There are a number of thing happening for the school board at the moment, the biggest item being the recruitment for a new Principal for Avonside from the beginning of 2022. During Term 2 the board received feedback from our staff, students and community as to what those groups are looking for in a Principal and the role was advertised nationally. The board received a number of high quality applications, and interviews will be held over the next few weeks with shortlisted candidates and the board hopes to be able to make an announcement to our school community by the end of Term 3 as to who the new Principal will be.

We have received a number of nominations for the annual election of the Student Representative on the school board, and we look forward to welcoming whomever is elected to the Board and them being an active part of the work the board does.

As the board currently has a casual vacancy for a parent representative we are in the process of holding a by-election to fill the vacant seat. CES have been contracted to act as the Returning Officer for the by-election to ensure that everything is transparent and independent. At the closing of nominations CES had received three nominations and were progressing to an election. All of our whanau should have received voting papers directly for CES and we encourage you to post your votes in, or they can be dropped into the marked box at the school reception.

Next year the regular three yearly elections for the school board will be held, around the middle of the year. I would like to encourage parents and members of our community to consider nominating themselves for election to the school board. The board is responsible for the strategic direction of the school, the budgets and policies and supporting the Principal. It is a great way to be able to give back to the school community and you don’t need any special experience. School board members around the country are supported by training and support from the NZ School Trustees Association as well as the more experienced members of our board. If this is something you are interested in knowing more about, have a look at the following link https://www.trustee-election.co.nz/becoming-a-board-member/ or feel free to call or email me to discuss what is involved with being part of the Avonside board.

Ngā mihi nui

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