Tēnā koutou katoa
We have had two Board of Trustee meetings over this lockdown period, both on Zoom. These meetings worked well, though I have definitely missed meeting with my board colleagues face to face! The focus of these meetings has largely been on our preparedness and management of the Covid-19 situation. There has been plenty to talk about with regard to this- health and safety, the wellbeing of students and staff, student achievement, digital learning from home, finances, property and ensuring we have appropriate policies and procedures in place to support the changes we are facing both during Covid levels, and as we move out of them.
As a board we recognise the importance of timely and appropriate communication to students and parents, and we wish to acknowledge Mr Congdon and the Senior Leadership Team for all their work to keep our School community informed. Our sincere thanks also go to the teaching and support staff for the considerable time invested in the move to entirely online learning and over a very short time frame. We realise this has been a very unsettling time for many students and whanau and wish to take care with transitioning and settling students back in. We are particularly mindful of our NCEA students and will be keen to assist them to manage their work to reach their learning goals for the various subjects they are taking.
During level 3, construction and demolition work was able to start again. While we are sorry to see N-Block demolished, though it has presented opportunities to redevelop other areas of the school including refurbished art rooms. We are looking forward to developing the grounds left by N block and how have appreciated the feedback and ideas for its use from our students, passed onto us from our student rep Sam Anderson.
These have been uncertain times and we are very mindful of some of the challenges our school community have faced. As a board we are concerned to ensure our students and staff are supported as they transition back into face to face schooling, and we look forward to the re-starting the multiple facets of school life including sports, culture, art and service activities as we are able to.
Noho ora mai
Juliana Mansvelt
Board of Trustees Chairperson