A Positive Move For Selwyn College

*A Positive Move For Selwyn College*

*Parents form 'Positively Selwyn' team for trustee elections ***

In an unusual move, five parents are standing for the Board of Trustees of beleaguered Selwyn College in Auckland's Eastern Suburbs as a united pre-formed team under a '/Positively Selwyn'/ banner.

Selwyn College has been at the centre of a storm over external complaints about its educational approach. The conflict has divided Selwyn's Board of Trustees, effectively crippling decision-making. The Ministry of Education has now sent in a specialist advisor to the Board in the hope of resolving the issues.

Margaret Belich, a spokesperson for the group, said that the group's cohesive approach had arisen from the overwhelmingly supportive view of parents, students and alumni of the School and the need for this platform of support to be reflected in a forward-looking and united Board that could govern the school well.

Tur Borren one of two current board members seeking re-election with the group strongly underlined Belich's comments. "We cannot continue as we have done for the past three years" he said.

"This is a critical time for the College, and if it is to prosper we have to restore stable governance, now. And that needs a Board that from day one is not only united, positive and respectful, but is above all passionate about Selwyn and its future".

George Burrell, with two sons at Selwyn, who also has school Board experience, said that it seemed the more Selwyn was attacked, the more people rang him to offer their help and support.

"We have been able to put together a team for this Board election that we know has the skills, knowledge, and commitment not only to provide strong and proactive governance, but to foster the constructive partnerships and relationships that are needed within the school and the wider community," said Burrell.

Petronella Townsend, and local Kohimarama parent Matthew Blackmore complete the team of five. Townsend is the second of the current Board members aligning with the Group, and has a comprehensive background in the educational sector. Blackmore, past Chairman of a secondary school board, is a Chartered Surveyor and Project Manager with extensive experience in local government and capital projects.

Margaret Belich said that utilising the valued skills and experience of the individual board members was part of the policy plan and post-election Board strategy the Group has drafted.

"By re-establishing the sub-committees for instance we will not only extend the capacity of the Board, but it will enable other parents to participate and contribute with their particular skills and enthusiasms."

"Every school faces challenges responding to changing expectations of educational need, resourcing, operational and capital requirements. The key is to establish reasonable goals and support the team that will make things happen." said Belich.

The Group was emphasising last night that above all this election was not about individuals but the students and their needs.

"That is why the '/Positively Selwyn'/ team will be pledging positive support for the staff and school community to create a learning environment that is healthy, academically enhancing and inclusive, extending the potential of all students" said Mrs Belich.

ENDS

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