Kia ora koutou
October’s Board of Trustees was lengthy but productive! I am very grateful we have such a dedicated team of trustees who read all the meeting documents prior to the meeting. We work electronically so thankfully we avoid the need to print off reams of paper! Becoming familiar with the Google Docs system (something our students and staff use) has been good professional development for a number of trustees – including myself! Our October meeting was also the first for our recently elected student trustee Sam Anderson and it was great to welcome him to the board. We really value our student trustees and the perspective they bring to our discussions. Sadly it was also the meeting where we farewelled outgoing trustee Brooke Antonsen. Brooke has done a wonderful job in her role as student trustee. We have appreciated her thoughtful and insightful contributions as a board member and wish her all the very best for her future as she leaves College at the end of the year.
At the start of the meeting we had a site visit with Mr Samson to discuss the use of additional powertools in the Technology Faculty. The board recognises the need for our courses to provide students with the skills and expertise they need for the workplace and for further study. The proposal to extend the range of powertools would provide students with the opportunity to improve project options and to increase the skill levels of leavers entering the workforce. The proposal (if implemented) would be underpinned by plans and procedures to support the health and safety of staff and students working in this area.
At the October meeting we also met with the Heads of Faculties. This was a meeting which involved a review of actions outlined earlier in the year to address aspects of student achievement in each faculty. Reflections on progress this year also help inform the Board’s strategic goals for 2019. The Board wishes to acknowledge the hard work and commitment of staff in addressing these achievement goals during the year and it was pleasing to see good progress in relation to the majority of these. Our discussions also highlighted an area for concerted focus for 2019 – that of attendance. Our academic data shows that there is a direct correlation between achievement and attendance, and that students who are absent from class have greatly reduced chances of passing NCEA. We realise improving this will require commitment of students, staff and whanau and hope that we can work together to provide further lift attendance next year.
Technology requirements for 2019 were discussed at the meeting. Mr White had produced a detailed plan prioritising purchases and we talked through the needs of staff and students in the College. The Board recognises the value of new technologies for learning, but just as importantly the need for appropriate pedagogy (theories of teaching and learning) which inform how technology is used in the classroom.
The rest of the board meeting covered our usual business – the Principal’s report, finance, property, health and safety and policy review. I do love the variety that being on the board brings. There are always plenty of challenges and the opportunities for growing successful young men and women across our four pillars – academic, sport, service and arts and culture are something all our board members are committed to!
Ngā mihi
Juliana Mansvelt
Board of Trustees Chairperson