Oropi School Board of Trustees
Mark Weston (Chairman)
Lucy Townley
Kate Carlyle
Barry Parkinson
Justin Williams
Andrew King - Principal
Ayn Harris - Staff Representative
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!
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
Kate Carlyle
What skills do you bring to the Board of Trustees?
I live in Oropi, and have been a member of the Oropi school community for almost 4 years, and feel like I have a good understanding of the school community, its needs and strengths. I have worked as a nurse within a paediatric specialist role for 10 years, where I work alongside the ministry of education bringing expert knowledge of specialist health and education resources
Where do you see Oropi School in 3 years’ time?
I see Oropi school continuing to thrive as the amazing school it is. I want to see continuation of the amazing programmes already in place e.g. garden to table while also researching and introducing new programmes that support our children to achieve in all aspects of their learning.
What do you hope to learn from being on the Board of Trustees?
I am excited to support the school management and teachers to continue to support our children's learning and help them grown into confident young adults. I am keen to learn about the requirements of the board and contribute in any way I can
What do you do in your spare time?
I enjoy spending time with my family, and we often spend weekends biking and walking, and love exploring New Zealand on holidays.
Justin Williams
What skills do you bring to the Board of Trustees?
I bring over ten years of business and people management experience. I have a strong technical background and am knowledgeable in HSE policies and practices in commercial and industrial working environments. I am people focussed and strive for others around me to achieve their potential.
Where do you see Oropi School in 3 years’ time?
Continuing to focus on the play-based learning approach and community spirit that underpins the good work undertaken by many at Oropi School. I want the school to be a safe, encouraging place of learning that focusses on the key elements to student success.
What do you hope to learn from being on the Board of Trustees?
I believe learning is the key to success in life and I expect to learn as much from this experience as I plan to contribute. I am hopeful that I will take away a detailed understanding of the administrative systems that sets the platforms for education and work hard to support our Teachers needs so they can focus on supporting our students.
What do you do in your spare time?
We love to explore this awesome little country of ours through bushwalks, hikes and road trips and are grateful for the opportunities we have to do so. We love to get the kids out on their bikes and check out new parks and cafes as well as catching up with extended family.
I also enjoy roasting coffee and creating and sampling new blends and flavours.