School Board | Mt Eden Normal Primary School

Meet The Board

Elected every three years, the School Board is a governance body that comprises of parent/community board members together with the Principal and one Staff Representative.

The Board is entrusted to work on behalf of the children who attend the school. Its role emphasises strategic leadership rather than administrative detail and ensures that the school complies with legal and policy requirements. The primary focus of the School Board, Principal and staff is to ensure the very best educational outcomes for all children attending Mt Eden Normal Primary School.

Board meetings are typically held on the third Wednesday of every month at 6pm in the staffroom.

The meetings are open to the public and our parent community are welcome to attend.

For the latest Board Newsletters, please visit our news page. Board Policies can be viewed here. Board Minutes can be viewed here.

To contact the Board, please notify the school office, or email: bot@mteden.school.nz

virginia brown, presiding member

I have two young children at MENPS, in Years 0 and 2. My background is in print media, editorial and marketing and communications, however, I am now a full-time parent. I volunteer for a reading support programme at a South Auckland college and feel privileged to have the opportunity to contribute to MENPS as a member of the Board of Trustees.

As a relatively new MENPS parent, I have valued the school’s community feel and new connections with other families. The MENPS spirit is evident throughout its grounds and is rooted in the attributes of the Touchstones.

I wish our children to be confident in themselves, socially conscious and, of course, form a love of learning as they grow into young adults. These formative years are a crucial period in our children's development, and the primary school environment is integral in fostering these life skills, social interactions and learning dispositions.

MENPS’ clear strategic vision and strong values are the foundation of this important work and I am committed to supporting our teachers and leaders in bringing these to life.

Matt eastwood, board member

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Alan Jackson, Principal & board member

I joined Mt Eden Normal Primary School as an experienced Principal in 2018, having taught in New Zealand and overseas, and worked in educational leadership for a number of years. I began my teaching career in the UK, relocating to New Zealand in 2004.

I am actively involved in the Education sector more widely, including in forums focused on initial teacher education and the NZEI Principal's Council, in addition to a seat on the Executive of the Normal and Model Schools Association and other professional groups.

I have a passion for teaching and learning that inspires and engages young minds, and am committed to ensuring the school's strategic direction helps to achieve this to support every child to achieve success.

My wife also works in Primary Education, and we have 2 boys.

In my role as a board member, I offer strategic education insight and leadership to the Board, in addition to serving as the Board's CEO in relation to all aspects of operational life and management at school.

nigel sinclair, deputy

I currently have one daughter in Year 3 at MENPS with another due to start in a few years and have lived in Mt Eden since 2010.

Since becoming a school parent in 2020, I have been consistently impressed with the sense of community encouraged at MENPS. I believe creating and maintaining a healthy curiosity for learning alongside a safe and happy environment for our children is fundamental to the school’s success.

My professional experience has spanned finance, property development, investment and funds management in New Zealand and overseas. I currently work for a large investment and property development business with a particular focus on finance and strategy.

martina stevenson, STAFF REPRESENTATIVE

I am a familiar face and dedicated member of the MENPS community. With a decade of experience at MENPS, I have grown alongside our students and staff and have had the opportunity to witness and be involved in the evolution of our school community.

Throughout my time working as a Team Leader, Curriculum Lead Teacher, and at various year levels, I've contributed to various initiatives and projects that have shaped our school's direction. I bring experience and a genuine passion for furthering our school's success. I believe that my unique perspective and insight gained over the years will be invaluable in guiding our future decisions and vision for our school.

This role presents a great opportunity to learn about the inner workings of the school and to form deeper connections within the community. I'm committed to advocating for my fellow teachers, and I welcome this opportunity as the next step in my personal development. I am excited about the chance to contribute to the continued growth of MENPS.

anna thomas, board member

I have one daughter in Year 2 at MENPS, and my younger daughter will be starting Year 0 in 2023.

I am a Chartered Accountant by profession and have worked in public practice firms for 15 years working with many SMEs. I have recently started work as an in-house accountant at a NZ owned babywear producer and retailer.

I believe that the school’s vision of being wide eyed and enthusiastic about learning is something to aspire to, and hope to contribute to this as a board member.

I am looking forward to working with the board to help maintain good governance so that our children can continue to succeed.

yanni wang, board member

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