Board of Trustees Chairperson‘s Report

2019 has certainly been a busy year at Karamu, a visit from the Education Review Office, Board of Trustees Elections and the appointment of a new Principal has seen a lot of work by the Board and Senior Leadership team at Karamu. The ERO team visited Karamu as part of their regular evaluation cycle. This visit is an ideal opportunity for the school to receive independent feedback and assurance that we are meeting the needs of the students.

ERO rightfully acknowledged the schools existing strength around school culture and a strong sense of belonging that promotes student social and emotional wellbeing and encouraging respectful relationships. It also noted that we care for growing staff professional capability through a strategic and coherent approach that is focused on improving outcomes for students.

The positive feedback from ERO combined with another year of great NCEA and scholarship results reinforces that Karamu is continuing to provide a well-rounded education for the students while allowing them to develop as young adults ready to join the workforce or move on to further study. This is a real credit to all the staff across the school, the senior leadership team, teachers and support staff who collectively work very hard to provide the students with a great experience and opportunities at Karamu We also had the triennial Board of Trustees elections and I would like to thank the school community for their support of all the trustees who were elected onto the Board. We will continue to ensure our stewardship role ensures the staff have the support and resources to continue to deliver a robust education for the students. It was great to see new trustees elected from some of our neighbouring schools. I also acknowledge and thank Mrs Kate Holden and Mr Ian Horsefield for the contribution and work they have done over many years of committed service on the Board. 2019 also saw the appointment of a new Principal, Mrs Dionne Thomas who will begin as Principal at the start of the 2020 (yes that’s correct 2020). Mrs Thomas replaces Mr Michael Leitch who made the difficult decision to resign as Principal and pursue his passion for teaching as HOD Physical Education at Napier Boys’ High School. Mr Leitch has lead Karamu well ensuring we maintain momentum around student achievement and wellbeing across all areas as well as leading staff recruitment and development, we wish him all the best in the future. community and I have no doubt that she will provide excellent leadership as principal at Karamu. The appointment of Mrs Thomas created a vacancy for a Deputy Principal with Mr Aron Noble been appointed to the position. Mr Noble will join our Senior Leadership Team in 2020 and will no doubt bring his own strengths to an already effective team.

The stars of 2019 have however, again been the students, it’s incredible to see how these students grow during the year when provided with a great learning environment and staff that both support and challenge students. The students active involvement in learning, sport, cultural events and the community is a real credit to them, it’s difficult to recognise their achievements in this written report, I encourage readers to have a good look through this magazine to fully appreciate what talented students we are growing. What is really pleasing is how students take lead roles at various activities and events during the year 2019 was also the first time for thirteen years that we had to hold a ballot for students for the 2020 year. A difficult process that leaves some disappointed but essential to maintain the size and character of Karamu and a reflection of the schools ongoing popularity as a secondary school of choice for many families. I am sure 2020 will be the beginning of a great experience for the new and existing students at Karamu. Finally, thanks to the staff, numerous parents, caregivers, volunteers (including students) and community groups that support Karamu throughout the year, your support is greatly appreciated, and I hope you all have a great Christmas and New Year.

Mrs Thomas has a strong history with Karamu, firstly as a student, parent, teacher and most recently Deputy Principal. She is actively involved in various areas of the Hawkes Bay Dave de Lange Chairperson Board of Trustees