Chris Theobald, Principal, Bishop Viard College
Chris Theobald is a visionary school principal, currently of Bishop Viard College but recently, and for several years, principal of Holy Family Primary School in Porirua East. (Our club has connections with Holy Family: Michael Parker is a friend of the school and they have had several grants under our Grant-a-wish programme.)
Last evening Chris spoke to the Club about his experiences as a teacher and principal in low decile schools, using striking examples from his time here. He comes from a pakeha family in Lower Hutt and attended St Bernard’s College, and had to adjust his thinking when he was appointed in Porirua.
Holy Family School has done well under Chris’ leadership, increasing its roll and winning awards. He told his students they were attending ‘the best school in New Zealand’.
He noted that over 40% of local year 9 students avoid transferring to secondary schools in Porirua; this is a result of negative perceptions and expectations. Almost all young people have hope and ambition which must be fostered. At the same time, the way in which success or excellence are defined varies among the different groups in society, and this must be respected.
Chris is now at Bishop Viard College, which has been through tough times of late. He is the sixth principal in eight years and the college is under statutory management. It has capacity for 700 students but the roll is only 230, so Chris has the job of turning things around. He has started by inviting successful alumni back to the school to instil hope and ambition in the current students.
There are numerous examples of inspirational principals rescuing failing schools. Chris Theobald is clearly one of these, and we wish him well.
Proposed parking meters down Main Road, Tawa
Copied from a Facebook post: Your Voice Counts On The Proposal For Paid Parking
Wellington City Council (WCC) have opened their consultation on the Long-Term Plan. This runs from Friday 12 April to midnight Sunday 12 May 2024. It is advised that you read the consultation document as it covers important decisions on Water, Waste, Investments and other key proposals, one of which is a proposal to introduce paid parking in the suburbs. You can find further information and a submission form here: www.letstalk.wellington.govt.nz...... Please remember to be kind in your submissions – councillors are more likely to respond to positive and well-defined responses. Tawa Business Group has heard plenty of people who are strongly against introducing paid parking and we want to make sure that WCC hears your voices too. These stories may help you with your submission.
• These are already difficult times with the high cost of living and an increasing number of local redundancies, this is an extra charge that people cannot afford.
• The suburbs should not be subsidising the income shortfall from removing car parks in the CBD. Money raised in the suburbs should be used for local investment.
• Tawa has a different demographic than the CBD. Many older and less able people rely on the services that the suburb provides and being able to park easily and directly outside their destination is important for them being able to leave their homes and reduce feelings of isolation.
• The proposal for paid parking does not follow the 2020 Parking policy that says that paid parking will be introduced if occupancy is often over 85%, turnover is low and non-compliance is high.
Our three Northern ward Councillors all voted against the proposal in February but they lost on a vote of 10:7. Councillors changed their minds about reducing hours in swimming pools and libraries so they can change their minds about this too BUT only if you submit your feedback. The more submissions we make, the less likely it is to happen.
Get painting with Resene plant-based paints!
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Potted colour
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