Update from the Presiding Member

Kia Ora Everyone,
Following a stormy start Spring weather seems to be finally settling. Longer evenings means more play outside and the excitement of looking forward to holidays and the Christmas season. There is much for school staff and the Board to do over this time.

On the 23rd of October I joined with our staff at the Save Our Services Rally at The Triangle. We were joined by people from the Health sector too. Education staff, medical professionals and emergency workers took part in the Nationwide action to draw attention to the serious issues affecting all of these sectors. They and us were there for students, patients and the public who access emergency services, in short, families.

Our presence at the Triangle was well received by the public passers-by. We could only be there for a short time as the storm that went on to cause so much destruction arrived shortly before 1.00 pm.

To protest is at the basis of any democracy and I was happy to be there.

On November 4th our Home and School Committee held their annual Home and Garden Tour. It was very successful and I would like to personally acknowledge and thank sincerely those parents and staff who devoted a huge amount of time and effort to this. The sole purpose of course is to raise funds for the benefit of our tamariki.

Please consider joining the group or volunteer when you can during fundraising efforts, you would be welcome. Home and School support is really vital to our school and students. I never take for granted the work this group does for us all.

The November Board meeting was held this week on Wednesday 11th 2025. We regularly cover a lot of important topics at each meeting covering the management and governance of West Gore School.

There are topics I want to address here.
As you know we are undertaking further action under new direction from the Government pertaining to school absences. Of pressing concern is children being withdrawn from school in order to holiday overseas with their families. As per legal guidelines this is judged to be an unjustifiable absence. Our school Leadership team is often not informed of these plans in the appropriate manner. In some cases, notification is not within a suitable timeframe and occasionally there is no notification at all. There are many reasons why an overseas trip may happen. It may be for cultural, medical or legal reasons. However, taking time away during Term time is discouraged for the purpose of holidays. In all cases though the Board requires you to make contact with Principal Linda Fraser in the first instance. Please consider the timing of
overseas holidays and how it can impact your child’s learning, especially if your child is taking part in a supported learning program.

Every year a sub-committee of Board members undertakes a review of School Policy and Procedure. The policies are scrutinised for serviceability, suitability and improvement if required. For parents and caregivers to participate please go the School app, click ‘ links’ and then ‘School Docs’. It’s a great tool, do go and have a read.

Work is currently being done to make updated guidelines on school policy as it applies to you and your whānau easily available. I will keep you all posted as to when that comes it to being.
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Til next time,
Ngā Mihi,
Susan Hasselman
Presiding Member