It's been another big year for the School Board in 2022, with us farewelling three of our previous board members, who chose not to stand at the elections, and welcoming three new members in September, as well as a change in the staff representative. In addition to this, we have continued to work our way through the challenges of Covid-19 throughout the year, striking the balance between what's best for the students and the teachers. None of this is possible without the strong support and collaborative work that we do with Stuart and the rest of the Senior Leadership Team, so on behalf of the Board a huge thanks goes out to them and all of the staff for what they do for our students and school community.

The Board has continued to be impressed by the achievements of our students, that we get to review throughout the year, and also the dedication and passion that our teachers show in helping our tamariki to succeed in all aspects of school life. Seeing our children come home and talk about the school values, and show how they understand them, gives me real confidence that we are laying the groundwork for all at our school to be "Learning to Thrive".

The school continues to be in a solid position financially despite the challenges of the last three years with far less income from international students, so it is a credit to the team that have enabled us to manage the finances, to ensure that we still have the resources going where we need it. Speaking of which, it was also a milestone this year to finish off the last of the major projects that were funded through the MoE School Investment Project, with the Ōrongomai playground being commissioned earlier this year. The amount of work that went into all of the property projects as part of this was massive, so it will be refreshing next year for the Property Team to be back to just focusing on the business as usual aspects.

From a Health and Safety perspective, it's been a busy year with Covid-19 being front and centre of a lot of discussions around keeping our school community as protected as possible. We have negotiated evolving Ministry of Education's policy guidelines, and fortunately, until very recently have had a reprieve with case numbers remaining low through Spring. EOTC (Education Outside the Classroom) experiences such as school camps have also been a focus for the H&S Committee and tying into the challenges of keeping our tamariki protected from Covid, while still being able to enjoy these really valuable out-of-classroom experiences.

From a personal point of view I would like to thank all of the Board members past and present this year, for donating your time to help govern the school. We are fortunate to have a great parent community with people like you that have stepped up to volunteer their time and skills to the school. It's been a real highlight for me with the restrictions easing, to see our community back in and engaging with the school and students over the last few months. Fingers crossed for a good summer break for all of you, and that in the new year, we will again be able to continue getting together more often, and be connected through our children and the school.

Ngā mihi nui

Rob Dixon

Presiding Member