Kia ora koutou katoa.

I am Heemi McDonald and I am delighted to be re-elected to represent you on the Te Ao Mārama School Board.

I have been fortunate and grateful to serve this amazing school and community as a member of the Board. I am excited by the direction and future for our school and am committed to enabling our children to be connected to the community and to positively contribute to the world around them. My wife Gemma and I have 4 children; Keeley now in Year 7 and attending Rototuna Junior High School, Avery in Year 5, Miller in Year 2 and Marlow not yet at school.

I am a Deputy Principal at Rototuna Senior High School, with experience in a range of educational settings. I have extensive experience in Curriculum Design, English curriculum and literacy development, Māori achievement, extending and accelerating learners. I have a good understanding of the importance of how a strong sense of belonging is vital to providing the best learning environment possible for our children.

As well as being a trained teacher, I have a Law degree from the University of Waikato, and am actively involved with a number of local community and national organisations. Where I feel I will be able to add value to the Board will be through strengthening community relationships, being collaborative in our activities as a Board and ensuring that we continue to inspire our Learners and prepare them for their futures.