Our board of trustees

chair@rollestoncollege.nz

Having lived in Selwyn since 2005, Lou has seen a lot of expansion and growth in the “Town of the Future”. She works for a local Rolleston business, owns her own bookkeeping business, and has held various finance-related roles within the private and public sectors.

Lou loves being part of this rapidly expanding community and is heavily involved in netball at a club level, playing, coaching and managing, as well as at a regional level, holding executive positions on various committees.  

With two daughters who currently attend Rolleston College, Lou is keen to help shape the college’s future and is looking forward to building upon the college’s strong foundations, contributing positively to the board’s effective governance and assisting in navigating any challenges to ensure a strong partnership between parents, students and staff. She is incredibly passionate about people and excited about making a difference.

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 has worked in a range of secondary schools, including Western Springs College, Massey High School and Queen Charlotte College. Rachel brings a wealth of skill and experience in pastoral care, student leadership, and curriculum delivery and is focused on staff professional development.   

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. Rachel is especially passionate about engaging with students, staff, whanau and community, and is committed to empowering our learners to transform their lives, communities and futures.

“Whakamanatia ngā ākonga kia pikia ngā taumata o nāianei, o ngā tau kei te heke mai, ā-tangata, ā-hapori hoki.”

Initially part of the college's establishment board, until now Greg has held the Deputy Chair position since 2017. Married to Bridgit, together, they have three kids who have or are attending Rolleston College. Their eldest child was a foundation learner at Rolleston College, and Jess was the elected student representative on the board in 2023. Learning and preparing youth for life is one of Greg's passions.

With a background in marine electronics, Greg has worked in Europe, Africa, South America, and the Pacific. Greg and Bridgit operate their own business importing and distributing work apparel and designing and installing remote cameras, communications, and power systems throughout New Zealand. With a passion for the outdoors, he was a bushcraft instructor with the NZ Mountain Safety Council before disestablishing its training section. They have been a member of the local scout and residents association committees and remain on the local ANZAC Day organising committee.

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 approachable demeanour and collaborative spirit ensure that he can build strong relationships with students, teachers, and administration alike. His 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.

Jay has been involved in youth work since 2003 and is passionate about young people, their families and the communities they live in. He led 24-7 YouthWork for over 10 years and is an influential leader and strategic thinker. Jay is not one to walk away from challenges and flourishes on seeking solutions for impossible tasks. This leads to many whiteboard sessions as he loves to approach problems from an alternative perspective.

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.

Jay is big in stature (6ft 8) but also carries a big heart for this nation. He is married to Nicky and has three amazing children.

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. 

Barry is also an active member of our growing community, and a West Melton resident married to Anne-Maree with three children. A proud parent to Alessandra, a foundation learner and Head Girl for the college in 2021. Ted was a current member of the First XV Selwyn Combined Rugby Team in 2022 and a Head Boy for 2023, with their youngest, Luke, about to move into our senior school. 

As a valued team member, Dan is the elected staff representative on the Rolleston College Board of Trustees. Earning his Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Secondary) and training with us in 2018, Dan specialises in Social Sciences. We were lucky to have Dan join our teaching staff in 2019. Over the last six years, it did not take long for Dan to make his mark in our kura.

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. Dan is passionate about helping and guiding our youth and is a strong advocate for both staff and learners.

As a qualified Chartered Accountant with her own business (with a team of eight people) in Christchurch Central, Joanne has over 25 years of experience as an accountant. She offers our college a broad business background and financial knowledge, believing that she would provide a "common sense" approach to the Board, together with her strong financial acumen.

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. Joanne has two children at Rolleston College – one in year 13 and another in year 11.

Ngaire was a parent-elected member of the Clearview Primary Board of Trustees for two terms (six years), having held the Community Liaison and Human Resource portfolios. She has been actively involved in strategic planning and policy development and enjoys setting and achieving goals.  

A former primary teacher for fifteen years and now working for CORE Education, Ngaire brings a wealth of experience, and we are excited to have her part of our team. 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.  With one child enrolled and another yet to follow, Ngaire is passionate about our children's learning and well-being.

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. A highlight was bringing the youth show High School Musical JR to the stage as Production Manager!

When the opportunity came up to join the Board of Trustees, Leanne jumped at the chance to be able to make a positive contribution to our school and community.

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. 

She loves being part of, not only creating great strategies, but seeing those strategies implemented and making a positive impact. With a strong belief that excellence is something we can all achieve, no matter what it is we are doing, she is passionate about coaching, mentoring and empowering people and teams so they can maximise their strengths.