Happy Holidays!

Giant Christmas cracker. Negatives of the Evening Post newspaper. Ref: 114/402/08-G. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. http://natlib.govt.nz/records/23232483

This is our last post for the year.  We'd like to take this opportunity to thank you all for a great year at Sylvia Park School and to wish you a very happy and safe holiday. 

Merry Christmas!   See you back at school on Monday, 3rd February.

Minutes of BoT meeting, 9 December 2013

The minutes of the Board of Trustees meeting held on Monday 9th of December are here. If you have any questions or thoughts, we invite you to comment below or to contact us directly.


Esther

Introducing... Esther Casey

Kia ora koutou,  Malo e lelei, Talofa lava and Groetjes

Esther and her family
(Image all rights reserved)

Who are you?

I am mum to two great kids in the junior school at Sylvia Park.  I have been a teacher and a librarian and am now working with schools to support their e-learning.  I was born in the Netherlands, and grew up in the Waikato, but have lived in Auckland for the last ten years. 

What are you doing on the Board of Trustees?

I wanted to be on the BoT so that I could offer my skills to help the school community and support all of our kids' learning.  I was also offered the role of secretary which means that it is my job to make sure the minutes of our meetings are here on the blog for you to read if you want to.

What do you think is the best thing about being at school?

The best thing about schools is that there are so many dedicated people providing amazing learning opportunities for children and that they respond by developing an astounding range of talents and interests.  A school is just such a rich, exciting place to be.  This is especially so at Sylvia Park! 

What kinds of things do you like to do?

Baking, reading and learning.  When I have time, I like to make (and eat...) cheese.

Minutes of BoT meeting, 18 November 2013

The minutes of the Board of Trustees meeting held on Monday 18th of November are here.  If you have any questions or thoughts, we invite you to comment below or to contact us directly.


Esther

Introducing... Pasepa Topeni

Pasepa and her family
(images all rights reserved)

Who are you?

Malo e lelei ! My name is Pasepa Topeni, a full time mother of seven children. It is my privilege to be part of the SPS BoT.

How long have you been part of the Sylvia Park School whānau?

About six years now.

What’s your dream job?

Always wanted to be a chef…….

What kinds of things do you like to do?

Cooking and baking

What do you think is the best thing about being at school?

Seeing kids enjoying their learning, and having a can do attitude towards their learning.

Minutes of BoT meeting, 14 October 2013

The minutes of the Board of Trustees meeting held on Monday 14th of October are here.  If you have any questions or thoughts, we invite you to comment below or to contact us directly.


Esther

Introducing.... Paul Tetley

Paul and his family
(images all rights reserved)

Who are you?

I mostly do property maintenance with a growing interest in landscaping as well, I try to make the best use of what a property has to offer. I'd like to be self sufficient and have a lot more time to spend `building stuff' with the boys and their mum!

What would you like to do for a holiday?

Go back to Arrowtown and look for more Gold! or to Australia or America and go real treasure hunting with the boys...

What do you enjoy about being on the Board of Trustees?

Our BOT is privileged to have a great administration team at the school who work tirelessly to improve all aspects of the school and teachers. It's great to be a part of this and in contact with that team and understand so much more about all the different levels of `our education system'. It is a very good way to learn so much more about how wonderful the school is on a deeper level also.

What other connection do you have to the school?

My wife grew up in this school, some of her teachers are still here! We have three boys, we expect all of them will grow up right here too! I, on the other hand, went to primary and intermediate school in the Philippines.