School Board 

Presiding Member Introduction

Kia ora, my name is Peter McNamara. 

I have been with Avon School for over two years. I come with a wealth of experience having been the Presiding Member for Mania School and was the Property Rep prior to our elections last year. Our team comprises of: Garus – Property portfolio, Amanda – Finance portfolio, Erin - Health Safety and assisting with community wellbeing portfolio, Jessie-Lee - Community and Wellbeing portfolio, Deidre - Staff Representative and Student Wellbeing portfolio, Lisa - Principal Representative and I assist wherever else  required. Any concerns or ideas feel free to contact one of these people or just let Carol our Office Admin and Board Minute Secretary know – we are here to help.

This term we are off and running with the school gala to be held on 27th March, raising funds to support our ākonga to access some awesome new programs supporting their wellbeing. These are not government funded so it is up to us as a community and Board to pay the costs.

Our 10YP (10 Year Property Plan (this is what the Ministry will pay for) has been approved for the first 5 years so we can now work on fixing our drainage problems, get better heating and lighting, upgrade our buildings and maybe even remodel our hall kitchen area.

Want to help? Have ideas? Come along to next Board meeting – All Board meetings are open to public we would love to hear from you.

Peter McNamara

Presiding Member Avon Board

Talofa lava, Malo Le soifua maua ma le lagi e mamā , hello my name is Garus.

I am a single parent to four children who attend Avon School.  I am originally from Wellington and moved to Taranaki in 2019. I was previously home-schooling my children and I chose to return to main stream schooling as I wanted to re-enter the workforce and wanted them to be settled in school before I do this.

 I love being active and enjoy working out at the gym for my health and wellbeing. My tamariki all play league and I have recently taken on coaching an Avon School Touch team. 

I look forward to bringing my range of skills to Avon School and will work hard to give all our tamariki the best opportunities.

Fa'afetai mo lo'u avanoa, manuia 

Garus

Hello, my name is Amanda, 

I’m a mom of two young children in Avon school. 

As our children's schools are such a big part of our everyday lives, and like so many parents, I care deeply about the place where my children are learning and growing.

I joined the Avon School Board because this felt personal to me. I wanted to show up, listen, and help support decisions that reflect my children and the voices of families. I look forward to helping support decisions that strengthen our school and community. I hope you will support us in our role and share your thoughts and ideas too. 

Ngā mihi nui, 

Amanda

My name is Erin and I have three children who are currently attending Avon School. I am originally from South Africa. 

New Zealand has been my home for the past 17 years. I am pleased to be a member of the board and hope to bring about new connections between the whānau,  our school and the board. 

I will strive to always seek what is best for our tamariki and whānau. I will strive to work in honesty, good faith and communication alongside you all. 

Ngā mihi nui, 

Erin

Hi, my name is Jessie-lee. 

I am a mother of 4 beautiful children 2 of which attend Avon School Lochlan and 

Cosima-lee. 

I am 30 years young and now have had the privilege to be able to be a part of my children's wonderful school community as a board member. 

I hope to bring knowledge and support in any way I can to the Board.

Ngā mihi nui, 

Jessie-Lee

Kia ora, I'm Deidre 

I am the staff representative on the board and I joined the team last year, 2025.  I am a Teacher Aide and have been at Avon School for 26 years.

I have stayed so long because I love the tamariki and desire to support this school in all it does.

My grandchildren are school age and I know the importance of supporting schools to give all whānau a voice.  

Ngā mihi nui, 

Deidre