Find out more about the boards role within schools at an informal Q and A session, 5.30pm on Tuesday, July 5 at the new, Ka Tiritiri o te Moana, Westland High School Hall.

In September this year, School Board elections will be held across Aotearoa New Zealand and possibly thousands of parents who could contribute massively, will be sitting on their hands because they “don’t have any Board experience” or "don't know anything about education".

Consider this;

Boards need cognitive diversity - people who approach problems from different angles. This gives perspective and manages risk. A good Board needs people who think outside, and inside, the box. They need cultural competence and they need to be able to talk with, and listen to, each other.

Boards ask fundamental questions - like “What does that actually mean for our students and staff?” They keep things grounded in reality and focus on the end results.

Boards are committed. Their members do the mahi required of them (usually an hour or two or reading pre-meeting, twice per term) and they regularly sound out their community, using their social network to bring perspective to the table.

None of these things require “Board experience” or “educational expertise”. What they do require is communication skills, an open mind and discipline.

The Hokitika area Boards are working together to hold an informal Q and A session at 5.30pm on Tuesday July 5 at the new Ka Tiritiri o te Moana, Kura Tuarua o Hokitika/Westland High School Hall. Come and talk to current Board members from our schools and enjoy some kai.

If reading this has opened your mind to being on a School Board then please let us know by responding to office@westlandhigh.school.nz so we can organise catering and we will see you there.