Sarah Tzoumis, Acting Presiding Member

Tena koutou katoa. I am Sarah Tzoumis, and I have taken on the role of Acting Presiding Member of the Board of Trustees, until the elections later this year. Thank you to my predecessor, Cathie White, for her contribution to the Board over the past years.

There have been a few changes to the Board this year, with our newcomers bringing important expertise and knowledge to the table. We have a wonderful and dedicated team of people sitting on the Board, including old girls and parents, who are passionate about Avonside Girls’ High School and who are keen to see the school and its students succeed.

It has been a difficult year so far; as COVID lingers on, staff and students need to be flexible and ready for things to change at the drop of a hat – but it has been heartening to see some key extra-curricular and social events restarting, which is an integral part of bringing everybody together, and feeling comfortable and happy while at school.

The Board’s focus has turned to examining the school’s policies, values and procedures, with a view to establishing whether we are giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi; or alternatively, what changes we need to make to ensure we are supporting our Māori staff and students. This is an exciting and challenging time for the Board, which will no doubt result in positive changes to the school.

I would like to wish everyone a restorative mid-year holiday, and hope that students will return in Term 3 ready to learn and enjoy their time at school.