Wellington regional Mayors acknowledge School Trustees

18 June 2013

Wellington regional Mayors acknowledge School Trustees

“All around Wellington there are people who volunteer to do work that enhances their community, however there are not many who have to go through an election process to fulfil this goal. School trustees are one such group” states Chris Toa, Chairperson, Wellington Wairarapa School Trustees Association.

Established under David Lange’s “tomorrow’s schools” concept, trustees were set up to be the governance body for their school and more importantly, a way for parents to play a more significant role in the education of their children.

“Whilst the school trustee role has largely gone unheralded in the past, this year is an exception. Three years ago, as Chairperson, I asked former Porirua Mayor, Jenny Brash, if she would host an event to celebrate the work that school trustees do in her community. She did, and Mayor Nick Leggett has already organised a public event on 15 July to show his support”, explains Mr Toa.

Encouraged by that positive response, WWSTA contacted the other Mayors of the region asking for the same thing, acknowledgement of the work school trustees do in their community.

“Mayor’s Celia Wade-Brown, Ray Wallace, Wayne Guppy, Jenny Rowan and Adrienne Staples response has been overwhelming and quite humbling. Wellington and Hutt City have decided on a public celebration” says Mr Toa.

“WWSTA have endeavoured to contact all the schools in the Wellington region to supply the names and details of those trustees who have retired from their Board at the recent election. Whilst the lists are complete for Porirua and the Hutt Valley, Wellington Schools have shown less eagerness to have their trustees recognised”, states Mr Toa, “and any schools wishing to acknowledge the service of their retiring trustees should contact the Wellington Wairarapa School Trustees Association office as soon as possible.”

ENDS

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