Every state and state-integrated school and kura in New Zealand has a board of trustees that governs it. The board of trustees is a Crown entity. A Crown entity is an organisation that is part of New Zealand’s public sector. The board’s job is to see that everything that needs to be done gets done – legally, ethically, and as well as possible in the best interests of its students.
It is also the employer of all staff, including the principal, and sets the overall strategic direction for the school or kura. The principal is the board’s ‘chief executive’ and manages the school or kura in line with the board’s direction and policies.
Having lived in Selwyn since 2005, Lou has seen a lot of expansion and growth in the “Town of the Future”. She works for a local Rolleston business, owns her own bookkeeping business, and has held various finance-related roles within the private and public sectors.
Lou loves being part of this rapidly expanding community and is heavily involved in netball at a club level, playing, coaching and managing, as well as at a regional level, holding executive positions on various committees.
With two daughters who currently attend Rolleston College. Lou is keen to help shape the college’s future and is looking forward to building upon the college’s strong foundations, contributing positively to the board’s effective governance and assisting in navigating any challenges to ensure a strong partnership between parents, students and staff. She is incredibly passionate about people and excited about making a difference.
A Rolleston College Board member since 2017, Barry is a valued member of the college board with over 20 years of hotel management experience, Barry is heavily involved in both the farming and building industry and as a former educator with the New Zealand Institute of Management. Barry brings with him a wealth of knowledge, skills and experience and relishes the opportunity to work alongside the board and staff to achieve our vision and goals.
Barry is also an active member of our growing community, and a West Melton resident married to Anne-Maree with three children. A proud parent to Alessandra, a foundation learner and Head Girl for the college in 2021. Ted was a current member of the First XIV Selwyn Combined Rugby Team in 2022 and a Head Boy for 2023, with their youngest, Luke, about to move into our senior school.
rachel.skelton@rollestoncollege.nz
A proud foundation staff member and our Principal since 2019, Rachel is an experienced senior leader trained in Te Kotahitanga, conversant in restorative practices and teaching as inquiry. Rachel has worked in a range of secondary schools, including Western Springs College, Massey High School and Queen Charlotte College. Rachel brings a wealth of skill and experience in pastoral care, student leadership, and curriculum delivery and is focused on staff professional development.
Rachel’s learner-centric philosophy lends well to enacting the college’s vision and she holds firm to the belief that learning is for life, not just for school. Rachel is especially passionate about engaging with students, staff, whanau and community, and is committed to empowering our learners to transform their lives, communities and futures. “Whakamanatia ngā ākonga kia pikia ngā taumata o nāianei, o ngā tau kei te heke mai, ā-tangata, ā-hapori hoki.”
As a valued team member, Dan is the elected staff representative on the Rolleston College Board of Trustees. Earning his Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Secondary) in 2018 and specialising as a social sciences teacher at a college, we were lucky to have Dan join our teaching staff in 2019.
Over the last five years, it Dan didn’t take long for him to make his mark. Alongside his teaching responsibilities, Dan has led school-wide ICT and is currently an Advisory Leader who tracks and guides our senior learners while assisting with pastoral matters. Dan is passionate about helping and guiding our youth, and is a strong advocate for both staff and learners.
Initially part of the college's establishment board, until now Greg has held the Deputy Chair position since 2017. Married to Bridgit, together, they have three kids who have or are attending Rolleston College. Their oldest child was a foundation learner at Rolleston College, and Jess is currently the elected student representative also on the board. Learning and preparing youth for life is one of Greg's passions.
With a background in marine electronics, Greg has worked in Europe, Africa, South America and the Pacific. Greg and Bridgit operate their own business importing and distributing work apparel and designing and installing remote cameras, communications and power systems throughout New Zealand. With a passion for the outdoors, he was a bushcraft instructor with the NZ Mountain Safety Council before disestablishing its training section. They have been a member of the local scout and residents association committees and remain on the local ANZAC Day organising committee.
In her final year of study here at the college, Jess is the Student elected representative on the Rolleston College Board of Trustees. Having been involved with the school since 2019, Jess prides herself on her strong communication skills, approachability and ability to connect with and learn through the experience of others.
In addition to being an advocate for learners, she hopes to bring a fresh voice alongside new ideas to help improve our school for all learners. She is incredibly passionate about having spaces for quiet study and or reflection and is an advocate for breakout rooms and areas in our second campus.
As a qualified Chartered Accountant with her own business (with a team of 8 people) in Christchurch Central. Joanne has over 25 years of experience as an accountant. She offers our college a broad business background and financial knowledge, believing that she would provide a "common sense" approach to the Board, together with her strong financial acumen.
Joanne has lived in Rolleston for the past 18 years, and is not unfamiliar with the college’s growth and the change in the area over this time. Joanne has two children at Rolleston College - one in year 13 and another in year 11.
A member of our establishment board, then Deputy Board Chair and Board Chair from 2017 to 2022, Lynley is committed to our school vision and ensuring that the learner is at the centre of every decision we make. As a parent of a Rolleston College learner, she is interested in seeing this school functioning successfully and enabling every child to be a high-performing individual.
Lynley currently develops commercial properties and runs her own business. With a legal, financial and property background. As an active part of our growing community, she was previously involved in fundraising for the aquatic centre, the residents association and the annual fireworks event. Lynley’s skills and experience continue to assist the college in driving our extension and new campus projects
Ngaire was parent-elected member of the Clearview Primary Board of Trustees for two terms (six years), having held the Community Liaison and Human Resource portfolios. She has been actively involved in strategic planning and policy development and enjoys setting and achieving goals.
A former primary teacher for fifteen years and now working for CORE Education, Ngaire brings a wealth of experience, and we are excited to have her part of our team. Ngaire loves being part of this incredible community and is excited about our community's future direction and Rolleston College's role in supporting our young people into bright futures. With one child enrolled and another yet to follow, Ngaire is passionate about our children's learning and well-being.
Phone: 03 595 2490
Email: admin@rollestoncollege.nz
Address: 631 Springston Rolleston Road Rolleston
New Zealand, 7614
He kākano i ruia mai i Rangiatea
The seed will not be lost.