Board of Trustees
Charter & Strategic Plan - Click here
The National Administration Guidelines (NAGs) - Click here
To read our latest BoT minutes - Click here
Annual Report - 2019

Brenda Sutton
Principal
I have been principal of Waitaria Bay School for ten years, having moved from a principal position of a small school in the North Island. I am also Community of Learning Lead Principal for the Te Wheke Akaronga - Marlborough Sounds. I believe in ensuring, through teaching and learning that our children today gain a love of learning that leads them to be successful in all aspects of their life. I am a strong advocate for student agency - empowering children to take responsibility for their own learning and encourage the use of thinking skills, initiative and independence.
I am a mother, grandmother and partner , these people in my life are paramount to my happiness ..... along with fishing - hence the longevity of my stay in the sounds - along with my love of the children and their families at our small school.

Emma Hopkinson
BoT Chair
Hi, my name is Emma Hopkinson. Myself and my family are sheep&beef farmers as well as mussel farmers. We have 4 children, with 2 attending WBS. I am Board Chair of WBS and I am also on the board of Te Wheke.
I believe that Education is very important. Education is the ability to inspire others with knowledge. It is knowy what you can do and how you can do it. Education gives you the skills and knowledge to achively participate and keep up with the changing ways of the world.

Nic Sutherland
Elected Parent Representative
Hi my name is Nic Sutherland. My family and I moved to the Sounds about a year ago for work. We are have enjoyed it so much that we have bought a property. I work at the school for three mornings a week as a teacher aid.
I am enjoyed being a part of the school and being involved with our girls learning.


Paula Kawasaki
Elected Parent Representative
My name is Paula Kawasaki and I am a Japanese decendent borned in Brazil. After many years studying and getting qualifications, I decided to adventure myself and leave my very busy life behind. Just to start an even busier life as a wife and mother. My husband and I moved to the Sounds 10 years ago to work at a local resort. Soon after, I was a mother of my stepson, now 10 yo and our little girl, now 8 yo. Together, we share our passion for self sustainability, such as hunting, gardening, beekeeping and raising a range of domestic birds. Our children are Sounds kids and being part of WBS team they are becoming independent and confident learners. I believe education is the beginning of a smart curious life that can lead to a wide range of opportunities. Waitaria Bay School has a small number of learners with big attitude, it has an amazing environment for all children to develop an unimaginable number of skills
Chris Duckworth
Staff Rep. BoT Secretary
Chris has been on the Board of Trustees at Newlands School, South Wellington Intermediate, Havelock School and now as the Staff Rep at Waitaria Bay School.
I live at Double Bay Raetihi, Kenepuru Sound.