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WATSON, Craig

Tena Koutou Katoa, Ko Craig Watson tōku ingoa. I'm

really pleased to be putting myself forward to represent the parents of our school on the Board of Trustees. Giving every child of our awesome school the opportunity to reach their full potential is a crucial reason

for my standing. Our school provides well in so many areas and in my view I would really like to see a refocus on academic outcomes, so those that want to flourish or grow their core curricular achievements are supports as much as the other wonderful opportunities our school provides. I am not new to governance and have had many roles previously on the boards for Lemonwood Grove School, STOP, Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust and as an elected councilor on Selwyn District Council, and many others. I am most proudly Dad to Ella and whilst I put some things on hold to focus on this I know that I can support her, and her school whānau at a governance level if you give me the opportunity. Our little family unit of two love being part of this community, this school and this district. Thanks for considering me, ngā mihi nui, Craig 

SPENCER, Shannon jade

Tena koutoa katoa

Ko Tainui te Waka Ko Waikato te Awa Ko Wharepuhunga te Maunga Ko Raukawa te Iwi Ko Ngati Huri te Hapu Ko Pikitu te Marae Ko Shannon Spencer ahau

No reira, tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou katoa
I am wife to Timothy, and mother to three kids currently at WRPS. I am a writer, Civil Defence volunteer and social worker, with a background in mental health. My two key interests are wellbeing - learner, whanau and staff - and ensuring a strong, connected community. The last few years have presented major challenges in both these spaces. It's my wish to support the school and our whanau as we navigate through still-choppy waters, while keeping our learners at the heart of every decision. I am a strong advocate, a critical thinker and a good communicator and, having been part of the WRPS whanau from the start, I have real aroha for the place and it's people. I look forward to serving our school. I offer my thanks to the outgoing board for their service and leadership.
Nga mihi nui 

SEDDON, Michael Paul

Kia ora, My name is Mike Seddon and along with my

wife Hayley, now have two children (Grayson and Carter) attending West Rolleston Primary. We have both enjoyed seeing our children experience success at West

CANDIDATE STATEMENTS West Rolleston Primary School Board Parent Election 2022 - 5 Parent Representatives

Rolleston and I would love to be a member of a board that continues to support the school to allow our diverse ākonga to thrive. I have a background in Secondary education (22 years), been a Head of Science for the last twelve years and I am about to move into an Acting Assistant Principal role in a Christchurch city high school. I personally enjoy the outdoors, whether camping, hunting or fishing with the family around Canterbury or being involved in the many sports my children participate in.

SCHAEFFER, Kyle

Hello, my name is Kyle Schaeffer, and I am standing for

the West Rolleston School Board of trustees. I live in Rolleston with my wife Salena, and my 4 children, Jude, Maisie, Levi, and Amaris. We have lived in the Canterbury region for for almost 9 years now. We are a

foundation family at WRPS, with all 4 of our children currently attending, and our eldest enjoying the opportunity to give back to the school by serving as Whare Leader in his final year. We feel so grateful to be part of the WRPS family. I have enjoyed watching the school grow and build on its already strong foundation over these last few years and would love the opportunity to be a part of its growth into the future. The board requires people with a mix of talents and experience. I offer this experience and knowledge in being part of a team that owns and runs 2 successful, nation wide, businesses with over 100 staff. This has given me a background in company governance, corporate affairs, and compliance requirements. It has also given me experience in financial management, HR, planning, policy development, property management and marketing. I am also a confident public speaker and can engage with anyone around me. I enjoy working in a team and comfortable as a team member or taking the lead. I have strong interpersonal skills and can build good working relationships quickly. In addition, I also have a passion to see students succeed no matter who they are and It is essential that those appointed to the Board are there to support the school to ensure that it does everything possible to help the students reach their potential during their time at the school. I will be committed to working hard, to help ensure staff and ultimately students have the opportunities they need to be successful into the future. 

MCDERMOTT, Simon

I have been involved with WRPS since its inception - initially as the Chair of the Establishment BOT, then subsequently Chair and Trustee since. My son Harry is in Y6 and just loves the school! I think that WRPS is the best school in our area - founded on great staff and our community. We are very fortunate to have a well resourced, well managed and governed school. The past couple of years has been tough on everyone - we have been focused on everyone's well being and I continue to emphasis this in the Trustee role. The school has grown quickly - we have responded with increasing resources well managing finances so we minimise the impacts to our families - all the time making sure we deliver a coherent curriculum. As a BOT member I am focused on making sure our school manages resources well, has great planning and communication - and above all keeps our children at the forefront of all decision-making. There are many challenges we face - from roading, more growth and the future developments in our community that a BoT has to handle and manage with the School. We are fortunate to have a highly motivated team that works together and is focused on the future. Understanding the role of governance and the difference between that and management is a focus I bring to the table. Its a skill many Boards grapple with - but an area that's really important - we as trustees are not equipped to manage a school (that's what Sylvia and the team do!) - BUT I know how to manage the politics and process of governance! We have to be realistic - our community is intelligent, diverse and dynamic - we have to make decisions that are straight-forward, understood by everyone, and are truly reflective of all of us! That's the challenge! I look forward to applying my skills and abilities in the future for the BoT. Feel free to contact me at any time if you want any more information about me of the role. Thank You for your support. 

