Dear Parents, welcome back to Term 4.

At our last meeting the board formalised the co-option of John Perry to the Board of Trustees for the remainder of the current board’s term. We are pleased to welcome John to the Board. John brings an extensive skill set to the Board including connection to his own and local iwi, a bi-cultural lens to governance of the school and global business skills. Please see an introduction from John below this letter, and his smiley face on this article.

Property:

The Board has been working with the Ministry of Education and Design Group Stapleton Elliott on the development of the school’s master plan. This plan essentially provides the big picture view of the school for the long term future. Within this, we begin to clarify what buildings will stay and what are to be redeveloped/refurbished. Once details of this have been clarified, we will share this with the community. In the meantime we are working closely with the Ministry to achieve the best outcomes for our students.

Parent Donations:

The Board would like to acknowledge the receipt of the student donations from Parents. We appreciate your attention to this, especially in the current climate. There are many costs that our school incur which are not provided by our MoE funding, which can put a strain on the budget.

The board gives considerable thought to the setting of the student donation at a level that is fair and reasonable. These student donations help us to provide the many extras that enrich programmes and resources for our students.

Best wishes

Julia Hurren

Board Chairperson

Letter from John Perry

Kia ora tatou,

Ko John Perry toku ingoa – Ko Te Maipi toku maunga – Ko Kaihoata toku awa – Ko Ngai Tumapuhia-a-Rangi toku hapu – Ko Ngati Kahungunu, me Rangitane, me Ngai Tamanuhiri toku iwi – Ko Otautahi toku kainga.

I am excited to join the Board of Trustees and work alongside the talented group of existing Trustees in adding value to ensure the current and future prosperity of the school, the children, the teaching staff and the wider Elmwood school community.

My partner (Emma) and I have Tama in Year 5 having started at Elmwood in Year 1. As parents, Emma and I have always been impressed with the excellent education standard that Elmwood provides to the children.

Raised on the family sheep and beef farm in rural Wairarapa I have had an extensive career in global logistics having held executive Country Manager level roles in NZ as well as 13 years living in Singapore and Thailand.

I look forward to the opportunity of meeting as many people in the wider Elmwood whānau during my time on the Board of Trustees.

Naku noa,

John 

John Perry