From the Board of Trustees
The end of the year is often a time of reflection and thanks as we scan the year been and look forward to the coming year.
It seems a long time since the boards June reinstatement. There has been much to do in re-establishment. While reflecting and preparing to write this, I happened upon this Henry Ford quote:
Coming together is a beginning
Keeping together is progress
Working together is success
I strongly believe that in our short time together the board is already achieving these three lines. Revisiting the school vision and surveying the school community to ensure we are truly reflective of them, while being future focussed. There are several pieces of work that will be rolled out next year with a refreshed school strategic plan and universal code of conduct for all Waitakian’s – if you are a student, teaching team, support staff or a board member – we are all Waitakian’s by the same code.
Recent publicity has highlighted some of the challenges facing the board. With our future focus, the board in conjunction with the Ministry is committed to ensuring a sustainable future for all aspects of the Waitaki Boys’. At senior prize giving, my speech was centred around the school song and how applicable its 76 year old words are still today. One aspect I had not fully appreciated or experienced before taking on this role is the deep care and passion so many have for Waitaki Boys’. I have received many calls of support and alongside some wonderful tales of the past. Thank goodness they happened in the past and don’t have to come before the board today!
The board wishes to thank the many who support our son’s in their endeavours – from classroom to sports field to cultural. There are many who go above and beyond – as parents and governors we are deeply appreciative. Special note of thanks to staff who are leaving us – Mrs Genevieve Einarsen, Mr Alex Barista, Mr James Graham, Mrs Lynda Scott-Araya and Mrs Karen Smith, as well as Teacher Aides, Andy Ewan and Taylor Evans-Porter. We wish you well in your next ventures.
The boards overall sense is that the future is exciting. We are in a period of evolution and with that comes change. Change requires us to step outside our comfort zone and at the end of that zone is where amazing potential lies. This is the future we see and will realise for Waitaki Boys’.
Floreat Waitakia – esto perputea.