Board of Trustees

The Board is accountable for student progress and achievement and has a duty to show to its parents, community, and the government that students are being well prepared for life beyond school.

The Board’s role is to oversee the governance of the school and to ensure that everything that needs to be done gets done – legally, ethically and as well as possible in the best interests of its students. The legal responsibilities of boards of trustees are determined by the Education and Training Act 2020.

The Board is the employer of all staff, including the Principal, and sets the overall strategic direction for the school. The principal is the board’s ‘chief executive’ and manages the day-to-day operations of the school in line with the board’s direction and policies.

The Board is elected every three years as per the Education and Training Act 2020. The Board consists of:

five parent representatives elected by the community;
the principal;
and a staff-elected representative;

Section 127 of the Education and Training Act 2020 describes the board’s responsibilities, which include:

setting the strategic direction and targets for the school
planning towards and reporting on achieving those targets
curriculum management
financial and property management
policies and procedures
health and safety
employment of staff at the school

Every state and stage-integrated school in New Zealand has a board that governs it.

The Board has the overall responsibility and accountability for the school.

Meetings 2025

Tuesday 25 February
Tuesday 25 March
Tuesday 20 May
Tuesday 17 June
Tuesday 05 August
Tuesday 02 September
Tuesday 21 October
Tuesday 25 November

Meet Your Current Board of Trustees Parent Representatives:

Nick Chapman – Board Chair

I’ve been a member of the Board of Trustees since August 2021 and have served as chairperson since June 2023. Over that period two of our kids have finished up at St Thomas’s the youngest is currently at the school in Year 4.

I’ve always been passionate about education and started my working life as an English language teacher. Now I work as a project manager getting stuff done to help large organisations deliver their strategic objectives.

As a Board member I’m committed to fostering an environment where every student can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. My top priorities are maintaining a strong governance framework and working closely with the school team to support initiatives that enhance learning opportunities and strengthen student well-being.

I look forward to continuing this work as we progress through another exciting school year, and I encourage you all to stay connected and get involved where you can, so together we can ensure our school remains something we can all be proud of.

Thank you for your ongoing trust and support. If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to reach out via the BOT contact details on the school website.

Annika Lim

Tēnā koutou. It has been an exciting (and interesting) few years watching my girls start school and become part of the St Thomas’s community. I am happy to add my experience and voice to the STS Board. My background is in law and corporate governance. I am also the Deputy Chair for Bowel Cancer NZ, an arts & crafts enthusiast, and lover of all things winter. I want to see all students at St Thomas’s have every opportunity to achieve their full potential, push new horizons and contribute meaningfully to our wider community. I am looking forward to supporting the mahi of the STS team in delivering a quality education that is well-rounded, equitable and growth-minded.

Alistair Monk

I have sat on many boards throughout my educational and working career including sitting on the student advisory board whilst at Auckland University of Technology and more recently sitting on and eventually chairing the NZ Members Advisory Board for the Australian and NZ Institute of Insurance and Finance (the educational body for the insurance industry).

I have a long family connection to education with great grandparents, grandparents and most recently my mother, sister and cousins all working within schools.

Megan Wheeler

Our family has three children in St Thomas’s School. I am passionate about every child in our school community getting an excellent start to their education journey.

I am a chartered civil engineer and often work with a diverse range of stakeholders and clients in the public and private sector on key infrastructure projects. I love solving problems and am told that I’m pragmatic, efficient and ready to listen. I have governance experience as part of executive leadership teams in NZ and overseas.

I look forward to representing you all and provide a voice for our kids’ future.

Arapeta Albert

E ngā mana, e ngā reo, e ngā hau e whā

Kia orana koutau katoa,

Ko Arapeta taku ingoa,

Nō Te Whānau-ā- Apanui, Whakatōhea, Aitutaki ahau.

I am the father of two young girls at St Thomas’s. I am excited to help drive sustainable growth through the STS Board. With over 25 years of experience in banking and finance, I pursued my dreams and established my own Financial Advice Business in 2016. I am passionate about sports, travelling, new experiences, and educating my community on financial literacy. What I love about STS is its diverse culture, close-knit community, and the range of opportunities it provides.

I hope every student, staff member, and family at STS can fill their cups with passion, drive, dreams, and core memories.

Nō reira, tēnā tātau katoa.

Minutes

Minutes are available here.

2024 Minutes

Board Minutes 2024 12 03

Board Minutes 2024 10 29

Board Minutes 2024 09 10

Board Minutes – 2024 08 13

Board Minutes 2024 06 19

Board Minutes – 2024 05 21

Board Minutes – 2024 03 19

Board Minutes 2024 02 20

2023 Minutes
Board Minutes 2023 12 05
Board Minutes 2023 10 24
Board Minutes 2023 09 19
Board Minutes 2023 08 15
Board Minutes 2023 06 20
Board Minutes 2023 05 15
Board Minutes 2023 03 21
Board minutes 2023 02 21