Letter from the Board Chair

2024 is here!  - A letter from our Board Presiding Member

Kia Ora koutou Katoa, Yes 2024 is here, it seems the years speed by so fast! Probably because we all have such busy, full lives. Welcome to both returning and new Whanau to Kaharoa School.

For the Board 2023 was a productive year, and 2024 looks to be much the same. I remember this time last year feeling excited about the year to come and it certainly didn’t disappoint. The Kaharoa School leadership team did a phenomenal job in carving out a strong, positive environment for our tamariki, with some new initiatives and a refocus. This year will build on last year and continue to strengthen what has been started.

For the Board the launching of SchoolDocs due to happen soon, will completely change the way we work as a Board. Until now policy creating, reviewing and auditing took up a large portion of our role which limited the time we had to focus on other aspects of our job. The Board will now be able to spend more time checking in on the progress of strategic goals, and student progress across the curriculum. These aspects have always been important to us (and more enjoyable to work on than policy). This year you will see more questionnaires coming your way, please take the time to fill them in. It is how we can ensure we are advocating the values of our community, make sure your voice is heard.

Kaharoa school is also looking to build on the connection and relationship it has with you, our school community. The school is always looking at ways to connect with you, but there are things you can do too. Many of the ways you can be involved happen outside of normal working hours, and there is always flexibility. Managing or coaching a sports team is one way, it involves commitment but doesn’t need to be time-intensive and is a great way to get to know other parents and connect with the school. Of course joining the PTA is a brilliant way to connect with the school, other parents and the wider community; and by doing so you will get to know what is going on at school and why. Or if you can, helping out at camps and day trips are ways to better get to know your child’s teacher and child’s peers. And make sure you come along to school events.

Something I’ve mentioned before but want to touch on again is the importance of creating a healthy working relationship with your child’s teacher and the school as a whole. Kaharoa School shares your determination for your child to reach their full potential and thrive. In my experience misinformation and misunderstanding can create a lot of angst. If there is something you are concerned about, seek clarification and keep seeking it until your concerns are alleviated (familiarise yourself with the complaints process if you need to). Continue to work positively with your school to get the best outcomes for your child. When you speak positively about, and interact positively with your child’s school your child will pick up on that and their school experience can be a healthy, positive one.

This year the Board will continue to work hard to support Kaharoa School in creating an exceptional learning environment for our tamariki.

Nga mihi

Sarah Paterson

Presiding Member

Kaharoa School Board