From the Principal's Desk

2025 is the last year of our current strategic cycle with our next strategic plan running from 2026 through to the end of 2028.

Planning for this is already underway at board level with lots of discussion taking place as to strategic goals and direction.

At this point, it's important to remember that whilst the BOT writes the strategic plan, it belongs to the whole school whānau and should reflect the aspirations of all stakeholders.

As a parent, you are one of our key stakeholders. Your opinion is important as are your aspirations regarding your children's education.

What do you see as too important to leave to chance with your child's learning? What knowledge, skills, attitudes and dispositions do you see as vital parts of your child's learning journey?

There are no wrong or right answers. All opinions are valid and all aspects of the strategic plan are up for discussion.

Some questions that you might reflect upon could be:

• Is the school vision statement of INSPIRE, EQUIP, and IGNITE still fitting and appropriate for our strategic direction?

• What areas of the school do you think should be targeted for improvement?

• Are our school values reflective of your home values? If not, what is missing?

• Do you feel a valued part of your child's learning journey? If not, why not and what can be done to change this?

• What dispositions do you value as a whānau?

• What attitudes do you feel are important for your child to develop as they move through our kura?

• Which curriculum subjects do you place the most value on? Why? Is this reflected in our localised curriculum?

In the coming weeks and months, the BOT will be out and about asking you for opinions on all of these matters.

We will offer multiple opportunities, at different times and use different methods to try and allow for as many of you as possible to share your aspirations for your children.

Please keep and eye out for information about these forms of engagement; the BOT truly values all and any input that you have to give.

This is your school and this is your opportunity to have your say regarding the 'what' and the 'how' of your child's learning.

At the first BOT meeting of 2025, Aimee Thurston was elected as our new Presiding Member (Chairperson), replacing Tracey Chynoweth.

Tracey has been a BOT member for many years and is staying on until the next elections to help Aimee transition into the role of Presiding Member. We are very lucky to have someone of Aimee's skills, knowledge and commitment leading the BOT at this important time.

As always if you have anything that you would like to discuss about this article or school in general then please pop into the office for a chat.

Ngā mihi nui

Ian Quilter