Governance
Education transforms lives
UNESCO
The Role and Responsibilities of the Board
The Board is the governing body of our school. This means that the Board is responsible for the governance of the school, including setting the policies by which the school is to be controlled and managed.
The Board’s primary objective is to ensure that every student at our school is able to attain his or her highest possible standard in educational achievement.
In doing so, the Board:
- Sets the future direction for our school, including goals and targets for student achievement.
- Provides a school environment where students are safe, cared for, encouraged to do their best, and supported to flourish.
- Ensures our school’s overriding focus is on improving student progress and achievement.
- Is accountable to the school’s stakeholders for educational and general school performance. Our key stakeholders are our school community (current students, their families and whanau, school staff, etc.), the Crown, and the Ministry of Education.
- Is the legal employer of all school staff
The Composition of the Board
Our Board comprises 5 parent-elected representatives, the Principal, 1 student-elected representative, and 1 staff-elected representative. Parent and staff representatives serve 3-year terms, while the student representative serves a 1-year term.
The current Board members are:
BOT
Philip Voss
Parent Representative, Chairperson
Husband, co-creator of three fabulous children, leadership coach, runner, reader, and long-time school board member Education has the power to transform lives; together, the ASHS community is responsible for making that a reality. The civil rights leader E.D. Nixon said it best: Your spark can become a flame and change everything.
Claire Amos
Principal
As an experienced educator I have discovered that I love leading people and I love leading change. In my twenty-plus years in the education sector I have worked in both new and very established secondary schools as well as working on various national projects with the Ministry of Education, and the New Zealand Qualifications Authority. I was a founding member of the Education Council of Aotearoa. I am a board member of NetSafeNZ and an advisory board member of the, 21C Skills lab, Network for Learning and William Pike Challenge.
My passions include my family, education, design and tattoos, living by the mantra - “you can never be overdressed or overeducated”.
Helen McDermott
Parent Representative
I am Helen McDermott, I am the Principal at McDermott Legal, and Mum to Oliver who is in Year 12 at ASHS. I am an avid scrapbooker and a huge drag race fan.
I bring to the board my varied life, work and educational experiences of growing up in a small town in the Waikato, leaving school at the age of 16, and then completing as an adult, a Diploma in Business (Accounting major), Bachelor of Business (Accounting major) and a Bachelor of Laws degree.
As a parent I also bring to the board a strong desire to achieve the best outcomes for our children regardless of their individual circumstances and I am not scared to ask questions.
My retirement plan (if I ever retire) is to do an Anthropology degree, as a hobby in my retirement.
Laura Hunter
Staff Representative
I am Laura Hunter, the staff representative on the Board. I am an English and Biology teacher, currently living the dream in the ASHS English Department. I love being around young people and helping them to think critically and creatively. I live locally with my husband, Rich, our beautiful kids, and nutty dog. When not at school I like to walk in the bush or by the sea, swim, or lose myself in a good book.
John Rutherford
Parent Representative
I am a father of two and Husband of one! I've had an extensive engagement with education and have worked as a teacher, and leader in primary, secondary and the private sector for more years than I care to remember!!
I've worked as the principal of a number of schools in the primary and private sector, worked for the Ministry of Education and worked as an Education Consultant.
I've been on the BOT of three schools within the Albany education pathway; I retired from education at the end of 2021 and enjoy giving back to the community in my current roles on two boards of trustees in the network.
I am passionate about riding motorbikes and any sports in, under and on the water.
Gareth Teahan
Parent Representative
My name is Gareth and I am currently CEO of Auckland Softball. My daughter finished at Albany Senior in 2023, we shifted her to ASHS after researching schools with strong support for learning disabilities. It was the support of the school that enabled my daughter to graduate through finding solutions for her to learn through her unique abilities.
I coach Basketball in my spare time and enjoy the gym and running with my dogs around Albany.
Shyamini Szeko
Parent Representative
As a proud parent of two boys, one currently attending Albany Senior High School and another who has graduated and is now in university, I have a deep personal investment in education. Throughout my career, I have dedicated myself to creating environments that foster continuous learning, drive cultural transformation, and maximise organisational potential. I firmly believe in the transformative power of education and continuous personal growth.
As a parent representative on the board at Albany Senior High School, I am dedicated to creating an inclusive and nurturing environment where all students feel valued and supported. I strive to foster an atmosphere that embraces diversity and promotes personal growth for every student.
I firmly believe that education is the key to unlocking endless possibilities, and I am honoured to contribute my time and expertise to Albany Senior High School. Together, we can empower our students to reach their full potential and prepare them for a successful future in an ever-changing world.
Violet Lee
Student Representative
I am Violet Lee, the student representative of the Board for 2023/2024. I have been given the privilege of learning about and contributing to the strategic development of our school. There is so much information to take on board so I get to indulge the nerd within by trying to really understand everything we discuss.
But if I become overwhelmed with knowledge, I like to relax with my cat and read, crochet, create bead jewellery or watch ghibli films.
Board Annual Reports
Download a copy of the ASHS Annual Report and Annual Financial Report (including audit report) 2023
Download a copy of the ASHS Analysis of Variance 2023
Minutes from Board Hui
If you would like to review our Board minutes please contact us via info@ashs.school.nz
Albany Senior High School Charter and Annual Plan
View a copy of the 2024 ASHS Annual Plan
View a copy of the ASHS Charter, Strategy and Annual Plan 2023-2025
