The last couple of months have been devoted to student achievement and work on property and policy. We had a meeting with the Heads of Faculties earlier in the year to reflect on progress in 2021 and next steps for 2022. We identified that Maori achievement, and achievement of boys were two areas of focus for this year, and a number of teaching and learning measures (including an audit of assessment and curriculum content) will help identify gaps and areas of good practice. We have recently (through management) consulted with our parent community over reporting to parents, and we are also currently in the process of harvesting student voice (facilitated by external providers) on the learning and teaching in this college. The findings from these reviews will be reported back to the board at future meetings, and the analysis of these reviews will enable the senior leadership team to celebrate successes and make changes where areas for improvement are identified. At each board meeting the principal reports on progress in relation to our annual goals so the board is kept updated with significant developments in teaching and learning.
Likely you have also been aware of the trailer incident which occurred at a Rangatahi Ora fundraiser event in April. The board takes such incidents very seriously, and we are keen to learn from them and make any changes to our policies and procedures that are necessary. We are still awaiting the outcome of a police and worksafe enquiry but in the meantime have conducted our own Health and Safety Review, the recommendations of which were passed at our last board meeting on 26th May. These are the seven recommendations thus far, and it likely there will be more after the results of the external investigations are known.
The board will be following up with management to ensure there are procedures and actions in place to support and monitor these recommendations which are as follows:
- No person is to travel on a vehicle that is not designed to carry passengers, ie. seat belts are not present. This does not relate to passenger buses but includes trailers, decks of utes and trucks, etc
- An audit will be held with the HOFs to determine which activities need to develop a Standard Operating Procedure (for activities that are covered by the blanket consent and therefore do not need a RAMS form for every event). For these activities a risk assessment is to be developed and made available so it can be followed whenever that event occurs. This should be reviewed on a regular basis.
- Vehicles owned by Horowhenua College are to be housed/stored on college grounds
- A WOF and Registration register is to be kept for all college owned vehicles
- Check that relevant Health and Safety documents include the step- ‘Parents/caregivers to be contacted as soon as possible after an accident has occurred’.
- Private vehicles used to transport students should be registered and warranted. Drivers should have a current licence and there should be sufficient seat belts for every student
- Educate anyone who will drive on the college grounds that the speed limit is 5 kmph. Additional signage to be installed around college campus
We are now halfway through the term and are in the process of completing the final submission of data for our ongoing Education Office Review (ERO). ERO reviews are no longer the three day events they used to be, but a more productive longitudinal processes with both parties involved in setting goals and in making reflections. We are expecting the results of this at the end of Term 2 and ERO will make the report public when the review is completed.
Meanwhile with Covid still in the community, and winter colds and bugs circulating, we do continue to encourage mask wearing in the school by students and staff. Keep well and warm!
Ngā mihi
Juliana Mansvelt
Presiding Member (Chair)