LEMMON, Jason Craig

My name is Jason Lemmon, I am standing for the West Rolleston School Board. School profile number 584. As the father of one boy, currently a year 3 student at West Rolleston School and I feel strongly about supporting my own child’s education and our wider community of student learners, and so I am eager to be involved with the school on the board of trustees. Having lived in Rolleston for a number of years. I have witnessed the rapid growth of our community along with the challenges that bring's, such as the rapid increase in the school role putting pressure on current school and community resources. My focus is on ensuring the best long-term outcomes for our students and community are achieved. I bring a positive, can-do attitude, with extensive experience in relationship building, business management and strategic thinking through my experience across various private and public sector organisations. My strengths include understanding the commercial aspects of an organisation including financial reporting and analysis, strategy development and implementation and continual improvement. I enjoy working in a team, relate well to people of all ages and I am comfortable as a team member or taking the lead. I have strong interpersonal skills and can build good working relationships quickly. I am solutions focused person who is an out-of- the-box thinker and tend to bring new ideas and ways of looking at things. Rolleston has a great community spirit and so many opportunities for our school and their families to participate, thrive and succeed. I look forward to the opportunity to represent the community on the Board of Trustees should I be successful. 

IRVING, Lee-Ann

My name is Lee-Ann Irving and I am standing for the Board of Trustees for West Rolleston Primary School (WRPS). My husband Gareth and I have two children - Jaymie was a foundation student who is now attending Rolleston College and Kristen who is in Te Ara Whanui.

I have been privileged to be an elected Parent representative BoT member from 2016-2019 and have seen some amazing growth and changes, both in roll numbers, a changing community environment, ever-evolving technology expectations and amazing new staff. I enjoyed my time and have been proud to be a part of a group of committed parents and staff who have a common goal and are passionate about the future of our school while being so supportive of the Leadership team.

I have a Bachelor of Business Studies and work full-time as a Financial Controller. The skills I have gained over the past 25 years enable me to assist in the preparation of the annual school budget as well as provide clarity around the monthly financial reports. I also provide an external perspective to the educational expertise already evident. I believe we have an amazing school with an excellent reputation which is mainly due to the fantastic Leadership of Sylvia and the committed teachers we have who go above and beyond their job titles by putting our children first. I believe a quality education will set our kids up for life.

I would be honoured to be re-elected back onto the board to continue the direction that has already been committed to in relation to strategies, well-being of our children and the future of the school to ensure our children are learning and growing in the best environment possible. 

HUNT, Robert Douglas

My name is Rob Hunt, I am the father of Arthur and Joshy in Te Ara Māia, and Henry in Te Ara Whānui.

It has been a huge privilege to represent our community for the past six years.
West Rolleston has grown significantly during this time.

While this has created many challenges (and will continue to do so), it has also created many opportunities.
As an existing Parent Representative, I am proud of how these opportunities have been converted, ensuring our school can support every learner, through funding provision of addition teacher support, mental health support, review of our vision and values and expansion of school facilities.

Having taken a lead on the bike track project, it shows the importance connecting the school with student and parent voice, to create an amazing facility for current and future generations.
My knowledge of the school as an existing Parent Representative, my ability to deliver projects for our students; representing our Board in dialogue with council on issues such as road safety; my external leadership, financial management and governance experience, and my passion to support our amazing School Leadership and wider Team provides reason for me to stand again for re-election. 

GILMORE, Peter Paul

My name is Peter Gilmore and I am standing for the West Rolleston School Board. My wife Deirdre and I have 3 daughters age, 8,5 and 2. Professionally I am a national rural sales manager for United Fisheries. I have previously been a self-employed farmer and agricultural contractor. Since day one I have been impressed with the culture and spirit of the school, the amazing teachers, management and staff and how approachable everyone is. I am keen to be more involved in the school and would love the opportunity to give back therefore seeking election onto the board to help keep it strong. I believe that the current board has done an excellent job and I feel I would be an asset to continue their great work ensuring the quality of education at West Rolleston continues to be of the highest standard and that the staff have the right tools, resources and support to accomplish this as well as looking for any opportunities that will help our staff or learners. As a trustee I will also ensure all parents in the community are listened to, considered and make sure there is continued communication back to parents. I am friendly, approachable, have a can-do attitude and am committed to supporting the teachers and staff to develop all children into strong, confident young people who are keen and eager to learn. I bring experience in business, finance, as well as always being able to deal with people of all ages, cultures and beliefs. With my previous and current roles this means I always work hard and am highly driven to get things done. I work well in a team and have previously been heavily involved in the committee of the South Island Agricultural Field Days and have been secretary, chair and treasurer of young farmers for several years. It would be a pleasure and a privilege to represent you and your children as a board member at West Rolleston. Thank you for the opportunity and I welcome your support to be your representative for the community. Regards Peter 

FORWARD, Sam

Kia ora koutou My name is Sam Forward and I have been on the West Rolleston Primary School (WRPS) BoT for the last 6 years, the last 2 as the Chairperson. My two oldest children Sophie Year 7 (foundation learner) and Isaac Year 5 currently attend WRPS. I love the holistic education that our school offers it's learners, where every learner is able to be themselves and achieve success. The role of being on a board allows for robust conversations to provide the best for our school community. My job as a Deputy Principal in a local High School gives the Board education skills and background which is relevant to a lot of what we discuss. I am most proud of the new school vision and values that we launched at the beginning of the year. As a BoT we make all our decisions using these values, Ako, Manaakitanga and Tiakitanga. Lastly, I want what's best for ALL learners and their whānau and this is why I am standing again.