Board of Trustees Update 20/7/23

Welcome to Term Three. Hard to believe we are already half-way through the school year.

It has been wonderful for the BOT to welcome everyone for the official school building opening and want to thank Viki and her team for the incredible amount of work that has gone into delivering such a wonderful resource for our children and future generations to enjoy.

Recently the BOT was provided a detailed insight into OPS learning support team and multi-language student support (Awhinatia Ngā Reo). We knew that OPS had good support systems but we hadn't realised quite how complex it all is and how the team, led by Deputy Principal Megan Meech, operated on so little. Previous BOT have decided to employ teacher aides and a fulltime coordinator using the school's budget as this provides stability for our students and teachers alike. The Ministry of Education then reimburse about 15% of the funding back to the school. The BOT believe this level is insufficient. We have resolved to contact the Minister of Education to outline how the funding model for extra support needs to be changed to try and lobby for more financial support from the Ministry of Education. We appreciate all the work of our Teaching Support team, Brigid McCaffery and Katie Hutching (Awhinatia Ngā Reo teacher) and our wonderful team of learning assistants.

Coming up in term three you may notice a push to start fundraising again as we look to fund a new sports facilities and learning shed on the upgraded field. We are also sourcing funds for a sound system for the Arts and Cultural Festival later in the year. The parent team of fundraising "experts" will be applying for these grants. 

There is also 2023 Beats by Bingo planned for late in Term 3 which gives many people something to look forward to. If anyone has any prize or auction items that they can donate, then I'm sure that team of parents would be grateful for your support. 

OPS Board of Trustees Members: Amanda Wellgreen, Nick Wilson, Sisilia Eteuati, Justin Graham, Susan Farley, Viki Holley & Brad Erceg

Board of Trustees Update 1/6/23

On behalf of the OPS Board, I would like to take this opportunity to recognise our principal Viki Holley for her dedication and leadership over the past year. Earlier this year, the Board received Viki’s end of year review prepared by an independent consultant which provided comment on her performance against development objectives and professional standards.

We are delighted to share that Viki’s leadership through a complex year with many challenges was clearly called out in the report. In particular we would like to acknowledge Viki’s steadfast commitment to a positive learning focused culture, whilst also delivering a full new build for OPS.  Despite challenges, she has remained professional, solution focussed and determined to lead a school with a focus on quality teaching and learning. Viki has supported her senior leaders to grow and deepen their understanding of their respective roles. She has proactively engaged support for leaders and kaiako to be informed and ready for the upcoming move.  Over the last 18 months, Viki and her senior leadership team have worked tirelessly to gain an understanding of the pedagogical shifts necessary to maximise learning for tamariki. It is clear from the review that Viki’s commitment to the learning environment at OPS, in spite of competing demands, must be highly commended.  

As a Board we feel very fortunate to have a tumuaki of Viki’s calibre to lead OPS.

Kind regards

Brad Erceg 

Onehunga Primary School Presiding Member (Chair)