A week of firsts for the Harry family
Another big week - they all seem to be this time of year and I'm sure I'm not the only one feeling that way. Monday of course brought the long anticipated first Community Board meeting for our new board. I was of running late - I got pulled into a classroom so that the teacher could deal with an issue - I was on time for the 2pm start - just didn't quite make it for the 1:30pm briefing. Robin didn't give me any grief this time - I'm sure he was thinking this is a pattern...becoming a habit.
It all felt a wee bit strange walking into chambers, name plate on the table, my fellow elected members around the main table, and a wee bit wedding like, the CODC executive team at the head of the table. The media off to the side and public on seats along the wall.
The meeting started with the elected members being sworn in. I was a wee bit worried that this would have a religious element - I felt reassured when I read the meeting agenda papers that this wasn't the case. The swearing in was followed by a quick photo call for the local rag's files. Then back inside and on with business. I had thoroughly read through the papers sent to me and made notes on anything I was unsure of - I was very glad of that, the pace was pretty quick - the expectation was certainly that everyone was familiar with the material and that we all understood the process.
The meeting had the pleasure of hosting the Cromwell Rugby Football club. They were supported by Michael Laws and came to discuss the issue of charges for the annual Touch rugby competition that is held over 20 weeks from October to March. The club regards this competition as an 'add on' to the core business of the 15 man game over winter, and with current charges were running at a loss to the club. I had previously asked for feedback from people in regard to their feelings on this issue - I got a big fat zero in response.
The board were able to support the club by applying current policy on not charging for junior sport and therefore only charging 58% of the invoiced amount to acknowledge that 42% of teams were completely or largely secondary school players playing in the senior competition - a saving of approximately $1600, without the need to apply for grants. Hopefully this will remove the threat of cancelling of the competition for 2016/17 with a careful look at policy for the 2017/18 competition on the cards.
The meeting was followed by a briefing to the board on the major issues facing us - The Hall and The Mall (not the mall - the town centre). It is really important that the incoming board has all the background information to ensure that future decision making is sound and sensible.
These were not the only firsts in our household this week. Lummox no.2 started his first week of summer work. Bud rubbing on a vineyard - hard work apparently. It is great having him home. I think he's enjoyed getting to know a new group of people at work. He is determined to make sure he has a few kitchen basics sorted before flatting - so has been sous chef all week.
Lummox no.3 also had firsts this week - first NCEA external exam - English. My favourite subject at his age - definitely not his. He came out of it saying 'better than expected' - that sounds positive-ish. He has science and maths this week - much more his thing.
The rest of the week for me has been busy as usual. Schools are amazing and complex places and I love all the interactions I have with children and their parents. It isn't always easy - but it is often fun at school. Highlights this week include our junior pantomime dress rehearsal, art activities with our Year 5 children and spending Friday in a New Entrant class - too much fun hanging out with 5 year olds all day!
The weekend brought little relief unfortunately - last weekend was so busy that this was an enormous washing catch up weekend. The photo is a mere fraction of the reality!
My lovely bloke and I did manage a bit of a cruise in the old Dodge under a moody Cromwell sky to take the dog for a swim at Devil's Creek today. A nice relaxed way to end the weekend before the realities of the working week begin again tomorrow.
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| It's official - I have a badge |
The meeting started with the elected members being sworn in. I was a wee bit worried that this would have a religious element - I felt reassured when I read the meeting agenda papers that this wasn't the case. The swearing in was followed by a quick photo call for the local rag's files. Then back inside and on with business. I had thoroughly read through the papers sent to me and made notes on anything I was unsure of - I was very glad of that, the pace was pretty quick - the expectation was certainly that everyone was familiar with the material and that we all understood the process.
The meeting had the pleasure of hosting the Cromwell Rugby Football club. They were supported by Michael Laws and came to discuss the issue of charges for the annual Touch rugby competition that is held over 20 weeks from October to March. The club regards this competition as an 'add on' to the core business of the 15 man game over winter, and with current charges were running at a loss to the club. I had previously asked for feedback from people in regard to their feelings on this issue - I got a big fat zero in response.
The board were able to support the club by applying current policy on not charging for junior sport and therefore only charging 58% of the invoiced amount to acknowledge that 42% of teams were completely or largely secondary school players playing in the senior competition - a saving of approximately $1600, without the need to apply for grants. Hopefully this will remove the threat of cancelling of the competition for 2016/17 with a careful look at policy for the 2017/18 competition on the cards.
The meeting was followed by a briefing to the board on the major issues facing us - The Hall and The Mall (not the mall - the town centre). It is really important that the incoming board has all the background information to ensure that future decision making is sound and sensible.
These were not the only firsts in our household this week. Lummox no.2 started his first week of summer work. Bud rubbing on a vineyard - hard work apparently. It is great having him home. I think he's enjoyed getting to know a new group of people at work. He is determined to make sure he has a few kitchen basics sorted before flatting - so has been sous chef all week.
Lummox no.3 also had firsts this week - first NCEA external exam - English. My favourite subject at his age - definitely not his. He came out of it saying 'better than expected' - that sounds positive-ish. He has science and maths this week - much more his thing.
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| Junior Panto dress rehearsal |
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| Washing nightmares |
My lovely bloke and I did manage a bit of a cruise in the old Dodge under a moody Cromwell sky to take the dog for a swim at Devil's Creek today. A nice relaxed way to end the weekend before the realities of the working week begin again tomorrow.
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