Board Notes 22 May 2013

Summary of information from BOT meeting 22 May 2013

PROPERTY:

Romaine Road entrance: The Principal is liaising with the Ministry of Education (who have been negotiating with the WCC) to find out what is happening with regard to the possibility of a turning point at the end of Romaine Road.

Building Warranties: The Principal provided the Board with a list of outstanding matters relating to the building warranties. Discussions are continuing with Maycroft to ensure finalisation of building issues to comply with warranty requirements. The speed hump heights in the driveway have been addressed.

Landscaping: Consultation with the community and students with regard to the landscaping is a work in progress. More information will be available as this consultation takes place in due course.

BOARD EVALUATION:

The Board have initiated two ways to better communicate with the school community as a result of the Board’s self-review. These are the presentation of bullet points from each Board meeting, and the Board agenda being available on the blog prior to the meeting.

ERO VISIT:

Preparations are under way for the ERO visit in June. Preliminary planning meetings have taken place with ERO and preparations are well under way. Bishop Muru Walters, the school’s Kaumatua will also be attending the ERO visit.

RECAPITATION:

The Board had the opportunity to review background information from the Ministry on the establishment of Amesbury School. The Ministry have officially replied to the Board’s application and advised that they are undertaking a consultation process with the local 10 contributing schools and 2 intermediate schools. The Ministry will advise the Board of the outcome of this consultation in due course.

In the meantime meetings with MPs are being undertaken. The Hon Peter Dunne attended a very useful meeting at the school this week at which he was very positive about the community support for Amesbury to offer Years 7 and 8.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION POLICY:

The Board confirmed the Religious Education Policy. This will be placed on the Blog.

SCHOOL VISION AND VALUES

The Board noted with pleasure the new ‘hand’ signage. Usage of this on future Amesbury School materials was discussed.

FINANCE

A financial reserves policy was adopted.

The Board agreed to the purchase of a Jumbo Multikaicooker for use by the school for hall and fundraising events. This could also be available to the community for events. The jumbo multi kai cooker feeds up to 300 people.

COMMUNICATION WORKING GROUP

A communication working group will be established by Steve Dunbar. A cross section of the school community would be invited to this working group to review school communication with the community. Draft terms of reference for this group will be prepared by Steve.

The Board supported the Amesbury Digest prepared by the Principal for the blog and thought this a useful communication tool.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

It was noted that this was the last formal meeting of this elected Board. Roger Ellis, who is not standing for re-election was warmly thanked for his considerable contribution to Amesbury School. Roger was appointed to the Establishment Board and had also served a term as an elected Board member.

Angela Johnston was also thanked for her contribution as teacher rep. It was noted that this position would be fulfilled by Matt Ives for the next Board term.

NEXT MEETING:

Wednesday 26 June, 2013 5.30p.m.

A meeting with the newly elected Board may be held prior to this to establish roles.