An update from the Mount Aspiring College Board of Trustees Chair.

UPDATE FROM THE BOARD

Dear Parent/Caregiver

The Board of Trustees met on Tuesday night of this week, and it will be my practice to provide you with a brief update after each Board meeting. You will continue to receive regular updates from Madeleine Hawkesby, as our Limited Statutory Manager. It's important for you to know that Madeleine and I are working closely with Dean Sheppard, as Acting Principal, in the best interests of the college.

We had a full agenda and I'm grateful that all Board members are focused on important issues and on making decisions that will move the college forward in a positive direction in the best interests of our students. Among issues discussed were:

1. Principal's Report - Dean Sheppard presented a detailed report that presented much information on students' academic progress in the year to date. I want to commend the staff on the work done this year in the face of some very unusual challenges. Dean and his team are developing some powerful tools that will provide really robust information on student progress at all levels of the school and in all curriculum areas. A student wellness survey was conducted recently and the Board was able to see a summary of the result and, importantly, to be briefed on actions now to be taken to address issues that have been identified through the survey. Dean reported on reviews of curriculum and support areas that are being done this term and a plan for further reviews over the next two years has been adopted. Regular reports were received on operational areas and Dean is refocusing the health and safety committee to ensure a clear focus on this area of his responsibility to the Board.

2. Uniform - the Board has committed to a phased introduction of a refreshed school uniform during the 2021 school year. We are conscious of some potential supply chain issues in the current business environment but the uniform committee has been asked to work at speed to complete negotiations with preferred suppliers, so that clear decisions can be made at our next board meeting on what is planned by way of change for next year, and the costs thereof. The committee has been asked to consult further on any proposed changes to the status quo for Year 12 / 13 students and to physical education and to sports uniforms. Rest assured that the Board is very mindful of financial pressures on families at this time, and I will have further information to provide to you by the end of September.

3. MAC Foundation - the Foundation has the potential to provide significant support to the work of the college and Marty Toomey (as Board deputy chair and a current Foundation trustee) has proposed changes to the composition of the Foundation and an updating of the current trust deed. We'll shortly be asking for expressions of interest from people who might be willing to contribute to the work of the Foundation.

4. Concerns and Complaints Policy - one of the recommendations from Madeleine's earlier reporting to us was a need for this policy to be updated and consistently applied. I anticipate that a new policy will therefore be published within the next few days and the Board is committed to ensuring that all concerns and complaints are addressed in a systematic, timely, and transparent manner. The Board will receive regular reports on the operation of the policy and it will be further reviewed next year. It is the Board's intention to proceed with a comprehensive review of all of the college's policies to ensure that they are fit for purpose.

5. Board membership - an election will be held shortly for a student elected trustees to succeed Isobel Smith who has been an excellent Board member this year. A returning officer has been appointed to organise the election of two parent trustees that will be conducted before the end of the year.

6. Finances - scrutiny of the college's financial position is exercised by the finance committee which reports to the Board. It's fair to say that this year is presenting some challenges but effective management will ensure that the college remains in a sound financial position. We appreciate the willing support of so many families for the work of the college.The Board will meet next on 29 September. We are confident that the college continues to make good progress this year and I assure you that the Board is committed to working closely with Madeleine Hawkesby to address the issues that have been raised through her reporting and through other avenues.Issues to be raised with the Board can be addressed to Georgina Wadsworth as the board secretary at boardsecretary@mtaspiring.school.nz

Thanks again for your involvement with the work of the college. 

With all good wishes,

Ian W Hall, Board Chair