The Board is a group elected by the school community every three years. Our School Board is currently made up of 5 parent representatives, the principal and one elected staff representative. The Board is the governing body of the school. We are the employer of staff, the custodians of all school property and we are responsible for school finances.

We would like to take this opportunity to introduce ourselves to you, especially to the new families who have joined our school community this year, and to let you know our assigned portfolios for the year. Our email address is bot@southbridge.school.nz if you need to contact us.

Aimee Thurston - Parent Rep

Presiding Member

My husband Rob and I wished for our two children, Carissa and Eve to grow up in a rural community like I had, and to experience all the amazing opportunities that this could provide so we made the move to Southbridge 8 years ago.

I have a Bachelor in Teaching and Learning and prior to extended maternity leave I worked in the Early Childhood sector for 16 years teaching and being a Centre Manager.

I am grateful for the opportunity to support our amazing school, wider community, families and whanau anyway I can.

Jess Hooper - Parent Rep

Deputy Presiding Member and Finance

I have lived in Southbridge for the past 11 years with my husband Nathan and our 2 children Kahukura and Koa. We came to the area in the hope of finding a friendly, close-knit community where our children could grow up.

I have a Bachelors’ degree in Applied Management and have worked predominantly in marketing and communications. For the past 12 years however, I have worked in financial auditing with a focus on Ministry of Education run preschools and schools.

I am thrilled to be part of the board at Southbridge School; it is a real privilege to be able to help give our children and their whanau a wonderful, welcoming school community to be proud of.

Kasey Love - Parent Rep

Communications and Community Engagement

I have called Southbridge home for over 25 years, and it has been a wonderful place to raise my family. My husband, Ed, and I are proud parents to James and Abby, who are both students at Southbridge School.

I previously practised as a dispute resolution and litigation lawyer and since 2014, I have worked in the corporate insolvency industry. My current role is in Deal Advisory at a leading “Big 4” firm in Christchurch, specialising in liquidations . I am also heavily involved as a volunteer within other community groups in Southbridge and you’ll often see me on the sidelines at local rugby.

I firmly believe that we all play a vital role in fostering strong values for our children. As a parent representative on the Board, I am dedicated to ensuring that our children receive the support they need from our community, for their emotional development and wellbeing. Together, we can help them achieve success through education.

Steve Ormandy - Parent Rep

Health & Safety and Property

My wife, Sarah and I and our two daughters Blake and Evelyn live on the outskirts of Southbridge on my wife’s family farm. My eldest daughter is at Southbridge Primary in Year 4 and my youngest is about to start very soon. Sarah and I wanted our kids to grow up in the country and attend a school that was similar to what we had experienced when we were young. I work as a builder mainly working in Christchurch on large architectural homes. I’m pleased to be able to support the board and Southbridge School.

Tracey Chynoweth - Parent Rep

I have been a member of the BOT since 2016. My husband, Richard and I have 3 children, Jaryn, McKenna and Andee who now all attend Ellesmere College. Our Primary school journey finished for our family last year and we are incredibly grateful for the time our children spent at Southbridge School. I currently work for the NZ Playcentre Federation but prior to taking extended maternity leave I worked as a Secondary School teacher. This gave me a good understanding of the education system and operational systems within a school. I really enjoy being part of the BOT and helping to make Southbridge School the best place it can be for our children and community.

Ian Quilter - Principal

I have had the privilege of being Principal at Southbridge School since August 2020; before that, I worked at schools in Havelock, Blenheim, Raumati Beach and Porirua; although my teaching career actually began in East London in 1999. I believe that the school should be at the centre of the community and so endeavour to establish and maintain strong links with all stakeholders.

All three of my own children have attended Southbridge School but all have now moved on to Ellesmere College. It is a privilege to work with our amazing team of teachers and support staff; all of whom work together to provide exciting learning opportunities and raise student outcomes; working with the BOT allows me to ensure continuity of strategic direction and to Inspire, Equip and Engage students and staff alike for the betterment of all.

Nikki McCartin - Staff Rep

I teach in the Senior Roopu and have been part of the Southbridge School staff since 2010. My husband Nigel and I farm locally and have three adult children Lana, Brodie and Alexis, who all attended Southbridge School. I am passionate about Health, Physical Education and Wellbeing and am committed to ensuring that our students engage with real world, authentic learning experiences during their time here at Southbridge School.

Muffy Cornelius - BOT Secretary

My husband Blair and I have 4 children. Sena, Alyssa, Bridie and Chase.

We have lived in Southbridge for 11 years and were involved with Southbridge Playcentre when the kids were younger. Bridie and Chase currently attend Southbridge School and Alyssa is at Ellesmere College. Our eldest Sena is navigating life as an adult in the workforce.

I enjoy getting involved in the community and helping where I can. Our children have enjoyed many of the great activities and groups on offer locally, it has been a great way to get to know people.

I am currently working in Traffic Management as a Health and Safety Manager. Previous to this I worked in Contact Centre Management and training roles and also for the Playcentre Federation.