THS Board of Trustees Panui
Term 1, 2020
Tēnā Koutou Katoa
Welcome back to a new school year. We would like to extend a special welcome to any whānau new to our school community. We look forward to meeting you.
The Role of the Board
The board’s role is one of governance. We are accountable for the school’s performance, we set the vision, mission, and strategic goals, and we ensure compliance with legal and policy requirements. It’s the principal’s role to look after the day-to-day running of the school. The principal is responsible to the board for ensuring that the school works towards the vision and mission and focuses on achieving the strategic goals. Governance determines the “what” and management determines the “how” things get done at school.
Our Draft Charter 2020 – 2025
One of the most important jobs a board has is to set the direction of the school. We do this through the charter – a document which covers our mission, vision, values and strategic goals. Since it has been many years since our charter was last reviewed in depth, the board decided last year that it’s time to bring our charter in line with our current needs and priorities. We have been working with local iwi, whānau, staff and students to compile a draft charter. We believe that the draft charter captures what is important for today’s Thames High School students. We welcome your comments on the parts of the draft charter we have developed so far.
OUR VISION
Climb together to achieve one’s true potential
Kia kōtahi ai te piki ake, kia ikeike rawa ki te taumata
OUR MISSION
To acknowledge our past – Kia mahara o neherā
To inspire our present – Kia aratakina āianei
And transform our future – Hei waihanga ā mua
OUR VALUES
Manaakitanga
Everyone belongs, everyone matters, everyone has potential
Whanaungatanga
Build connected and collaborative relationships that acknowledge community
Mātauranga
Gain knowledge and understanding to empower learning
OUR TIKANGA – R.O.L.E.S
Respect – Ngākau Whakaute
Respect for Others – Manaaki
Respect for Learning – Akonga
Respect for Environment – Taiao
Respect for Self – Whai Ora
TE TIRITI O WAITANGI
We are committed to working in partnership with whānau, hapu and iwi
OUR FOUR STRATEGIC GOALS
- Students/Taiohi…Achieve equity and excellence for all students.
- Teacher/Kaiako…Ensure teaching practices are effective and culturally responsive.
- Hauora…Care for and ensure the well-being of all students/taiohi and staff/kaimahi.
- Whakawhānaungatanga…Build culturally responsive relationships with all.
Please email any suggestions you may have regarding additions or improvements to the draft charter to the board chair maryhamilton6@gmail.com by February 21.
Update on Principal Recruitment
We began the process of looking for a replacement for Mr Sim in November last year. So far, we have had a lot of interest in the position and expect to get a number of strong applications. Applications for the principal close on February 24. We expect that an appointment will be made mid March and the new principal will start early in term two.
Thank you to the many parents and whānau who participated in the stakeholder survey. Thank you for taking the time to let us know what you think are the most important attributes in a new principal. This information has been used to inform our decision around the qualities we are looking for.
Below is a chart showing the priorities for a new principal as identified by the parents, students and staff who participated in the survey.
Learning Environment
After being out of action for most of 2019, A Block is now back in use. Students and staff are excited to finally be using this state of the art teaching and learning space. The A Block refurbishment and upgrade is the biggest project the board has embarked on in many years. The ground floor has been completely rebuilt with the old science labs being replaced with multipurpose teaching areas which have the latest lab setups. The first floor windows have been replaced with modern windows that will do a better job of keeping the noise and elements out. We will officially reopen the updated building later in the term.
Board of Trustee Meetings
Board meetings are held twice a term and are open to the public. We warmly welcome all parents and whānau to attend if you’re interested in how the school is run. The next board meeting is on 24 February 2020 at 6PM. Just a reminder that copies of the minutes of board meetings are available on request at the school office.
Thank you for supporting Thames High School in any and every way you do. Our school is a vital part of our community and requires the dedication and commitment of everyone so that we can do our best for our students.
Ngā mihi
Mary Hamilton
Board chair
Thames High School Board of Trustees
Mary Hamilton (Chair) maryhamilton6@gmail.com
Maria Baird (Acting Tumuaki/Principal) mariabaird@thameshigh.school.nz
Bruce Hinson (Deputy Chair) bruce.hinson@icloud.com
Krishna Duffin b.kduffin@xtra.co.nz
Melody Reidy melmakreidy@gmail.com
Martin Rodley martin.rodley@gmail.com
Jared Stein principal@kingsgate.school.nz
Murray Wakelin murraywakelin@gmail.com
Hannah Cook (Student Trustee) hannahcook090@gmail.com
