Hero photograph
 
Photo by Anthea Hunt

From the Board

AGHS —

Term 2 is coming to a close, and with us now being past the shortest day, we can all hope the weather improves as the days get longer. Unfortunately the severe weather we have had in Canterbury have played havoc with the sports fields on the site, but hopefully as things dry out, this will improve.

With Mrs Hume retiring at the end of the year, the Avonside Board recently asked all of our whānau for feedback about what you would like in our new Principal, and I would like to thank those who took the time to provide your opinions to the Board. The items below are the common themes that we saw across most people who commented:

The whānau at Avonside Girls' High School want a Principal who:

· Is available, approachable and a real people person who builds relationships easily

· Is forward thinking and open minded

· Is a strong communicator who listens

· Is firm and fair in dealings with students, staff and parents

· Has high expectations of all in the school community and can inspire others

· Is ready to engage with the students, know them, be visible amongst them and be aware of their needs and wants

· Is experienced in a similar school and understands the pedagogy of educating females in the 21st century

· Is culturally responsive, is committed to the principles of Te Tiriti O Waitangi and is a learner/speaker of Te Reo

· Is empathetic, kind, friendly and caring

The role will be advertised by the end of Term 2.  The Board intend to be able to make an appointment before the end of Term 3, with the new principal starting in Term 1 2022. I look forward to being able to share this exciting news with you all in the appropriate time.

It is also with regret that Elizabeth Hovell has resigned from the Avonside Girls High School Board for personal reasons. The Board will be holding a by-election for the vacant seat, and the election will be run by CES Limited, who have a long history in running school board elections. The Returning Officer from CES will send information out to all of our parents, whanau and caregivers with details on when the elections will be held, nominations and voting.

I would like to encourage anyone who has an interest in our school to consider nominating themselves. You don’t need any special skills or background apart from wanting to provide the best education possible for all of the students at Avonside. There is plenty of support available for new board members, including information and training from the NZ School Trustees Association (NZSTA) and the existing board members.

Anyone who would like to know more about what being on a school board involves can contact me directly on 021 229 7699 to have a chat or click the following link for more information from NZSTA https://www.trustee-election.co.nz/becoming-a-board-member/.

Ngā mihi nui

Jonathan Brooks
tiamana o te poari Te Kura Kohine o Ōtākaro
Avonside Girls' High School Board Chair