Our School
School Board
What Does the Board Do?
The Board is Meadowbank School’s governing body and has overall responsibility for the School’s performance. We’re made up of six elected parent representatives, a staff representative and the Principal. Parent and staff representatives are elected three-yearly.
Despite our different titles, as board members we all have the same overall obligation to govern in the best interests of the school, students and staff generally. The staff representative isn’t a dedicated advocate for staff; parent representatives aren’t dedicated advocates for parents.
Our Current Board MembersUnder legislation we have four primary objectives in governing the school. These are to ensure:
- each student can attain their highest possible standard in educational achievement;
- the school is physically and emotionally safe, gives effect to human rights and takes reasonable steps to eliminate racism, stigma, bullying and other discrimination;
- the school is inclusive and caters for students with differing needs; and
- the school gives effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, in a range of ways, including reflecting local tikanga, mātauranga Māori and te ao Māori in plans, policies and curriculum, as well as achieving equitable outcomes for Māori students.
As governors of the school, we guide, shape and form the community’s vision for Meadowbank School to ensure great educational outcomes for our tamariki. This vision is set out in our strategic plan, which we develop in consultation with the community. We track progress against strategic items in each Board meeting and set annual plans towards our longer term objectives. You can view our latest strategic and annual plan here.
We also set policies and oversee the management of staff, curriculum, property, governance of health and safety and finance.
Board financial statementsFrom a finance perspective, the Board sets a budget each year that takes into account the central funding we receive from the Ministry of Education as well as our locally-raised funds – whether from parent donations, FOMS or Club Meadowbank which is owned and operated by the school. Many of the capital works projects, as well as our low student:teacher ratios and extensive speciality programs, are a result of the important financial support we receive from our school community.
The Board meets monthly, and meeting dates are published in the school newsletter and weekly fridge list. You’re welcome to attend any of our meetings, which are held in the senior staffroom. You can also provide any feedback or queries to the board at boardchair@meadowbank.school.nz.
Our Current Board Members
Frances Moon
Presiding Member
I joined the Meadowbank School board as a parent representative in 2022 and currently have two children at school, with a third to be starting soon.
My family love being part of this wonderful school with its strong sense of community, environmental responsibility and culture of learning. We are fortunate to have such committed teachers and strong leadership, and I am proud to support the governance and vision of our school so our children can have the best educational opportunities.
Professionally I am a GP, working with patients from a variety of backgrounds. I also had an active special interest in Clinical Education, which I maintain through my involvement with the undergraduate medical programme at the University of Auckland and also the Royal NZ College of General Practitioners.
When I’m not at work you’ll find me on the sideline of the sports field, going for a run or a family bike/kayak ride, or catching up on a good book.
Phil Toomer
Principal
I have been Principal of Meadowbank School for the last seven years and my two youngest children also attend – one in Year 1 and another in Year 6. My wife is also a teacher and we have both been in education for 20 years.
It’s an honour to lead a school which has a very long and solid reputation as being one of Auckland’s leading, highest-achieving schools. Our large scale, combined with our beautiful school setting, gives Meadowbank its unique ability to provide a huge array of opportunities for our very capable students.
Prior to leading Meadowbank, I was Principal at Glenavon School. One of my proudest moments at that school was being announced as a finalist in the 2018 Prime Minister’s Education Excellence Awards, in the leadership category.
I have a very strong interest in the wider education sector and look to involve myself in many sector projects and groups, including Ministry of Education work.
In New Zealand schools, the school principal also acts as a full member of the board.
ADRIEN HUNTER
Board Member
I’m a Parent Representative on my first term on the Meadowbank School Board. It’s a privilege to represent such an engaged community.
My wife, Leanne, and I have two boys at the school: Cameron (Year 4) and Ethan (Year 6). Our daughter, Annabel, is in Year 2.
Professionally, I’m an Associate General Counsel at the Guardians of NZ Superannuation, which invests the NZ Superannuation Fund and Elevate NZ Venture Fund on behalf of kiwis. In that role, I advise on investment transactions, corporate governance, investment management, risk mitigation and various regulatory matters.
Outside of work we’re an active family, cramming in as much tramping, camping, water sports and the like as we can around the kids’ sporting activities. Like many Meadowbank families, most of the winter seems to be spent at Madills Farm.
