This is the first of your termly updates on what has been going on at Board level. Please remember anyone is welcome to attend our meetings (speaking rights may be granted) and copies of our minutes are available on our website under ‘Our School, Our People, Board’.

Kia ora whanau,

There is a feedback box in the CHOICES room or you can email our Presiding Member Leroy Lewis at leroy.bot@waitakiri.school.nz with any questions, comments or concerns.

Amanda Murray, the Administrator of our Oscar Programme spoke at our last board meeting about the amazing experience she had on Outward Bound earlier in the year. Amanda loved the confidence and new skills the course gave her and is using them at school. The Board granted Amanda discretionary leave and made a contribution to the cost of the course. There is now a policy in place for future professional development requests that fall outside of staff employment agreements, so that other staff may take advantage of similar (out of the box) opportunities.

Our CHOICE Café would love your continued support. This is a community space in the morning before school and welcomes you to come and enjoy a coffee, your children a fluffy or milkshake. Linda, our Barista, is a wonderful asset to our Cafe and makes a great coffee! Please consider popping in and buying yourself a coffee in the morning on the way to work. The Cafe is a fantastic space that brings joy to many. We value your support.

We are looking for a parent or caregiver who is an accountant who would be able to give us advice or consultation around the proposed swimming pool build project. If anyone is able to assist, please contact our Presiding member (Chair) Leroy Lewis.

The Board is beginning work on our strategic plan. This is where we set out the goals that we have for the school and our akonga for the next three years. We look forward to sharing these with you next term.

Ngā mihi nui

Leroy Lewis

on behalf of the Waitākiri Board