2018 has been another great year for Kaiapoi High School and, as the Board of Trustees, we are delighted with the way in which the whole school has settled into our new teaching areas.

I hope that you will all agree that the new buildings have made a huge difference to the School, and that they provide our students with the very best environment in which to learn and make the most of the opportunities that the school provides.

The School facilities will continue to develop over the coming few months with our new gym now well underway, and due for completion by term 2.

This year, the School has faced some tough challenges, the most recently of which was the sudden passing of Kerry Sullivan who, whilst only being with us for this year, has made a huge impression on all who had contact with her and Kerry will be sorely missed.

The Board would like to say a huge thank you to Bruce, the senior leadership team and all Kaiapoi High school staff for the professional and caring way they have acted throughout the year and for delivering another successful year. In particular, I would like to thank Elizabeth for stepping into the Principal role whilst Bruce was on sabbatical for term 2, and the entire team who supported Elizabeth in keeping the School operating as though nothing had changed.

This year, we have welcomed Sara-Jane Paki and Jody Hunter to the Board and next year we will be holding another round of elections, with three positions up for re-election. Emma McCracken has decided to step aside after more than six years’ service with the PTA and the Board, and I would like to thank Emma for her service, dedication and commitment to supporting Kaiapoi High School.

The recent release of the Tomorrow’s schools review (https://conversation.education.govt.nz/conversations/tomorrows-schools-review/) has laid out some proposed changes to the role of School Boards of Trustees, and whilst the role of the Board is likely to change, I believe that Boards will continue to play an important role in governing the direction of the School.  With the three Board positions up for election, we are looking for parents and whānau who would like to get involved with the School’s governance, to put your names forward when the nominations are opened, as I can assure you that joining the Board will continue to be  a very interesting and rewarding role.

Finally, from the whole Board, we wish all students, staff, family and whānau a happy and safe Christmas and summer break and look forward to making the most of the challenges and opportunities that will come in 2019.

Phil Kerrigan, Board Chair