A message from the Chair of the Trust Board, Mr Mark Conelly.
This has certainly been a year of firsts after being locked down in Auckland for over 100 days. Events in the past 20 months have given me time to pause and reflect on what is important; our family, friends, and community. We have been encouraged to be part of the team of 5 million, to do what is right and to put the necessary measures in place to protect ourselves and those around us. While it is easy to think about what we missed out on, as a community we have much to be proud of.
At Saint Kentigern, we have made good progress against what we set out to achieve with a significant milestone on our building projects on Shore Road. We have started moving into our Senior Boys’ School and shared Specialist Block, and our new Girls’ School is on track to welcome students in Term 2 2022 with nearly 300 girls on the roll. I am also pleased to share that construction work has begun for our new Preschool which paves the way for us to extend our reach to up to 75 for our very youngest Sons and Daughters of Saint Kentigern. We look forward to announcing more details on our plans for expansion at the College Campus in the New Year.
While having the best buildings and facilities are important, our people make the difference between being a good school and a great one. We have listened to feedback from our staff and commenced implementation of a comprehensive programme that focuses on their wellbeing and engagement. We have also stood beside our families this year by providing fee relieve amounting to over $2 million across the last two academic years. In addition, the Trust Board allocated $50,000 to The Shed initiative to support families in need around Auckland.
Of all the highlights this year, we are most proud of our students who continue to take advantage of the world of opportunities that is Saint Kentigern, with continued achievements on our sports fields, in our classrooms, on our stages and even in a myriad of house competitions despite limitations from lockdown.
As the year closes, I would like to thank my fellow trustees especially the Deputy Chair Mrs Kelly Smith for her support and commitment. I would also like to convey my appreciation to Mr Murray King for his service over the last 10 years. Mr King stepped down from the board this year. Additionally, our leadership team under the stewardship of our new executive trustee Dr Kevin Morris has shown resilience and resolve through challenging times. They have demonstrated to us that it is truly a team effort. Alongside them we are fortunate to have vibrant and supportive parent and friends’ groups and alumni through our Old Collegians organisation, and not to mention our Chaplains who have been the glue to guide us on ways we can care for ourselves and our extended communities. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our Principals and teachers who have shown extraordinary leadership and tireless dedication in adapting and guiding our students in this challenging environment. A strong community of interest is such an important part of who we are.
Lastly to our students, I encourage you to pause and reflect on what you do have and what you did experience rather than what you missed out on or did not experience. You are all Sons and Daughters of Saint Kentigern and we are very proud of you.
On behalf of the Trust Board, I wish all of you a safe and joyous holiday season and a Happy New Year. Wherever you are this holiday, I trust you will get to spend some quality time with those that are close to you.
Fides Servanda Est
Mr Mark Conelly
Chair of the Trust Board
