A message from the Board Chair

The year began on a positive note with the news of our outstanding academic results for 2022. Credit goes to our hard-working students and teachers.

Since February, we have welcomed numerous new students to QMC, including more international students than in the previous three years. Our Principal, Jayne-Ann Young, commenced her sabbatical leave for Term 2 during the April holidays. Acting Principal Anne Winnall has settled in excellently, as expected, given her previous tenure with us.

In August, Ms Young will begin her seventh year at QMC. Her sabbatical leave, granted by the Board, is a time for renewal and refreshment. She will catch up with educational developments overseas (including attending a key conference in New York) and visit like-minded schools.

The Board has got off to a flying start this year. We hold two meetings per term, and in between the Board committees convene. We have five standing committees: Finance, Policy, Education, Campus Development and Fundraising. Each committee typically provides reports to the full Board at every meeting. We also have ad hoc committees for Human Resources and Discipline. In March, we held a Board strategy day to discuss the impact of AI and ChatGPT on our education approach.

On 20 April, we held our Annual General Meeting with Members of College, a group comprising former Board members, Principals and staff, Old Girls, and others who have made significant contributions to the College community. We were delighted to report a strong financial result for the College during 2022 and presented a Statement of Service Performance for the first time.

Our strong financial position means the Board can now focus on future development plans. We have approved a project to modernise the library and the adjacent area. The work will commence during the second half of 2023, with completion expected in early 2024.

A redevelopment of the Craven Block is also envisaged in the future to modernise classroom space and extend capacity to accommodate roll growth. The Fundraising Committee has approved a fundraising strategy to support future campus and other developments. Meanwhile, much-needed maintenance will be undertaken in the Aitken Block and elsewhere by the end of the year.

The Board has also endorsed a new scholarship strategy, making scholarships available to Year 7 – 10 students. These scholarships are intended for current and future QMC domestic students who demonstrate dedication to academic rigour, embody school values, and achieve high standards in sports, cultural pursuits and/or service. We acknowledge the QMC Foundation Trust for their support in funding these scholarships.

We have warmly welcomed two new Board members this year, both from the parent community – Jennifer Wademan and Sam Cottier. As a Board, we aim to recruit individuals who represent the diversity of the school population, possess a wide range of skills, and have the energy and time available to commit to Board activities.

In June, the Board will participate in cultural responsiveness training. Two years ago, we requested the Principal introduce a cultural responsiveness programme to understand the significance of Te Tiriti O Waitangi as a founding document of Aotearoa New Zealand, in accordance with Ministry of Education requirements. The College has made significant progress during 2021 and 2022, with professional learning and development conducted for all staff.

The Board recognises that our student body is multicultural, with students from various countries, ethnicities and beliefs. We value our international connections and strive to honour everyone’s traditions.

As Board members, it is always a pleasure to participate in College activities. In the last week of March, the Music Department staged a wonderful production of 'Mamma Mia!'. The Principal hosted a successful pre-show event to acknowledge the exceptional work of those who made it possible, including Mark Stamper, Julie O’Brien, our Head of Arts Tim Jenkin and every student involved. QMC also had a successful Late Summer Festival event on the front lawn of the College, and we are grateful to the QMC Parents’ Association for hosting it. The turnout was excellent, and all proceeds donated to the New Zealand Red Cross to directly help those affected by Cyclone Gabrielle. To conclude the first half of the year, I am looking forward to the Year 13 Ball in June. This is an important tradition for the leaving class, which includes parents and caregivers.