Mark Weston

What skills do you bring to the Board of Trustees?

I bring a solid accounting and auditing background and strong community spirit, my passion at work is auditing within the charitable not-for-profit sectors to help them achieve their goals and aspirations, it’s these skills that I hope to bring to the table during my next 3 years as a trustee of the school.

Where do you see Oropi School in 3 years’ time
To be a continuing leader of its play-based learning philosophy and rolling this out schoolwide so that all students can benefit from this awesome way of learning. I also want to see Oropi School maintain and build upon its ties to the local community and Iwi, if these ties are strong then together, we can create something special.

 What do you hope to learn from being on the Board of Trustees?

To further my skills within the role of governance and the education system and transfer these in a positive and constructive way during board meetings to help achieve our common goals for the best of the school and the amazing students who attend Oropi School.

 What do you do in your spare time?

Family is most important to me so spending this time with them travelling and sharing different experiences together is what really floats my boat!

Heather Salmons

What skills do you bring to the Board of Trustees?

I have been an active member of the Oropi School and wider community for the past six years while my children have been attending both the school and playgroup and am actively involved as a school parent on a day to day basis. This bring a strong awareness of the community I am representing. I have been on the Oropi School board for the last three years, which puts me on a good footing to assist with the board’s activities looking forward. Previously I have been involved in several non-profit organizations, including roles in accounting and in governance at a regional level so have a sound understanding of the role required by a board member.

Where do you see Oropi School in 3 years’ time?

I see Oropi School continuing to have a strong community focus offering good quality learning opportunities to all students.  Our play-based philosophy will be entrenched in our whole school learning and all our children will be fully engaged in our discovery learning program. Our additional programmes such as languages and garden to table will continue to build throughout the school.  

What do you hope to learn from being on the Board of Trustees?

To continue to grow my knowledge of governance and how to best support the management team.

What do you do in your spare time?

With my youngest child starting school this year, I have found more time to renovate our family home along with helping out with our family business.  I enjoy playing netball and exploring all the fantastic bushwalks our region has on offer.  I also enjoy time in the kitchen and growing our own food in the garden.  

Lucy Townley 

What skills do you bring to the Board of Trustees?

I have been involved in the school community for over 6 years and feel like I have a good understanding of our community.

Where do you see Oropi School in 3 years’ time?

I see Oropi School with a strong sense of community, where students are reaching their potential academically, physically and emotionally. Strengths and passions of students are encouraged and students continue to enjoy coming to school each day and feel like they are a valued member of the community. 

What do you hope to learn from being on the Board of Trustees?

I want to learn how we as a board can support the amazing staff at Oropi so they can continue to focus on our students.

What do you do in your spare time?

My husband Ben and I live in the Oropi community and operate a motorcycle tourism business. We enjoy being outdoors and making the most of New Zealand with our children. I have three children at Oropi School. Levi year 6, Jaggar year 4 and Dot is in year 1. Since day one I have been impressed with the relaxed culture and the spirit of Oropi school and all it has to offer the children.

We are both volunteers at local community clubs and believe strongly in volunteering in the community.

I am looking forward to contributing to the school's direction to ensure the current and future students and staff are learning, growing and teaching in the best environment possible

Rachel Dell

What skills do you bring to the Board of Trustees?

I bring a range of skills including strategic planning, project management and governance, business analysis, communications and marketing. I have experience in the corporate sector, local government and tertiary education.

Where do you see Oropi School in 3 years’ time?

I see Oropi School with a stronger sense of community with students and families - where all students reach their best academic achievement.  Strengths and characteristics are nurtured and developed, and a range of learning opportunities are available to all students.   

What do you hope to learn from being on the Board of Trustees?

How to support our school management and teachers to excel for themselves and our students.  

What do you do in your spare time?

I love spending time with Gregg, Elena and Jonathan on land or on the water.  There is always something to do around the property. I am a hobbiest beekeeper.  I enjoy keeping fit with running and swimming.  Any other spare time I might have had has been given up as I undertake a Master of Health Leadership.