At its first meeting each year, a School Board elects a new Presiding Member (Board Chair). Last night, Mrs Tamsyn Isherwood was elected to this role.

Tamsyn last night agreed to step into the vacant Chairperson role. She brings many skills to this position, not least a calm approach, willingness to listen, and a palpable passion to make Westburn the best it can be. We're delighted that Tamsyn has stepped into this role and look forward to working under her leadership.

While she is new to the Board Chair role, Tamsyn is an experienced Board Member who was elected to the Westburn Board in 2022. She has contributed to the Board's functioning via several sub-committees, and is an active participant in all discussions at the board table. Tamsyn also regularly supports sports and cultural activities and events at Westburn, and you've probably seen her volunteering on road patrol each week - even on wet days!

Tamsyn will re-introduce herself to you in the next newsletter and would welcome you saying hello if you see her at school in the meantime.

Co-option for Strategic Support

2025 is a year of strategic consultation as we ask our community for their direction so that we can construct a fit-for-purpose strategic plan for 2026-2028. To support the Board with this workstream, last night Mr John Willetts, a Westburn parent (and former student) was co-opted to support this process.

John has significant strategic strengths and we look forward to his support and leadership as we undertake this work throughout 2025.

Many of you will already know John and his family, but for those who don't, Tamsyn will formally introduce him in our next newsletter.

Board Elections 2025

This is a triennial election year for School Boards. If you're interested in sharing your skills and joining our Board, Tamsyn would be very happy to meet with you. Please contact her via email at: boardchair@westburn.school.nz