The School Board is a governance body that comprises elected parents together with the Principal and one staff representative.
The Board is entrusted to work on behalf of the children who attend the school. Its role emphasises strategic leadership rather than administrative detail and ensures that the school complies with legal and policy requirements. The primary focus of the School Board, Principal and Staff is to ensure the very best educational outcomes for all children attending Halswell School.
Board meetings are held in the school boardroom commencing at 6 pm, usually on the third Tuesday of each month. The meetings are open to the public, and our parent community is welcome to attend.
Email: bot@halswell.school.nz
Rob Dixon, Presiding Member
I am a local parent, with soon to be 2 boys at Halswell School. I am passionate about giving everyone in the school community the opportunity to succeed in our ever-changing world, be that students, teachers, staff and fellow parents.
I will be using my background in business management and sports governance to assist the Board. I love sport and music, so am also looking forward to getting more involved in the school in these areas too – with my parent hat on and my board hat off!
I am currently the Board Chair.
Committees: Property and Curriculum
Natasha Buckby, Deputy Presiding Member
I have two children at Halswell School and am relishing the opportunity to be involved with the governance of the school. I have a background in general management roles and currently work for a law firm. I have extensive experience in operations, particularly in HR, finance and marketing and want to use those skills to make a strong contribution to the Board.
I am excited to play a part in our school going from strength to strength and have a particular interest in how we support the wellbeing of students and staff to allow them all to succeed.
Committees: Finance and Communication
Michelle Bishop, Board Secretary
I am a mum of one boy, currently in the Halswell Senior School. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed being part of the school community and I’m passionate about the opportunities that Halswell School has to offer our current and future students.
Coming from a professional background in Human Resources and Recruitment, I’m a huge believer in the development of the whole person and setting our children up for their own individual versions of success in future years. I believe Halswell School is well placed to support this, and I am looking forward to continuing to make a positive contribution to the board.
Outside of school and work we run a small farm, I am a keen runner and hobbyist beekeeper.
I am currently the Board Secretary.
Committees: Health & Safety and Communication
Sarah Robb
I have a daughter at Halswell School and a preschool-aged son. My background is in supply chain and logistics management, and I enjoy thinking strategically and working in a team. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is very important to me, and I enjoy exploring the outdoors with my family.
As a parent, I feel strongly that it is important to provide all children with the best opportunities possible and that all children should be supported to be their best selves.
I am looking forward to contributing to the Halswell School community as a board member and will strive to make positive differences.
Committees: Finance
Claire Harris
Kia ora, I am the proud parent of two children in the junior area at Halswell School. My background is in product development, planning and analysis. I am currently working in senior management at a NZ clothing company.
I thoroughly enjoy working as part of a team collaborating for common goals and want to use these skills to contribute to the wider school community. During our spare time, our family enjoys making the most of the great outdoors of New Zealand and keeping active.
Committees: Curriculum and Property
Sahil Oberoi
“Excited to engage in school governance as both a committed parent and passionate board member, I bring a rich background in IT, account management, and academia, having lectured in India for over three years. Outside of work, my family is my utmost priority, and we treasure moments exploring nature and seeking inspiration. I strongly advocate for work-life balance and believe that personal passions enrich professional life. Committed to contributing to our school community’s success, let’s create an environment where every student can thrive.”
Michael Ruffell (Staff Representative)
I am a teacher in Ōtūmatua (year 7/8) who has been at Halswell School for just over three years. I am passionate about working with students to bring out the best in them and encourage them to succeed in everything they do. I look forward to bringing my experience as a teacher to contribute to the board creating the best possible outcomes for our tamariki.
I am a keen sportsperson and musician and you will often see me involved in these things at Halswell School. In my spare time I enjoy playing football and spending time with my family.
Stuart Cameron (Principal)
Find out about Stuart Cameron on the Message from the Principal page.
Board Information
Click on the buttons below to access more board information.
Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) Statement
Halswell School Board of Trustees is compliant with the personnel policy on being a good employer (including the equal employment opportunities programme) [s 77A State Sector Act 1988].
The Principal as EEO officer has ensured that the following practices have been upheld: