Greetings, Kia ora, Kia orana, Talofa, Mālō e lelei,  Namaste, Ni Hao, Bula, Hola, Kumusta

Greetings to all our school families

Every state and state integrated school in New Zealand is beginning the process for the forthcoming Board elections which for most schools, take place on 7 September 2022.

This is an exciting opportunity for you as parents/caregivers to become involved in the governance of the school and your children’s education. The Board is the voice for our community and its representatives. In all our decision making, we look to our school’s vision and values which are our foundation and which guide us in our governance role.

Holy Trinity Catholic Primary School will be seeking five parent elected members. Being a Catholic school, we also have four members appointed by the Bishop of Auckland. There is a staff representative on the Board, and of course the principal as of right.

What Do Board Members Do?

The Board is accountable to its parents and community and for student progress and achievement. Here are some specific things a Board does:

  • Sets the strategic direction and goals for the school and monitors the school’s progress against them.
  • Collaboratively with the principal and leadership team, monitors and evaluates student progress.
  • Oversees the employment of staff, property, finances, curriculum and administration.
  • Ensures that the educational needs and aspirations of all learners, and particularly Maori learners, Pasifika learners and learners with special learning and behaviour needs are identified, planned for and met.
  • Fulfils the intent of the Treaty of Waitangi by valuing and reflecting New Zealand’s dual cultural heritage.
  • Appoints and supports the principal in her role as the day to day manager of the school and its operations.

What Qualities and Skills Do Board Members Need?

Everyone has something to offer and the work of the Board is a team effort.

For our Board to be the best it can be, we need people around the board table with a range of these competencies, skills and personal qualities. However, it is not expected that each board member will have all these skills, but a range of skills around the board table is essential.

General Competencies: – People with a vision

  • Strategic thinkers
  • Practical people
  • People who can communicate well
  • Team players

Helpful Skills: – Understanding of finances

  • People management
  • Strategic planning
  • Knowledge of an education environment
  • Risk management

Personal Qualities:

  • Willingness to support and uphold our school’s  Catholic special character
  • Genuine interest in the school and its students
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Willingness to learn

The School Board also needs to represent the diversity of its school community. The Board election is the opportunity to nominate and vote for candidates who will make a positive difference for children’s education. We need people from the various ethnic groups who make up our culturally rich school.

If this sounds like you, please think about putting your name forward, or get someone to nominate you.

Watch out for the nomination forms coming out to you in the next 2 to 3 weeks.

Election Timeline

 Event and Date

  • Select Returning Officer by Wednesday 6 July 2022
  • Close Main Roll by Wednesday 13 July 2022
  • Call for Nominations by Friday 15 July 2022
  • Close Supplementary Roll by Monday 1 August 2022
  • Nominations Close by Wednesday 3 August 2022
  • Voting Papers issued by Wednesday 10 August 2022
  • Election Day (Voting closes) at 4:00pm Wednesday 7 September
  • Accept postal votes to Monday 12 September
  • Count Votes by Tuesday 13 September
  • Board Takes Office on Wednesday 14 September

What To Do Now!

  • Keep an eye on the timeline of events as above
  • Consider nomination
  • Watch out for nomination forms being posted out to you
  • If you are not sure, check with the school office that you are on the school’s electoral roll

For Further Information

Contact:

  • Carmel Stewart – the school’s Returning Officer in the school office OR Phone 09 296 9039
  • Philip Cortesi- Presiding Member of the School Board- Phone 09 266 4079 OR 021 632944
  • Peta Lindstrom- School Principal – Phone 09 296 9039

May our God continue to guide us at this very important time

Blessings
Philip Cortesi
Presiding Member of the School Board
Holy Trinity Catholic Primary School

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