board of trustees

The College is supported by a strong, experienced Board of Trustees who have a keen interest in the school, each contributing their wisdom, expertise and skills.


Murray Black (MSc (Hons)
I have been involved in education for most of my life. After graduation I trained as a secondary teacher and taught mathematics for two years. I then joined the staff as a mathematics tutor at the Auckland Technical Institute. Currently I am an Associate Head in the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences at the Auckland University of Technology. I am working on a doctorate through Deakin University in Geelong where I am researching the effectiveness of teaching statistics using case studies.

I have two sons and my youngest son, attends Birkenhead College. My wife is a community pastor at our local church where I am involved in teaching on the children’s programme.

I have been a past member and chairperson of a primary school Board of Trustees. I am committed to equity and the achievement of the best possible learning environment for our children’s education where they have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Rob Ashcroft (B Ed Teaching)
I am married with two daughters (the eldest due to start at Birkenhead College in 2011). Having grown up in the area, I attended the College as a student in the years 1984 – 1988.

Currently I work as a primary teacher at our local Kauri Park School. I have had a range of other career experiences including landscaping, radio production and television graphics.

My positive schooling experiences (Birkdale North Primary, Birkdale Intermediate and Birkenhead College) were a large part of preparing me for successful adulthood. So it is with pleasure that I involve myself as a board member in supporting the continued development of our young people through a rich and positive learning environment.


David Cox (B.E. civil)
I am married with three sons and have been living in Birkenhead for the last 7 years. My two oldest boys are presently attending Birkenhead College and I have had considerable contact with the staff and management of the school over the last 3 years as the boys have been involved in a variety of academic, musical and sporting pursuits.

Prior to moving to Birkenhead our family lived in Singapore for seven years where I managed a construction company and upon returning in 2000 was employed by Works Infrastructure Ltd as Auckland construction manager for 5 years. For the last two years I have been self employed as a civil engineer managing a variety of construction projects throughout the Auckland region.

I have been a trustee on the board of Birkdale Intermediate for the past four and a half years and so have considerable experience and knowledge of the role of a board member.


Trevor Dobbin MA (Hons),Dip Tchg
Chairman

As the current Board Chairperson, I have been involved in all aspects of the running of Birkenhead College. This experience and prior work for committees on the Board and its predecessor, the Board of Governors, has given me a sound understanding of the role of trustees and tasks to be undertaken on the school’s behalf.

I am employed in the Faculty of Education at the University of Auckland, training teachers for secondary schools. This work, combined with earlier experience as a secondary teacher, has given me opportunities to see a variety of approaches to school organisation and ways of meeting different learning needs.

In addition to a range of interests in education, I have had a long involvement in sport including rugby, cricket and athletics, and in several cultural activities. My general interests include building and car maintenance.

I am married to Margaret. We have lived in this area since 1973 and all of our children have attended Birkenhead College. We currently have one child in Year 12.

I bring a combination of experience in education and practical strategies for the ongoing development of this fine school.


J Mathewson BSc, DipSci (Otago)
Principal


Jamie Tawhai
My family has lived locally for nine years. We have one daughter at Birkenhead College and one a primary school. I have been on the Birkenhead College Board of Trustees since 2005 And I have also served on the Kauri Park Board of Trustees. Serving on both boards has made me appreciate the enormous effort required by school staff and board members in running a school. I still contribute to the Kauri Park School by developing and managing their website. My core area of work is electronic engineering and manufacturing. For the past 11 years I have worked for Fisher & Paykel Healthcare. In my current management role I oversee the company's electronic manufacturing business. I believe that my management and analytic skills have benefited the college during my previous term and will continue to do so. I have enjoyed working on the board and will continue to support my daughter's education, the college and local community.


L McCavana, NDBE, Dip Tchg, Dip Spec Subj
Staff Representative

Ms E Adviento
Student Representative