Latest news from the BOT

Last week at the first Board of Trustees meeting, roles and portfolios for the upcoming year were confirmed. Firstly we would like to welcome Jack Dewhirst. Jack has been co-opted as a member and will take on the Property portfolio. We are lucky to have Jack's knowledge and experience in this role. Secondly, we welcome Tracey Chynoweth to the role as Chairperson. Tracey has been a member of the BOT for three years and has held the Policy portfolio.  Tracey brings fantastic organisational skills, commitment, and a strong desire to seek the very best for the children of Southbridge School.  We would like to take this opportunity to thank out going chairperson Richard Hall for the time and effort he has put in during his time in the role.    

Tracey Chynoweth - Chairperson, Communication & Policy

I have been a member of the BOT since 2016 and have recently taken on the role as Chairperson while looking after the Policy and Communication Portfolio. My husband, Richard and I have 3 children, Jaryn (9), Mckenna (7) and Andee (5) at Southbridge School.  Prior to extended maternity leave I worked as a Secondary School teacher. This gave me a good understanding of the education system and operational systems within a school. I have just recently returned to work part time for the NZ Playcentre Federation. I really enjoy being part of the BOT and helping to make Southbridge School the best place it can be for our children.

Rochelle Ealam - Vice Chairperson & Personnel

I am in my fifth year of board membership after being co-opted in 2014 and subsequently elected in 2015 on to the board. I currently hold the personnel portfolio. I manage the library at Ellesmere College prior to which I worked at Environment Canterbury. My roles have included consultation, design, analysis and reporting of information at a local government and education level. I enjoy the team environment of the School Board and the opportunity to have a say in the direction the school takes while providing the chance for our students to learn and achieve at the highest possible level.

Carl Bowden - Finance 

Su and I run our business from home where we build and host commercial websites. We have lived near Southbridge since 1999, our daughters Rose and Annalise have both attend Southbridge School with Annalise currently enrolled. Our family is very horsey, with both Su and myself riding since we were young, just as Rose and Annalise are now. I assist Tamara and Sonya with the finances of the School.

Jack Dewhirst - Property 

My wife Liv and I have 4 kids and have been a part of the Southbridge community for 13 years. We currently run our own building company working predominantly locally. I have just recently join the BOT as the property adviser and look forward to being able to invest back into local community and Southbridge primary where our 2 oldest kids go.

Richard Hall - Health and Safety

My wife and I made Southbridge our home in 2013, and I am now working at AgResearch as the National Procurement Manager. In my spare time I enjoy swimming, running and cycling. This is my third year as a Board member and are thoroughly enjoying this opportunity to use my professional background to help govern the school and contribute to the local school community where Jenny and I are raising our family. 

Tamara Bell - Principal

I have been the principal of Southbridge School since the beginning of 2017, and have worked both as a teacher and in various leadership and consultancy roles throughout New Zealand and the UK during my years in the education sector. I currently live in Rolleston and was raised and educated in the Selwyn district so am passionate about our district, our local schools and communities and nurturing a love of learning for all tamariki. I have 3 young children who are all enrolled & thriving at Southbridge School.  I believe in our staff and love seeing our students grow and succeed, so am privileged to help lead the school in my role as principal and a member of the Board.

Wendy Huriwai - Staff Rep

I am the current staff representative on the BoT. I have a number of years teaching experience throughout all levels of primary school and still thrive on seeing the students love of learning. I have been on the Board for several years during my time at Southbridge School as I enjoy keeping up with what is happening as well as being a part of the team discussing progress, achievement, celebrations, challenges and the future direction of our school.

Rowan Clibborn - Board Secretary

I became Board Secretary in 2013, and really enjoy the team environment, the chance to upgrade my IT skills, playing an active part in our community, and being afforded insight into the business of running a school. I qualified as a Registered Nurse with a Bachelor of Nursing in 1995, and spent most of my career working in the UK. My nursing background has given me a few transferable talents in the position I hold on the Board. These include teamwork, professionalism, documentation skills, and holding a position of trust.  I work as a Teacher Aide at Southbridge School.