Western Heights Primary
Principal’s Report to the Board of Trustees
Date: 13 February 2008
Roll: 530
NAG 1: Curriculum requirements and student achievement
The school year began with a Teacher Only Day on Friday, February 1st. We gathered with a huge group of schools at the Trust stadium for a stress management seminar. It was called ‘You Won’t Die Laughing’ and although it was presented in a light manner the message was clear.
Patricia Cameron–Hill and Dr Shayne Yates are well known and respected presenters from Australia, but we won’t hold that against them.
Targets: Pat and the senior team have completed the data analysis and have prepared the statements and variance reports.
The new Student Management System is in use this year. A large number of staff had training during the holidays with more workshops to come.
NAG 2: Documentation and self review
The School Charter and plan are well on the way to completion.
Pat Hutton and I met with Colin Pauling, Waitakere Architects last Thursday. Trudi Brocas was unable to come. The concept plans have been drawn and were discussed. It is quite a big job and coordinating the 5 year plan, 1.18 building money and the grant we have is all important.
Colin was appreciative of our patience during term 4 last year due to his changing circumstances.
Charter: BOT responsibilities planning and discussion on Strategic plan
NAG 3: Personnel - employer responsibilities
The two new staff members who are beginning teachers have settled in well. They attended all planning meetings in the holidays and are taking guidance from their tutor teachers. Pat Jerkovich is now released from classroom duties and one of her responsibilities is the beginning teachers in her area.
Mr Andrew Noakes has relinquished his Deputy Principal’s role (letter in BOT mail) and is now a teacher in the middle school syndicate, with several extra duties to support Pat Jerkovich.
Professional Development: We have begun our Young Picasso painting workshops with half the staff here at school until 7pm on Monday afternoon. They have another afternoon to complete, then the other half of the staff begin.
NAG 4: Financial and property management
The draft budget for 2008 has been sent into Leading Edge Service Centre signed, having been accepted at the November meeting.
Mail items: To be discussed.
Sun Shade: A new shade is being made for the pool, as the old one was damaged beyond repair during the holidays.
Also note the pool fence repairs, as the fence wire was cut on the second day of the holidays.
NAG 5: Health and Safety
The pool is open to the parents for the term. It was not used at all over the holidays which Mina appreciated, as it was a lot less work and expense, not to forget the damage.
Thank you to the BOT members who are going to check the pool over the weekends this term. This is greatly appreciated.
Beach Safety: All the senior classes are attending beach safety days at Piha this week. These days are taken by the Piha Surf Lifesavers and are well supported by the parents.
Sturges Road Bridge: I attended another Sturges Road bridge meeting in the holidays and it seems we will have disruption for the next 12 months (minutes in BOT mail)
The traffic issues outside the school have not arisen, as motorists seem to be very aware of the school crossing and cars outside the school at 8.30 and 3.00.
NAG 6: Compliance/ Administration
Health Survey results: A survey was done in term 4 of 2007. Lisa Pasalic will present the report tonight. The community is satisfied with the present health policy emphasis and support the programmes at school. The 100+ who attended the KOS evening were all in favour of the school being involved in that programme. This programme covers some sensitive issues and there was 100% support. Thank you also to the BOT for your attendance.
Meeting Schedule: The schedule presented is just a draft for your discussion.
Henderson Cluster BOT training meeting here at school - 20 February at 6pm
Next BOT meeting: Week 8, 26 March at 7.30
Extending High Standards meeting: 27 March at Holy Cross at 7.00
Extra meetings: We will have meetings with the ERO team during this term. Dates to be arranged.
Health and EOTC Programme for 2008 to be discussed and accepted
General:The school year has begun well with teachers happy to have a call back day for professional development. We have a second one being arranged for June, where we will be looking at the new curriculum.
Extending High Standards: The co-ordinator, Sue Armstrong was at a school meeting with key teachers this week.
Term 1: Testing is being done in all cluster schools.
Term 2: We have a mini research topic to do - the use of Rubrics in our cluster schools.
