The June WGHS Board meeting commenced with the welcome news that the school environment had settled after the many disruptions due to weather and other events during the first half of the year. We are aware of how frustrating this has been for everyone and were greatly relieved that teaching and learning had returned to normal.
Aside from the usual board business, key aspects covered at our last meeting include the following:
Curriculum review – Music
It is always a highlight to see what’s happening within each curriculum area at our school; with heads of department addressing the board on a triennial rotation. This month Fiona Wilson presented a comprehensive review of the music curriculum and the many extra-curricular music programmes undertaken by her department. We know many of our students enjoy this subject and we are fortunate to have talented and passionate teachers who support their learning
Our students can be proud of WGHS’s outstanding achievements at the recent Big Sing Regionals in Auckland. The Event Centre has provided a real lift for our talented music students in providing a beautiful acoustic space for them to perform.
Professional Development/Staff Wellbeing
Deputy Principal, Nicky Whitham Blackwell, presented her report on the SPANZ Principal’s Conference 2023 that she had attended in New Plymouth on behalf of Jane Stanley (Principal). Nicky also presented an update of the staff wellbeing and professional development portfolio.
Principal Jane Stanley, three Deputy Principals and last year’s staff Gold award recipient attended the Asia Pacific Summit on Girl’s Education in Hobart; and David reported on observations and learnings from this conference.
Grants Applications
Grant applications for sports and music equipment, along with hockey tournament support, were tabled for board approval prior to their submission to the Charitable Trusts.
Māori & Pasifika
We were pleased to see parents and students connecting at the recent Whānau hui and Pasifika Fono nights, sharing in the successes of our Māori and Pasifika students.
Progress continues with the Whāre wānanga project with a small but effective whānau committee, and we invite everyone who’d like to be involved in this project to contact Matua Eddie Hudson.
Other matters
Section 166 of the Education and Training Act 2020 allows the Minister of Education to issue a code of conduct for school board members of all state and state integrated school boards. The code sets out minimum standards of conduct that each board member is required to meet. This Code of Conduct came into effect on 21 June 2023 and was provided to each member at the meeting.
Following our meeting, Board Chair, Joy Bradfield, and Student representative, Jappan Kaur, addressed the support staff at a special morning tea to extend the Board’s thanks for their continued hard work and support. Our non-teaching staff ensure that the school continues to run like a well-oiled machine, and is a great place in which to both work and learn; we are very grateful for their time and talents.
Our next board meeting is to be held on Tuesday 22nd August, contact Marie McKerrow, Board Secretary and Principal’s EA if you would like to attend.
