Kia ora MNS community,

With new Board members, and lots going on at MNS, it has been a great few weeks of engaging with the school whānau, tamariki and staff, and planning for next year.

We like to tell you all a bit more about us, the Trustees.

Cherida (Chair) “We’re a local family involved in Ories rugby club and have two children currently at MNS - Johnny in Year 5 and Charlie in Year 2 (and previously Bella who is now Year 8). I actively support education that is not just focused on numeracy, literacy, arts and science, but that is progressive and inclusive of all abilities, genders, identities, and that honours Te Tiriti o Waitangi.” 

Robyn Moriarty (Deputy Chair, and leads the health and safety portfolio): “Kia ora, my partner and I have one child - Cormac - in year 2, and this is my second round on the board. My main work background is developing organisational strategy, managing risk and issues, and – most importantly – helping people succeed. I’m passionate about working on behalf of all parents to help the school leadership team provide the best learning environment for our tamariki.”

Alistair Mason (leads the finance portfolio): “I’m a dad to four kids, two of which are currently at Miramar North School with one more still to come. I have a real passion for education. I want to see every child being given every opportunity to be their best, both in and out of the classroom.”

Jay Nielsen (leads the property portfolio). “I’m the dad of three awesome young kids, including a five-year-old that just started at Miramar North this year. I am a big supporter of STEAM, and promoting technology and hands-on learning with kids while keeping them safe in digital world.”

Alison Herft (leads the community engagement portfolio): “I’m the mum of Eli in Year 5 and Samara in Year 2. I work on a range of projects and it’s a privilege to be a part of the MNS Board, and contribute to the school’s efforts to be an inspiring, inclusive, and accessible learning environment.”

News and updates

The Board of Trustees (BoT) met on Monday 7th November. We welcomed new board member Andrea Nonu, and talked through the school community’s views on the 2023-25 Strategic Plan – thank you everyone that gave us feedback!

The Senior Leadership Team (SLT) joined and discussed a wide range of things, such as increasing the school’s focus on mātauranga Māori, and their input into the Strategic Plan. We’re looking forward to the achievement report at the final hui of the year. This is where the SLT kaiako discuss how each cohort is tracking with their learning, and we’ve asked them to provide some examples of how Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is practiced in the classrooms.

Joyce talked us through the Principal’s Report, including an update on teachers’ professional development, property plans for 2023, and school policies that are up for review. We’ll hang up the policies for review on the noticeboard near Room 5 (as well as a copy of this newsletter) if anyone wants to have a look.

Don't forget that your school donation is tax refundable. Details can be found here https://www.ird.govt.nz/income-tax/income-tax-for-individuals/individual-tax-credits/tax-credits-for-donations

The next Board meeting will be on Monday 5th December. There’s always time allocated for people in the community to attend. If you’d like to join us on the 5th, or have something you’d like us to raise on your behalf, contact Cherida on boardchair@mns.school.nz or talk to us in person.