Kia ora Te Ao Mārama Community!

My name is Chris Langley & I am excited to be elected for the Te Ao Mārama School Board.

My wife, Melissa, is part of the Te Ao Mārama staff and together we have two children; Harry and Caitlin. Harry is currently in Year 2 at Te Ao Mārama, and Caitlin (who was a foundation student at Te Ao Mārama), has now moved onto Rototuna Junior High School as a Year 7.

I am a Deputy Principal at Rototuna Junior High School and a secondary school trained teacher who has a passion for education with over 16 years experience in the sector. Previously, I have taught at Rototuna Senior High School and Fairfield College as well as working for a short time at the Waikato Regional Council in their education team. As a foundation staff member of a rapidly growing new school, I understand the challenging yet rewarding environment this can bring.

The vision, values and school culture developed by the Board, Tony and the team since the school opened has been a major contributing factor to me running for the School Board. Te Ao Mārama's approach to education aligns closely to my own personal views. I feel strongly about providing students with authentic, ‘learning through doing’ experiences in order to help them develop the skills and dispositions needed to thrive and adapt in this ever changing world. Through my own children’s experiences at Te Ao Mārama, I have watched these attributes grow within them and have seen the positivity and passion they have developed towards their learning and their future.

I am a hardworking team member who thrives in fast paced, collaborative environments. I am always solutions focused and value the power that establishing strong relationships can bring. I have a passion for fostering connections between school and the community and feel my connections with key community stakeholders in the Waikato could be a valuable contribution to the board and school.

I am truly excited with the prospect of being able to contribute towards the governance of Te Ao Mārama and work alongside the other board members.