I joined the board because I’m passionate about educational outcomes, particularly maths, literacy and science. It’s an important time to be on the board and help set the strategic emphasis in these areas, with the New Zealand curriculum being refreshed.
I’m focused on supporting the school to achieve the best educational outcomes for its students, while upholding the special sense of character we’re lucky to have at Meadowbank School.
JUDITH HANNAN
TEACHER REPRESENTATIVE
I have been selected as the staff representative for the Board in 2022/23. I am presently aa classroom teacher for Year 5 and I also lead the school’s Education for Sustainability (EFS) approach. EFS sees me working with students and teachers across all year groups, building and promoting the local curriculum in relationship with our rich natural environment – a hugely fulfilling role.
I have been a teacher at Meadowbank School for 20 years and I energetically embrace new thinking and opportunities. I was a Team Leader for Year 6 for a number of years and have been closely involved in strategic planning across the school. I have also taught in England and Uganda during my career. Throughout, I have continually adapted my teaching and learning approach in response to the individual needs of my students and the environment around me.
I believe that my role as a teacher is to facilitate each student’s individual learning journey; providing them with a rich learning environment in which they will discover passions, strengths and develop learning dispositions that will enable them to embrace learning with a sense of wonder.
I feel privileged to be a member of the Board because it clearly prioritises our students, community and environment in its planning and actions for the future.
DAVID JAGGS
BOARD MEMBER
I have joined the Board in 2025 as a parent representative and am honoured to have the opportunity to serve our school and community. My wife Amie and I have two children at the school, Hana (Year 4) and Orelia (Year 2), and our family has greatly valued being part of such a welcoming and vibrant school community.
Professionally, I work for Auckland Council in a strategic advisory role, providing analysis and advice on region-wide issues to support decision-making by elected members. Before returning to New Zealand, our family spent ten years in the UK, where I held several strategic and operational roles in local government and the charity sector.
Outside of work, we enjoy spending time outdoors, hiking, camping, jumping on our bikes and cheering the kids on in their wide range of extracurricular activities. I joined the Board because I’m passionate about helping our children thrive both academically and socially, and encouraging every student to live by our school values.
KYLIE MIDDLETON
BOARD MEMBER
This is my first term as a parent representative on the Meadowbank School board. I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent a community that cares deeply about the education and wellbeing of its students. A personal highlight has been the growth of tikanga and te reo Māori over my six years as a parent. I’ve been humbled by the commitment of staff and parents.
My husband (Richard) and I have three boys at Meadowbank School: Max in Y6, and Tommy and Cameron in Y2. Like many families, we juggle sports, co-curriculars, renovations, work, and family life each week.
I am a secondary school teacher (Health and Physical Education) with a passion for robust and individualised pastoral care. I have held leadership roles in both curriculum and well-being over my 20 years of experience as an educator. With changes to the HPE curriculum, I believe my experience as Head of Health Education within a Y0–13 school will help us adjust quickly and with confidence.
I joined the board because I am passionate about ensuring our children are well prepared for their education and schooling beyond Meadowbank School.
penny olson
BOARD MEMBER
I have joined the Board as a parent representative in 2025. Our family have been part of the Meadowbank School community since 2022 and both our children attend the school.
I have worked in education for a decade, currently as Assistant Faculty Leader of Social Sciences at St Mary’s College in Ponsonby and previously at Rangitoto College. Prior to teaching I worked in communications and marketing, with experience in private, public and not for profit sector roles.
Being part of the school community and education sector as a Board member is a unique opportunity. This is particularly true for a school that is so well-equipped to deliver outstanding educational outcomes due to staff expertise and community engagement. I am passionate about governance that builds on existing strengths and focuses on ensuring all students are supported to achieve to their potential and enjoy their experience at Meadowbank School.
Clark Wilson
BOARD MEMBER
I’m a Parent Representative in my first term on the Meadowbank School Board and proud to support a school community that values both learning and connection.
My wife, Nadia, and I have three children—two are currently at Meadowbank, and our eldest is now at Sacred Heart after starting his journey at MBS.
I’ve worked in marketing for over 20 years, leading brand, digital, and customer experience strategies across New Zealand and the UK. Outside of work, you’ll find me on the sidelines supporting our kids’ journey in sport and the arts.
I joined the board to help champion strong educational outcomes, especially in the core subjects, while supporting the school’s inclusive culture and strategic direction.
