Message from the Board

As I sit here writing it is the morning after Christmas in the Park. Despite raining only an hour before the event the sun was out and the kids were excited and having the time of their lives. It was great to be able to see our ENTIRE school family – teachers, family and tamariki, gathered as one, connecting and bringing that feeling of true community as we round out and celebrate the year that was at Te Ao Mārama. Thanks to the wonderful Courtney McCulloch for her ongoing energy and commitment to bringing this event to life.

Our last board meeting was an opportunity for reflection. We discussed the 2024 draft budget for the school and note that we continue to remain ins a strong financial position as a school. We also looked at some initial high level achievement results that show promising signs to support our school education philosophies. Thanks to Tony, Amanda and Heemi McDonald for their ongoing management of our school fiscal processes. As a part of this discussion we considered what future projects might we want to undertake to improve the school experience and we actually spent a lot of this time considering what our ever expanding staff workforce might need to support them in their roles. Watch this space next year as we continue to progress these discussions into reality….

So really, this is a moment to send thanks! Thanks to Tony, Sally, Anna and the Leadership Team for your ongoing support. Thanks to the wider TAM staff (and Russell!) for their commitment to advancing the education of our tamariki. Thanks to the Tamariki and their families for being committed to our Kaupapa and bringing that community feel to our kura. And finally thanks to the rest of our BOT – Frank Young, Tony Grey, Laura Casey, Tama Tawhi, Heemi McDonald, Chris Langley and Ihipera Sweet (supported by Amanda Rodley) for just being a great bunch to work alongside.

All the best for the holiday break. Kia pai nga hararei!

Andrew Corkill
Chairperson, TAM School Board