There have been quite a few changes to the Board of Trustees this year.

With the resignation of Russell Keetley at the end of last year and the mid-term elections having been completed, we are delighted to welcome Sarah-Jane Paki & Jody Hunter to the School Board of Trustees this year as parent representatives, along with Ella Metcalfe as our student representative and Jasmine Kirk returning for another term.

With these changes taking place, we are all committed to continuing to build on the sound foundations laid down by previous boards, and to work with Bruce, the Senior Leadership Team and all staff to deliver the best education outcomes possible to our students, ensuring that each student achieves their very best.

The new buildings are looking fantastic, and we believe provide an outstanding environment for students and teachers alike. The School will continue to evolve this year, with landscaping taking place between the two buildings, as well as the development of our new gym and many other changes to ensure that the School continues to evolve to meet the needs of our students. There remains a lot of work for the Board to do.

On a personal note, I would like to officially thank and acknowledge the contribution that Russell provided to the school community over the past 12 years. During that time there has been a massive change to the school, not only physically, but, more importantly, in the way that the Kaiapoi and wider North Canterbury communities view the school, with us now being seen as the school of choice for students in our school zone.

Finally, I just wish to say that it is an honour for me personally to be elected as Chair of the Board of Trustees, and whilst Russell’s shoes will be difficult to fill, I am confident that with a great balance of experience and diverse interests, the Board is well placed to continue the work started by previous boards and to guide Kaiapoi High School through the challenges to come.

Thank you.

Phil Kerrigan, Chair