Development Update

Words by Bridget Woodham HEAD OF DEVELOPMENT

The role of the Development Office within Independent schools is as prevalent today as it ever has been and has never been more important. As the education landscape continues to evolve and ways of learning advance, Rangi Ruru needs a reliable resource of supplementary support, over and above tuition and boarding fees, to keep up with this and help it seize opportunities for continued advancement.

The school’s strategic goals often dictate the work stream for the Development Office whether that is securing support for: building new facilities, developing sophisticated curricular and co-curricular programmes, or providing additional scholarships and bursaries. However, every now and then work streams are interrupted by unexpected events.

Following the earthquake events ten years ago, the recent global pandemic has once again seen the Development Office reviewing its planned work programme against a new and evolving landscape. With many families facing genuine uncertainty, we needed to look for new ways to help the school and our Rangi Whanau navigate their way through a somewhat unstable and unknown post COVID-19 climate.

At the heart of this work, guiding decisions regarding new initiatives was a desire to look for ways to help keep our community strong and the Rangi Ruru sisterhood together.

The tuition and boarding fee rebate from the Board was a welcome and generous start of that support. Next, a Community Business Directory was established in order to create awareness of businesses owned and services offered by current families of Rangi Ruru. This was initiated in a bid to encourage business support whilst also helping create new, or strengthen existing, networks within our community.

With several families signalling they were unsure whether their daughters would be able to remain enrolled at Rangi, the next stream of work ensued. The COVID-19 Fees Assistance Fund was launched early June to try and keep our Rangi Family together. Donations to this fund would help the school underwrite tuition and boarding fees in the short term needed by current families to ensure their daughters remain enrolled. As I write, the initial response to this fund has been overwhelming, a true illustration of the deep rooted affection for this School and the strong sense of belonging held by our Rangi Ruru Whanau. A strong community is a community that stands together, supporting each other through the tough times and our Rangi Ruru Whanau are exemplifying this through their actions.

Thank you to all who have given so far. Further support will be needed as many families are yet to feel the full impact of the recession ahead, so if you are in a position to help others at this time, please give to our COVID-19 Fees Assistance Fund.

Rangi Ruru and You. Stronger. Together.

COMMUNITY BUSINESS DIRECTORY

A comprehensive listing of businesses and services offered by members of our Rangi Ruru Community.

Visit www.rangiruru.school.nz/support to view or register.

COVID-19 Fees Assistance Fund

Working together to care for Rangi families.

If you are able to help others during this challenging time please give today by going to www.rangiruru.school.nz/support to donate.

Alternatively you can send a cheque made payable to the Head of Development, Rangi Ruru Girls’ School, 59 Hewitts Road, Merivale, Christchurch 8014.

To allow funds to be distributed accordingly all donations should be made before 25 September 2020. All donations over $5 may be eligible for tax rebate. A tax receipt will be issued for all donations.