School quiet on changes

The Ministry of Education has clammed up over governance changes at Hokitika Primary School. The school leadership has been under scrutiny for some time, resulting last month in the dissolution of the entire board of trustees. Now, principal Peter Henderson is off work on a period of sick leave.

School commissioner Christine Nijdam, who was appointed by the ministry to make effectual changes at the school after poor performance reviews, said the acting principal role would be filled by teacher Lisa Lyell until Mr Henderson returned.
Parents were advised of the change by letter last week.
Staff were not allowed to comment yesterday, and both the ministry and commissioner were keeping tight lipped — referring questions backwards and forwards from one to the other. However, a full report on the school situation is just days away with the imminent release of the latest Educational Review Office (ERO) report. Ministry of Education southern regional manager Raymond Webb said last year’s ERO report identified a number of governance and professional leadership issues at Hokitika Primary School. “Following the report, the ministry appointed a limited statutory manager to resolve the issues identified. However, difficulties continued and some board members requested further assistance from the ministry.” The board was dissolved, reportedly at its own request, and the commissioner was brought in to strengthen governance at the school until a new board could be reinstated. In a letter to parents towards the end of March, the commissioner said she would work closely with the principal to ensure a “sound and sustainable environment for high quality learning and teaching” continued while the review was under way.
“The school programmes are continuing as usual, with the senior students currently on camp and enjoying great learning experiences,” she said yesterday.