hey Guys

I am in the process of startng a ham radio club at the school where I work .... Canterbury College near Brisbane Australia.

I am fortunate indeed to have Ron Bertrand VK4DQ who runs the Radio and Electronics School, come in to run some foundation licence classes for my students.  (Here in OZ the foundation licence is the entry qualification).

The biggest problems I have encountered, even as a teacher at the school, has been a degree of inertia at admin level with regard to "new" ideas, and a complete lack of knowledge about what a ham operator is and does. One of my collegues asked me in all seriousness,  what type of music we would be playing.

My advice to anyone wanting to start or re-start ham radio in your local school is to contact them directly. The science or math teacher is a good start. Letter followed by a phone call.  A local club affiliation with promise of mentoring, teaching, donated equipment and assistance is also good.

Once you have some interest, go for it, even if only with a few students and make a fuss of them. present their licence/certificate personally at the school, wine and dine them ( figuratively speaking of course ) at your club, make them feel special.

I am under no illusions as to how long this will take - dont expect a quick response or to start a club immediately. Be patient .... I reckon even as a teacher it will take me up to 18 months, certainly a year. to get it going

Good luck to all.  

PS  If you hear us calling on IRLP, please respond.  The kids love it!

Tim Roberts
VK4YEH