2019 Common Election results

Aedeen Boadita-Cormican
Elected

Tēnā koutou My name is Aedeen Boadita-Cormican, I'm also known as Aedeen Lawson. I am of Irish and Indian heritage. I grew up in Dublin, and lived and worked in Ireland, the UK and the Middle East before coming to live in New Zealand with my kiwi husband and four daughters in late 2008. The first of my four daughters started in year 9 at WGC in 2009 and was followed by her three sisters. So our family has had 10 years (and counting!) continuous experience with the school. I was impressed with the school from the first day I was shown around it as an absolute newcomer to Wellington, and I remain impressed. I have found WGC to be a vibrant learning environment where students are encouraged to be themselves and to grow in independence as they progress through the school years. As a parent I have really appreciated the constant drive to adapt to changes, and improve – especially the commitment and real efforts made to promote student wellbeing in a world where our young people face increasing pressure on so many fronts. I would like to be able to give back to the school by serving on the Board of Trustees. I am a senior lawyer with management and governance experience and have worked in the state sector in Wellington for 9 years. I offer my skills, experience and collaborative working style to the Board of Trustees together with a strong commitment to ensuring the school will continue the great work it is doing for our young people. Ngā mihi

Sarah Boyd
Elected

My name is Sarah Boyd and I've been on the board for the last three years, including as Chair for the past year. I think we’ve been a productive and effective board and I am putting my name forward again in order to provide some continuity. as I found it helpful when I joined the board to work alongside others who had already served a term. This is particularly true as we embark on an ambitious building project and at a time of considerable change in the education sector including, potentially, changes to the role of the board. I also think my communications and media management skills are useful - I’m communications manager at Victoria University and have been able to help the board and the senior leadership team with advice on occasion. I have one daughter in year 12 -my oldest daughter is now at university. This is a very good school with exceptional leadership, and staff who really care about the learning, development and wellbeing of the students. It’s a well-run, large enterprise with well over 100 staff. In my view the board of trustees contributes by bringing diverse parental and community perspectives to the table and by taking a deep interest in what goes on. As well as, obviously, having oversight of things like the budget, annual plan, property, health and safety and whether Harvey the dog should be allowed to come to school (easiest decision ever). It's a responsible job but also fun and interesting and the knowledge you gain makes you a strong advocate for the school and the staff.

Kia ora tatou, my name is Helen McQueen. I am the mother of a year 10 student at WGC and her two older brothers. I would like to contribute to the WGC community by serving on the Board of Trustees. I am a lawyer, currently Commissioner and Deputy President at the Law Commission, New Zealand’s independent law reform body. Before that I was a partner and consultant at the law firm Chapman Tripp. In these roles, analysing problems, thinking strategically to find solutions and communicating well have been essential skills. I am committed to WGC’s ongoing provision of excellent learning opportunities to its students within a culture that is supportive of students, staff and whānau. As a parent representative on the Board of Trustees I would work to maintain positive and open engagement with whānau. I would use my skills and experience to work in a collegial manner with other trustees for the benefit of the WGC community as a whole.

Ioe Misa
Elected

I am a parent of two current students and one old girl, now studying at Massey University. I have been involved in the school Pasifika community since 2014, and have been the Pasifika representative on the Board since 2018. I work with the Pasifika Navigator group (WGC Pasifika Parents, Dean and DP) to deliver outcomes for our Pasifika Students. I am also part of the current Finance Committee. I enjoy being part of the school community and supporting the Leadership team in any capacity. Thank you

My name is Rhonda Richardson and I am standing for Wellington Girls’ College School Board. I have lived in the suburb of Northland with my husband Grant for the last 22 years, we have two teenagers – our daughter Kate is in year 11 at WGC. Being involved in my local community is really important to me and I have always found it incredibly rewarding being able to work with others to make an impact and to influence outcomes – whether that be for the community as a whole or for our children, their wellbeing and education. I have been involved in a volunteer capacity over a number of years with various organisation including NZ Plunket, Northland School Home & School Committee and I am a past Chair of the Northland Memorial Community Centre (2013-2016). I am a Chartered Accountant with 25 years’ experience in finance and commercial roles and more recently in general operational management. In my current role with Chorus NZ I am responsible for leadership, strategy and governance within the infrastructure group. A broad role ranging from business planning and optimisation, to programme and asset management - including the build of NZ’s fibre broadband network and the oversight of a complex national property portfolio. I am a strong champion of diversity and inclusion as an essential element for achieving a better New Zealand. I am particularly passionate about developing female leaders and in 2017 I completed the Global Women Breakthrough Leaders Programme. The values of WGC resonate with my own personal values and since being a part of the WGC community I have both observed and been impressed with this school and the staff. I am inspired by the dedication and focus on teaching, coaching and developing self-assured and confident young women who are well prepared for all aspects of life. I am excited about the future of WGC - the recently announced building programme is a unique, once in a generation, opportunity for the school. I believe the skills, experience and enthusiasm I bring will make a valuable contribution to the governance and operations of the school.