Triennial BOT elections

Kia ora tatou

As you will have seen, there are Board elections in September. I’ve been on the Board for six years now. That’s the life of a child at the school, and in my view is long enough for a trustee, too, so I won’t be seeking re-election.

I’m emailing/writing to encourage you to stand. For so many reasons, it’s vital for the school to have a strong Board. I’ve been involved in some big moments in my time – such as selecting the Principal, and undergoing an ERO review – but the everyday stuff is just as important. This is a community with an impressive and diverse array of skills. I’d ask you to consider lending those skills to the Board, for the benefit of every DPS student.

The role involves the mundane, occasionally. There’s no point hiding that. Discussing the price of heat pumps may not be everyone’s idea of a rollocking Thursday evening, I’ll admit. But the role also involves determining the strategic direction the school takes. If you care about how our school goes about the task of educating our tamariki, you should consider standing. This encompasses the pedagogical as well as the financial. The Board’s governance role is wide-ranging.

I’ve learned so much about Education in Aotearoa New Zealand, and the running of our school, from being on the Board. It has enhanced my understanding of my children’s education. Whether or not you have governance experience, I’d ask you to consider putting your hat in the ring for this important role.