Selwyn Times: September 20, 2016

SELWYN TIMES Tuesday September 20 2016 15
Lemonwood Grove stage one
build almost complete
Stage One of the Lemonwood Grove/Te Uru Tarata
build is nearing completion with the latest state
Primary School set to open its doors to year 1 to 8
learners on 30 January 2017.
With the exponential growth in Rolleston in recent
years, particularly since the earthquakes, more and
more young families are choosing to live in this area,
and the Ministry of Education has addressed the
continual pressure for the provision for compulsory
education.
Situated in the Faringdon subdivision, Stage One will
initially cater for up to 450 students with Stage Two
accommodating a further 300 primary-aged children.
The 4ha site on East Maddisons Rd will also be the
home base for Waitaha School and satellite site for
the RTLB Support Service (Resource Teachers for
Learning and Behaviour).
The name Lemonwood Grove/Te Uru Tarata is the
name gifted to the school by Te Tāumutu, our local
iwi. The lemonwood tree grew prolifically in the area
in earlier times.
Establishing a new primary school from scratch
has been no mean feat. Since September 2015 an
establishment board of five Ministerial appointed
trustees led by chairperson Tracey Riley, supported by
senior education adviser Linda Youl and designated
governance facilitator Maureen Kerr, have worked
tirelessly to bring the project to fruition. This month the
Establishment Board of Trustees (EBoT) celebrated
its first year of operation and found it rewarding to
reflect back on the progress achieved during the past
12 months.
The EBoT is extremely pleased to have worked with an
amazing project team, led by architects Stephenson
and Turner, Southbase Construction and Ministry of
Education project manager Sonny Sun. “It has been
an exciting task creating a high quality new school for
the community,” says Linda Youl.
One of the first and most important tasks for the EBoT
was the appointment of the foundation principal. The
board was delighted to appoint former Ladbrooks
School principal Sean Bailey to this position. Sean has
worked closely with the trustees to appoint his senior
leaders deputy principal Nick Gunn, team leader Jenni
Hodgkinson and office manager Sarah Lewell, with two
more teacher appointments about to be announced.
The establishment board has focused on setting
a very clear strategic vision for the school.
“Our collective vision has led to board cohesion
and has made decision making a rewarding and
streamlined process,” says EBoT member Rachel
Maitland. The mission statement “The best of you as
you” describes how the uniqueness of every learner
will be highly fostered and valued within a nurturing
safe community. “As a board and leadership team
we ensure the learner is at the centre of all decision
making and planning,” says Tracey Riley. The leadership
team have been developing their school curriculum to
reflect this expectation.
The board continues to work on formalising the
structures and systems required for the founding
of the new organisation. Enrolments have opened
with Angus being the first student on the roll. “The
continual focus on providing the best environment for
the children means as a parent of a future pupil, I know
my child’s learning is in the best of hands,” says EBoT
member Drew Winter.
The EBoT will hand over its office to a parent-elected
board in May 2017. If you are a potential parent
of Lemonwood Grove School, you might consider
standing for this important role.
“Our next big step is opening day – and we cannot
wait,” says EBoT member Rebecca Scott.
To learn more about the new Lemonwood Grove
School – Te Uru Tarata, you can view their website at:
www.lemonwoodgrove.school.nz, or email Sean Bailey
at principal@lemonwoodgrove.school.nz.
Enrolments are open now.
Enrolment meetings can be arranged by emailing
Sean: principal@lemonwoodgrove.school.nz
Lemonwood Grove School
540-546 East Maddisons Road, Rolleston
www.lemonwoodgrove.school.nz