Our board of trustees

The board of trustees is the crown entity responsible for the governance and control of school management. Boards are also responsible for overseeing the management of personnel, curriculum, property, finance and administration.

The Rolleston College board of trustees is made up of nine members and includes elected members, parents, a staff and student representative, the principal, and appointed members who are all passionate about our learners, families and driving Rolleston College forward.

You can find board minutes, financial reports, and our annual plans and school charter at the bottom of this page.

Leanne Chapman, Board Chair

chair@rollestoncollege.nz

Leanne has two children at Rolleston College, and had the pleasure of having some involvement with the college in the past, through her work as a Trustee of CentreStage Rolleston.

Professionally, Leanne is an accountant with a background in general management covering finance, HR, policies, IT, admin and health & safety and has spent the past 20 years reporting to, and working alongside, boards.

Rachel Skelton, Board Trustee, Principal

rachel.skelton@rollestoncollege.nz

A proud foundation staff member and our principal since 2019, Rachel is an experienced senior leader trained in Te Kotahitanga, conversant in restorative practices and teaching as inquiry.

Rachel’s learner-centric philosophy lends well to enacting the college’s vision and she holds firm to the belief that learning is for life, not just for school.

Reuben Doake, Student Representative

Elected to the position in late 2024, Reuben wants Rolleston College to act as a role model for other schools where the students are known to develop and turn into the best versions of themselves where they can express their happiness and creativity.

Reuben's balanced perspective and unwavering integrity make him a trusted voice for the student body, committed to advocating for their needs and fostering a supportive school environment.

Arthur Finegan, Student Representative

Arthur is a learner of high morals and was elected as Māori Student Representative in late 2024. Arthur is an intelligent learner, who loves the idea of increasing inclusivity and cultural aspects around the school.

Jay Geldard, Board Trustee

Jay has been involved in youth work since 2003 and is passionate about young people, their families and the communities they live in. Jay is not one to walk away from challenges and flourishes on seeking solutions for impossible tasks.

Jay is the co-founder of E Tū Tāngata and is working with an amazing team to develop and implement this movement. Jay is excited to see how E Tū Tāngata can be utilised across New Zealand to create a culture where we stand together rather than pull each other down.

Barry Ward, Deputy Board Chair

A Rolleston College Board member since 2017, Barry is a valued member of the college board with over 20 years of hotel management experience, Barry is heavily involved in both the farming and building industry and as a former educator with the New Zealand Institute of Management. Barry brings with him a wealth of knowledge, skills and experience and relishes the opportunity to work alongside the board and staff to achieve our vision and goals.

Dan Hunter, Staff Trustee

As a valued team member, Dan is the elected staff representative on the Rolleston College Board of Trustees.

Alongside his teaching responsibilities, Dan has led school-wide ICT, been an Advisory leader, and is currently the whānau leader for Ngahuru who oversees learners and staff, as well being the teacher assisting with Ready to Learn (PB4L) at the college.

Joanne Dunn, Board Trustee - Finance Portfolio

As a qualified Chartered Accountant with her own business (with a team of eight people) in Christchurch Central, Joanne offers our college a broad business background and financial knowledge.

Joanne has lived in Rolleston for the past 18 years and is not unfamiliar with the college’s growth and the change in the area over this time.

Ngaire Sheppard-Wills, Board Trustee - Health and Safety and Personnel Portfolios

Ngaire has been actively involved in strategic planning and policy development and enjoys setting and achieving goals.

Ngaire loves being part of this incredible community and is excited about our community's future direction and Rolleston College's role in supporting our young people into bright futures.