21 September 2022
2023 Staffing Plan
Dear Otaika Valley School community/whānau,
The board of trustees acknowledges that the changes of staff during 2022, brought about in part by covid19 and mandates, have created some uncertainty. The board wants to assure the community that there has been a lot of time and effort put into staffing to ensure that Otaika Valley School will be in a strong position next year with our teacher/class organisation. During 2021 and 2022 staff planning has been actioned behind the scenes to plan for Miss Maggie McClunes retirement after 22 years, as well as Mrs de Boer’s sabbatical next term.
Mrs Courtney de Boer has taken on the junior school leadership this year and will continue this role next year. Mrs Frances Cowan has been on maternity leave and will return to R7 with the Y5/6 as a very experienced teacher, who knows the school well. Miss Anna Keogh has done a fantastic job with the Y5/6 students this year, as well as the SENCO (Special Education Needs Co-ordinator) position that Maggie has held for a number of years. Both Anna and Courtney have excelled in their leadership roles to fill the excellent job Maggie has done for a number of years.
Anna and Courtney will be a formidable team with the two junior classes next year. Their level of skills and experience are second to none.
Miss Hayley Alchin will continue as the teacher in Room 4. She is a very experienced teacher who has also been our Positive Behaviour for Learning coach.
With Maggie retiring we have advertised for a permanent staff member. This person will be staffed for either Room 5 or 6 for 2023. Once appointments have been made, we will be able to decide which class Mrs Heidi Nieddu our deputy principal will make the most impact in. She will also continue to lead the senior syndicate and support the principal and work closely with Mrs de Boer in the senior leadership team.
The above organisation has been planned for carefully to offer the strongest teams of teachers to meet the needs or the students for 2023. It will be exciting to move into 2023 with a solid group of very experienced staff.
It is also with sadness that after 12 years as Principal of our school, Mr Terry Brock will also be leaving at the end of this school year. Terry has been given a fantastic opportunity having been appointed as principal for Maungatapere School. While this is sad news for all at OVS we acknowledge the amazing work Terry has done during his time at OVS, navigating the difficult issues, always being present and available and building the solid foundation the school is on to move forward on the next part of this journey. Terry is absolutely committed and dedicated to OVS and will continue to work hard in his role for the remainder of the year.
The board will be advertising this position in anticipation of making an appointment later this year so we have a new principal on deck for the start of 2023. The board of trustees believe that our team of experienced teachers and their call placements for 2023 will ensure the school remains strong and stable while we welcome a new principal.
Yours sincerely,
The Otaika Valley School
Board of Trustees
Print or Save this Post