Board of Trustees
The Board’s role is strategic and focused on the big picture. We employ the principal who manages the school in-line with the Board’s strategic direction and policies.
The BOT is made up of the principal, a staff-elected representative, several whānau representatives who are elected by the whānau of HVS tamariki, and co-opted members appointed by the BOT.
The BOT’s role is set by the Education and Training Act 2020, which outlines four primary objectives:
ensuring student achievement for all students;
making sure the school is a safe place for all;
ensuring the school is inclusive and caters for students with differing needs; and
gives effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi
The BOT is also required to ensure the school meets the government’s National Education and Learning Priorities.
Our three strategic goals are:
Kaitiakitanga
Our tamariki are engaged learnersHauora
Inclusive hauora-centred kura that supports positive behaviour, recognises identity and celebratesAko
Teaching and learning practices at HVS are collaborative, environmentally focussed and agency driven
View our school Charter and Strategic Plan here
Sebastian Bishop
PRESIDING MEMBER OF THE BOARD, PARENT REPRESENTATIVE
Seb and partner Jo have two kids at HVS and have lived in the valley for almost 10 years. Seb’s background is in central and local government with a focus on Treaty of Waitangi issues, building partnerships with mana whenua, community engagement, and sustainable transport.
Seb loves the ocean and feels very lucky to live on Wellington’s beautiful South Coast. You may see Seb dropping off his kids on a big cargo bike (wearing a bright yellow helmet), catching the local cricket team at the Basin Reserve or very occasionally playing music at some of the more obscure venues around Te Whanganui-a-Tara.
Mike and his wife Cilla, have four kids who have all gone through HVS. The oldest three are now at Wellington High, Rongotai and SWIS, and Poppy is in year 4. Many of you will know Cilla who has been relieving at HVS for the last couple of years.
Mike has a business background and is a Director of two businesses; DOT Loves Data and Octave. When time permits, Mike likes to keep active and loves playing football, surfing and mountain biking.
Bret and his wife Hannah have three children who have all attended HVS. The two eldest are now at SWIS and Wellington East Girls College and their youngest is currently in year four at HVS. This is Bret’s second term on the Board of Trustees and he is leading the property team through the 2023 building renovations.
Bret works in music, film and television, and has lived in Melrose for twelve years.
You may see him riding his bike around the hills, walking Rosie the dog or running late to drop off/pick up his kids from school.
Ana, partner Paul and HVS kids Iris and Clementine moved home to Aotearoa five years ago, after living in London and outback Australia. Ana is a visual and digital journalist/producer currently working at 1News, with a background in documentary production and community media. She has public sector arts funding management, partnership and policy experience.
Michelle and her husband Adam have twins Ari and Bede in year 5 at HVS. They moved to Houghton Valley in 2012, and after a few years in Fiji, returned at the end of last year. Michelle has a legal background and works for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, with a recent focus on environment and Pacific issues. When free she is usually out enjoying the beautiful South Coast trails or beaches with family and dog Timi
Luana has been the Tumuaki at Houghton Valley School since 2018. This is her first principalship. She is a descendant of Ngaāti kahungunu ki Wairarapa and Te Atiawa.
Luana has worked in education for over 25 years and is now working with the children of children she taught when she first started teaching.
When Luana was 10 she wanted to be a school teacher and a silver fern. At least one came true!
Stephanie has been teaching at Houghton Valley School since 2016 and teaches year 1-2 in Room 6 / Ti Kouka.
Whānau are very welcome to attend board meetings. Meeting dates are published in the school newsletter, but don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Board’s Presiding Member if you would like more information.
View the Board’s meeting minutes here
If whānau have a question or an issue to raise with the board you are encouraged to speak with your child’s teacher in the first instance. If any doubts remain, our principal makes a point of being highly available. Please do not hesitate to make contact.
Any issues that remain to be escalated to the board should be brought to the attention of the Board’s Presiding Member: botsebastian@houghton.school.nz