School board members play an important role in shaping the education experience and achievements of students.

The Board of Trustee Elections are coming up - Step Forward for our school

Every state and state integrated school in New Zealand is currently undergoing a trustee election process. 

At Roncalli we are looking for five parent trustees. You do not need to be a parent to stand for election. 

Nomination forms for the Parent Election will be posted to parents & caregivers next week. The full list of who is ineligible to stand in the election as a candidate is on the nomination form.

What is a school board of trustees? 

Almost all state and state integrated schools in New Zealand have a board of trustees. School board membership includes parent representatives, a staff representative, a student representative (where there are students above year 9) and the principal. Your board may also include other types of trustees. Contact your school for more information on the composition of your school’s board. Who can become a trustee? Parents, caregivers and people from the wider community can put their name forward to be on a school board during the board of trustee elections. 

What do trustees do? 

The board is accountable to its parents and community and for student progress and achievement. Here are some specific things a board does: 

• Sets the strategic direction and plans for the school and monitors the school’s progress against them. 
• Monitors and evaluates student progress. 
• Oversees the management of staff, property, finances, curriculum and administration. 
• Ensures that the educational needs and aspirations of Maori learners, Pasifika learners and learners with special learning and behaviour needs are identified, planned for and met. 
• Fulfils the intent of the Treaty of Waitangi by valuing and reflecting New Zealand’s dual cultural heritage. 
• Appoints and supports the principal and assesses their performance.

 What skills do trustees need? 

Trustees are active leaders in their schools and need to work well in a team, ask challenging questions and have good communications skills. Boards need a balance of skills and experiences around the table to ensure effective processes for planning, monitoring, reporting and reviewing of the school’s performance are in place. 

What help do school trustees get? 

New Zealand School Trustees Association provides free advice around employment and governance, support and resources. NZSTA also provides a variety of professional development opportunities for trustees.

Kōrari Workshops

School board members play an important role in shaping the education experience and achievements of students.

NZSTA hosts a series Kōrari workshops throughout New Zealand to help people understand the role of school board members and inspire them to get involved – either by standing for election or voting in the mid-terms. Find out more about Kōrari here.

Key Dates for upcoming Staff and Parent Elections

Main Roll Closes - Wednesday 6 July 2022

Nominations called for by - Friday 15 July 2022

Nominations close at 12.00pm - Wednesday 3 August 2022

Voting papers issued by - Wednesday 10 August 2022

Election Day - Wednesday 7 September 2022

Close Poll at 4.00pm - Wednesday 7 September 2022 

Votes counted - Tuesday 13 September 2022

Board takes office - Wednesday 14 September 2022

For further information please contact: 

Board Chair: Kelly O'Driscoll, kelly@plunket-electrical.co.nz, Cell 0272 334 334

Principal: Chris Comeau, principal@roncalli.school.nz, 03 688 6003

Returning Officer: Rose Struthers, r.struthers@roncalli.school.nz, Cell 027 214 0264

NZSTA: 0800 353 284 

For a great resource - Becoming a Board member on the NZSTA website is linked here.