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SCHOOL BOARD

Community member guide to the role of the school boards

School Board Elections Parent Election Results:

  • Rosalea Dunn- Presiding member

  • Fraser McGougan

  • Derek Caudwell

  • Kelly Anthony

  • Shona Hohepa

  • Paul Hipkiss

  • Joseph Pryor

  • Katie Elliott- Staff representative

  • Gabriel Aruquipa Southerwood- Student representative

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The School Board accepts its governance role with clarity and commitment. In accordance with the Education and Training Act, the Board provides strategic leadership through the Strategic Plan, Annual Plan, and Board Policies. These documents guide the Board’s stewardship of the school and ensure an ongoing cycle of self-review across all areas of school operation.

The Board fulfils its core responsibilities by:

  • Prioritising student learning and achievement, as required in legislation and reflected in national education priorities.
     

  • Monitoring attendance, progress, and achievement data to inform decision-making and resource allocation.
     

  • Ensuring equitable outcomes for all learners, including taking all reasonable steps to support pathways for Māori students and honouring commitments to whānau and iwi.
     

  • Giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi by building and maintaining authentic relationships with Māori communities, partnering with iwi and hapū, and ensuring that Māori learners enjoy and achieve education success as Māori.
     

  • Upholding cultural responsiveness through governance decisions that value mātauranga Māori, promote te reo Māori, and support culturally sustaining practices across the school.
     

  • Maintaining robust systems for policy review, assurance, and legislative compliance, including obligations relating to health and safety, financial management, privacy, and curriculum requirements.
     

  • Acting as a good employer, ensuring fair and transparent employment practices, supporting staff wellbeing, and upholding obligations within relevant employment legislation.
     

  • Providing effective governance, not management, by setting expectations, receiving reporting, and ensuring high-quality leadership and teaching.
     

Through regular review of the Strategic Plan, Policy Framework, and procedural guidelines, the Board ensures that the school maintains strong, future-focused systems and practices. Trustees contribute actively through governance projects, strategic initiatives, and community engagement, supporting the school to remain at the forefront of quality education in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The School Board’s ongoing oversight, commitment to continuous improvement, and honouring of Te Tiriti o Waitangi ensures that Trident High School is well-placed to deliver excellent educational outcomes and thrive within a constantly evolving educational landscape.

Please contact PA@trident.school.nz for information regarding  public attending BOT Meetings.

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2026 TERM DATES

Term 1

29 January- 2 April

 

Term 2

20 April- 3 July

 

Term 3

20 July- 25 September

 

Term 4

12 October- 4 December

STAY CONNECTED

GET IN TOUCH

84 Arawa Road, Whakatāne
07 308 8159

office@trident.school.nz

© 2025 Trident High School. All rights reserved.

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