May 2011 : Board Talk

It is with disappointment that we have accepted the resignation of Kate Stewart and Mike Brennan from the Board of Trustees as both face significant changes in their living situations as a result of the quake. We have valued their input and I am sure many of you have known them in different ways over recent years and will miss them around and involved as much as they have been in the past. Thank you both and we hope that progress is being

made as you consider the future.

The Board welcomes Antony Sefton who has been co opted onto the Board until the September elections and he will oversee the Property portfolio left when Kate resigned. He will bring some great project management experience and building knowledge and we look forward to his contribution.

Principal Appointment Process

This is progressing well, with 25-30 application packs emailed or sent to interested parties. Some applicants are likely to visit the school over the next couple of weeks, but don’t jump to the conclusion of one class earlier in the week that the visitor was the new principal, or

though one may be the one... Applications close June 3, with short listing by June 13, and interviews planned for the weekend 25,26,27 June at this stage.

Thank you again for ideas and suggestions, I have enjoyed discussions with people around what we see as important moving forward. The journey ahead for us remains challenging and it will be critical to find someone prepared to fully join us all in that.

Scotts Farewell...s...

Many of you will know he arrived on a chopper, and I do know of some who have children who their first day coincided with this spectacular arrival. Many a joke has gone around about how we might send him off, shopping trolleys, portaloos... maybe not, but please look out for information that will begin to circulate somewhat discreetly. Obviously we will publish dates as soon as possible, and Scott will know that much, as for the rest we are looking for people on the ground to take on small tasks, and ideas are most welcome. The plan so far is for relaxed event with some entertainment, certain amount of BYO items, and sense of fun, mixed with spontaneity!

At this stage, pencil in Friday July 1, at school, later afternoon into the evening...

Please feel free to chat with Kath from the Board, or Felicity and the FOMPS crew, and hopefully we’ll soon have it planned with opportunities for many of you to contribute in different ways!

Community Building...

Please see in the newsletter a number of events that are planned by both FOMPS, BOT and our wider community with the aim of catering for most of you in one way or another. We are accutely aware of the range of pressures and needs people have many hindered by options for getting together, so read up on the mix of options and join in as you are able.

Room 1a and 1b

Do check these out and notice the extended smiles of both Lynne and Jane as they enjoy the new classrooms. Many have commented about the impression of ‘sort of a good blend of kindy but with the order of school’, and as a new entrant space how good it is proving to be. Well

worth the wait and the creative approach to how we plan longer term building of new and replacement classrooms.

Pool and Hall

If you have missed previous correspondence, or are wanting to know the latest, these both remain in process, most of which is out of our hands. Scott has worked tirelessly recently particularly relating to the hall, but with both failing out of ‘emergency repair’ status there

are processes that need to be adhered to and while frustrating we will be doing our best to keep things moving. Thank you to everyone within the school accommodating groups relocated and doing without the space that the hall provided for us.

Martin Anderson

On behalf of the Board of Trustees