Board Update - December 2024
Kia ora koutou,
The Cotswold Mātāhae Board of Trustees met for their final session of the year on Wednesday, 11th December.
Here are some key highlights from the meeting:-
Learning Support Report
Andrea Smith provided an insightful update on Learning Support. The Board is extremely appreciative of Andrea’s contributions during her first year in the role, as well as the ongoing hard work of the Learning Support Team. We are fortunate to have such a dedicated and experienced team supporting our kaiako and ākonga.
End-of-Year Data
Paula, Andrew, and Cameron presented the school’s end-of-year data to the Board. The Board is once again pleased with the students’ achievements. We had productive discussions about the findings and are confident in the planned actions for 2025 aimed at advancing student learning. It will be interesting to observe how the recent curriculum changes impact future data.
Staff Appointments
The Board ratified the appointments of several release teachers and fixed-term units for 2025. The appointment/personnel committee spoke highly of the quality of staff appointed, and we are grateful to have such high-calibre educators in place to support regular teachers throughout the year.
Staff-Only Day Change in 2025
The Board approved the removal of a Staff-Only Day scheduled for November 13th, 2025. This change will allow an extra lesson for the Swim Safe programme and will also move the last day of the year to 18th December 2025.
2025 Budget
The 2025 budget was discussed and will be revisited at the first Board meeting of next year before being adopted.
Acknowledgements
The Board would like to express its gratitude to Paula and the staff who have stepped up in Chris’ absence. We recognize the extra responsibilities many staff members have taken on to ensure the school continues to run smoothly.
We feel privileged to have a team at Cotswold Mātāhae that consistently goes the extra mile for the benefit of our tamariki and their whānau.
Farewells
We extend our thanks to Andrew Simpson, Frith Lilburne, and Rosalind Quatermass, who are moving on from Cotswold Mātāhae. Your contributions have been invaluable, and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors. We also wish our Year 6 ākonga and their whānau, as well as those moving away, all the best for the future.
Looking Ahead
For those returning in 2025, we look forward to welcoming you back on 3rd February. Please remember to book your Meet the Teacher Interviews on 31st January.
Finally, the Board would like to extend our warmest wishes for a wonderful and restful holiday season with your whānau.
Meri Kirihimete!
Ngā mihi maioha,
Kirsty Willis
On behalf of the Cotswold Mātāhae Board of Trustees
