LEADERSHIP Board Notes
The theme of the College Strategy through to 2025, “Change & Continuity”, has again led us through what also has been a challenging year. The unwelcome, persistent disruption and potential greater threat of the Covid-19 pandemic was with us for the year and will see us managing its effect into 2022. Through the Executive Principal’s leadership, staff dedication and support from the parent community, disruption has been limited and the boys have exhibited their resilience throughout. Since the last year’s report an Old Boy who attended College in the early 1970s spoke to the Royal Commission: Abuse in Care about what happened to him when at College. The Board consequently reached out to other Old Boys inviting those who wished to share their experiences to make contact. On behalf of the Board, the Chair has worked through a process to address the matter, apologise and support those who suffered in this regard. Further detail is described in the Chair’s prizing- giving speech, published in this issue of the Register . During the year the Board of Governors reviewed the structure of their meetings and programme for the year. Further to the review of Foundation Assets undertaken in 2020, it was considered appropriate to reflect this focus in the agenda, with College Operations and Foundation Management addressed within their own designated sections. At the same time, the former Finance, Investment and Audit (FIA) Committee was re- established as the Finance and Foundation Committee. We are fortunate to have a caring community as illustrated in the November Giving Day that raised more than $400,000 to provide scholarship funds for those boys who may not otherwise be able to attend College. These funds have been duly placed within the Foundation’s management. Student safety and wellbeing is paramount at College, as is the identification and minimisation of risk. Several significant enhancements have been introduced during 2021 including a revision to our Child Protection Policy and the greater use of security features at College. Two high-profile capital projects are worthy of mention. A considerable amount of design and planning work has recently concluded in respect to a multi-purpose gym at the western end of Upper. We have gone to tender for its construction contract with a view to physical works commencing in mid-2022. The other item is the refurbishment of the Hagley Park cricket grounds. Stage
one of three is under way, with two further stages to follow over the next 12 months. We are very appreciative of a generous donation from a parent that has enabled us to extend the scope of the South Hagley works. In July Catherine McMillian, member and Chair of the FIA retired from the Board of Governors having served her 4-year tenure. In farewelling her, the Chair acknowledged that she is the first non-Old Boy to be appointed by the Old Boys’ Association. In December Mary Devine also retired, one year into her second term due to her extended business commitments. These two vacancies have been ably filled in October with the appointments of Mark Cox, with 30 years’ experience in the business and agricultural sectors, and Richard Rookes who brings 20 years’ corporate experience, including his current position as CEO of a NZX listed company.
The Board now comprises nine members with Chair Hugh Lindo ably assisted by his deputy Jeremy Johnson and Chair of the Finance and Foundation Committee David Surveyor.
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Christ’s College Canterbury
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