Board of Trustees
2019 brought about the beginning of a significant period of exciting change for Kaipara College. As a school we continue to go from strength to strength and it is a pleasure for us to govern alongside inspiring educators, proactive and involved whanau, and such outstanding young people.
We celebrate alongside you the many successes of our students be they academic, cultural, sporting, within the Arts or community platforms. The very best part of being on a school board is knowing that in some way we are setting the foundations for these opportunities.
The board of trustees elections in July saw the retirement from the Board of 3 long-serving members. Firstly Felicity Smith, after multiple terms (21 years!), and holding various roles, her wisdom around the board table will be sorely missed. Alongside her skill in the area of finance, Felicity's legacy will be one of strong advocacy for opportunities and pathways for all learners. At the same time, Genelle and Brent Bailey ended their 6 years. Both brought a strong business acumen, a true appreciation of all that the college provides for our community, and a stoic loyalty to the school beyond their own daughters’ attendance here. We will certainly miss them, but we welcome newly appointed board members Rochelle Gillespie, John Olsen and Wiki Ratima; we look forward to utilising their skills and knowledge over the next 3 years. .
There has been much community involvement as we have consulted around the school's future direction. A significant curriculum review has taken place and we are excited by the pathway the school’s leadership team is taking to ensure our students' time at school is one where they are engaged, productive and successful through a responsive, modern and evolving teaching and learning programme. We recognise the importance of our geographical location and maintaining a strong community connection to maintain all that has made Kaipara College significant for so many over the years. The introduction of 1 ½ hour periods and semesters will allow for more in depth teaching and variety for our students.
Being directed to put in an enrolment zone with boundaries that sadly cut off areas which have strong historical connections to the college has been challenging for all involved. Our growing numbers are a great problem to have however, as we begin significant building projects, we are mindful as a board of the need to ensure we create spaces that will optimise learning and provide the very best for our students. They sure do deserve it!
The recently held 60th reunion celebrations enabled old friends and colleagues to reconnect and remember ‘the good ol' days’. Kaipara College has played a significant role in the lives of many people and it was fabulous to share the new vision for the college and modern teaching programmes with the attendees.
We would like to sincerely thank the staff and community for all they have done to ensure our young people have an education that puts them on a pathway of lifelong learning, individual success and to become positive contributors to their community.
To our Principal, Mr Steve McCracken, your genuine care of our school whanau, considered leadership and commitment to raising the standards of Kaipara College is one we are very grateful for and would like to publicly acknowledge. Your vision is both innovative and exciting. We have great faith that you are up for the challenge that indefinitely comes with change.
Meghan Oliver
Andrea Clarke
On behalf of Kaipara College Board of Trustees