaching at secondary schools in the top half of the North Island (Tauranga Boys' College, Hamilton Boys' High School and St. Cuthbert's College in Auckland). During this time I had also continued to do tertiary study and have completed four qualifications that are relevant to the Villa Education Trust. These include a Bachelor of Business Studies, a Masters of Education -focussing on educational media and teaching gifted and talented children, a Diploma of Teaching, and a Post Graduate Diploma of Sports Management. Throughout my teaching career and in my own study I have sought the best ways to teach and learn. I have 3 teenage children.
I cannot conceive of ever thinking in the future that I wish I had spent less time reading to my children.