FROM THE BOARD CHAIR

The College's Board met again on Tuesday night, and we dealt with a full agenda.

As a matter of routine, we receive a comprehensive report at each meeting from our Principal Nicola Jacobsen. Nicola reports on progress towards the goals contained in our Strategic Plan and on student achievement data where projected NCEA pass rates this year are in line with our expectations. We deal with policy updates and we are informed on health and safety incidents as well as ongoing property matters. We approve requests for staff leave and at this meeting we approved the upcoming student trip to Spain.

We noted that 1240 students are currently enrolled at the College and that our attendance for Term 2 was a pleasing 86.1%. We are glad to note the recent settlement of the employment contract negotiations between the Ministry of Education and NZPPTA which removes the likelihood of any further industrial disruption to the academic year.

Nicola reports to each meeting on student stand downs and suspensions. Since the last Board meeting we have had 3 formal meetings of the Student Behaviour Committee which must meet when a student has been suspended by the Principal. It's a continuing challenge for us to ensure that we are providing a safe learning environment for all of our students. As a result of a parent complaint, we have received advice from the Principal on the effectiveness of our current disciplinary procedures. In general, we believe that procedures are fit for purpose and we welcome Nicola's intention next year to introduce a Peer Support programme, for which planning is already under way.

We received a comprehensive report from our Guidance Team on the support that they are providing to our students, and we continue to be grateful for the support of the 24/7 Youth Workers as well as Kahu Youth and a range of community agencies.

The Finance Committee reported that our financial position at mid year is satisfactory. As I have mentioned before, we are most grateful for the financial support that we receive from the College community. Despite the increased costs that we face, we have agreed that our suggested donation level for next year should remain unchanged and we have asked Nicola to review the cost implications of the many additional activities that the College provides for our students.

We look forward to meeting with members of the College community on Wednesday night of next week, 30 August (6.30pm in the new staff room), where Nicola will provide a briefing on the College's Strategic Plan and on our Health Programme. We are required to consult on these matters and we will provide opportunities for structured feedback following this initial briefing.

Ian Hall

Board Chair