2008 study award winners:

Sharon Hitchcock

Parent elected trustee at Otumoetai College, Tauranga

During 2008, Sharon will undertake four papers to complete a Bay of Plenty Polytechnic Diploma in Business.  Sharon is a member of her board's recruitment sub-committee and expects the skills attained through this study to give her the ability to understand key legislation issues, and recognise when performance management is being effectively managed. 

Paul Merrett

Parent elected trustee at Chisnallwood Intermediate, Christchurch

Paul is completing a post graduate certificate in business administration through the University of Otago, the main aim of which is to give participants knowledge and skills to make their organisations more competitive.  Specific topics include developing strategic vision, future focus, competitive strategies, responsive and innovative organisations, and strategic business planning.  At least one of his assignment topics will be in respect of Chisnallwood Intermediate.  Paul believes these topics will have a major benefit for the school in terms of planning strategically for the future, focussing on relevant change and implementing the necessary change as the school moves forward.

Riria Tautau-Grant

Parent elected trustee at Queen's High School, Dunedin

Riria proposes to travel to New York to visit and interview the New York State School Boards Association.  The enquiry would involve exploring the processes used in researching the development of an advocacy agenda and its influence on the progression of position and policy statements.

Garfield Toro

Parent elected trustee at St Mary's School, Wanganui

Garfield's proposed programme is the Masters in Computer Graphic Design a the Wanganui School of Design.  It will explore the curricular provision of Information and Communication Technoloty in primary schools, and aims to develop instructional and communicative tools that enrich and inform learning and decision-making at all levels within the school community.  The project also seeks to develop and deploy instructional and communicative tools that enrich cross-curriculum delivery and facilitate inclusion and cooperation in the self-governance and co-management of school communities.