We update our policies regularly, they are available on request by emailing Board Secretary and EA to Principal Jane Stanley, Marie McKerrow at: [email protected].
For 2024’s Annual Board Report, see 2024 Annual Report.
Several times a year, our school newsletter features a list of highlights and topics discussed by the Board in recent times. See below.
Meetings start at 6pm in the Conference Room of the Gernhoefer Admin Centre. All are welcome.
Kia ora, I’m Jason Britten, and I’m honoured to serve as Presiding Member of the Westlake Girls High School Board. Having been a parent board member for several years, I’ve greatly valued working alongside dedicated Board members, staff, and our wider community to help every student at Westlake thrive.
Originally from Taupō, I’ve lived on the North Shore for the past 16 years with my wife and our four children — including a daughter who is currently in Year 10 at Westlake Girls. I previously served six years on the Birkenhead Primary School Board, including a year as Presiding Member, which sparked my passion for supporting student success and positive school culture.
Professionally, I’m the General Manager for Property and Commercial Partnerships at Genesis Energy. My background in law, governance, and leadership helps me contribute to strong financial stewardship and sound decision-making at the Board table.
I’m proud of the progress Westlake has made, from investing in facilities and staff to strengthening wellbeing and achievement. I’m committed to ensuring our school continues to provide an inclusive, high-performing environment where every student can reach her full potential.
I’m pleased to have the opportunity to serve on the Board of Westlake Girls High School and to contribute to a school that plays such an important role in our community. I grew up on Auckland’s North Shore, where my family and I continue to live and work. I have a son at Westlake Boys High School and a daughter who will start at Westlake Girls in 2027.
I was appointed Principal of Westlake Girls with effect from 1 May 2017. Following a degree in Physical Education from Otago, my first teaching position was at Epsom Girls Grammar School. I then went on to teach at Rangitoto College for 10 years. More recently I worked at Birkenhead College where I held the position of Assistant Principal for 12 years.
Prior to taking up this position, I was the Athlete Life Manager at High Performance Sport New Zealand for four years, where I led a team of advisers to develop a programme designed to maximise the potential of our elite athletes.
I have lived on the North Shore for more than 30 years and am married to husband Mike and have three children, two sons and a daughter who all attended the Westlake schools. As a former champion rower I am still involved in this sport and I love to spend as much time as I can enjoying outdoor life.
I enjoy working with the Board as we build on the success of Westlake Girls and ensure that our students make the most of every opportunity and are fully equipped to meet the challenges that lie ahead of them.
Originally from England, I’ve called Auckland home since 2011. I’ve worked at Westlake Boys High School since 2012, and have been part of the Westlake community ever since.
I feel very privileged to have been elected to the Board at Westlake Girls High School. With a strong commitment to learning and a passion for fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment, I am eager to contribute my skills and experience to the governance of the school. I have two daughters attending Westlake Girls High School: Ava, who is in Year 13, and Delaney, who is in Year 11.
As a dedicated professional with a background in the construction sector, I bring knowledge and experience in managing high-performing teams, strategic planning, and growing people. My experience as General Manager for Woods Glass, working on some of the largest commercial construction projects nationwide, has equipped me with the ability to navigate complex challenges, make informed decisions, and collaborate effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders.
I have a passion for growing people, and through my role as General Manager at Woods Glass, we have successfully placed 27 of our young Kapa employees in apprenticeships over the last five years. In 2023, through my role at Woods Glass, we initiated a gateway relationship with One Tree Hill College, which resulted in three students receiving apprenticeships with Woods Glass in the first year. I am a strong advocate for a career in the trades. University is not for everyone, and seeing more young women taking these opportunities can only be beneficial for a sustainable construction industry moving forward. I believe in the importance of providing young people with a diverse range of opportunities to develop their skills and achieve their potential.
I love sports and music; the lessons learnt through sport and the arts provide a great foundation for a successful transition from school to the next stages of life. Westlake Girls students are strong performers in every aspect of extracurricular activities, and I really look forward to being on the sidelines and in the theatres and halls, supporting our very talented students and teachers.
Aside from my business career, I played premier cricket for over 15 years, representing Auckland at the provincial level. I am currently a committee member of the Movember Sports Club, which supports men’s mental health, and a member of The North Harbour Club, which provides financial support for high-performing young people in the North Harbour area. My experience in high-performance teams has taught me the importance of discipline, resilience, and collaboration, and how closely these qualities align with success in both business and life in general.
I am confident that my ability to build strong relationships and my dedication to being a supportive team member will be valuable assets to the Board, and I look forward to contributing to the story of Westlake Girls High School.
MemberIt is an honour to continue to serve on the Westlake Girls High School Board. I have proudly been part of the Board for the past two years, working alongside dedicated educators and fellow trustees to support the success and wellbeing of our students and staff. My daughter is currently in Year 12, and our family has lived on the North Shore for 23 years.
Professionally, I bring over two decades of experience in Finance, Operations and IT. I have worked with leading organisations such as Microsoft, TelstraClear, and Vodafone, and I am a member of the Institute of Directors. This background has enabled me to contribute to initiatives that strengthen academic outcomes, enhance student and staff wellbeing, and ensure responsible stewardship of our school resources.
Westlake Girls High School is a place of excellence, and I am eager to continue contributing to its vibrant future.
I am honoured to be the Westlake Girls staff representative on the Board. I first started teaching at Westlake in 2014 and really enjoy the school culture. I value the camaraderie, expertise, and dedication to our Westlake community that my colleagues exhibit. I am enthusiastic about girls’ education and particularly about breaking traditional stereotypes for girls in practical subjects and the construction industry.
I am the Teacher in Charge of Hard Materials, and I am one of the Scholarship teachers of Technology. Outside of the classroom, I am one of the anti-harassment officers for staff and a member of the Westlake Girls Health and Safety Committee. I also have a supporting role assisting Paul Davis with staff duties, school buses and emergency responses. Over the past year, I have also been part of the Westlake Pedagogical Framework and Teacher Profile team.
I am committed to Westlake as a workplace and am dedicated to ensuring high-quality educational outcomes for our students. I pride myself on maintaining positive relationships and am grateful for the opportunity to represent the staff within the School Board environment and further contribute to the ongoing success of Westlake Girls.
My name is Sylvie Waddingham, the Student Representative here at Westlake. I am really honoured to have been elected to the School Board. For me, Westlake Girls has always felt like more than just a school – it’s a community where people support one another, aim high and where everyone has a chance to shine! Over my three years here, I’ve been lucky enough to be involved with some of the amazing extracurricular activities that Westlake has to offer. I’ve helped lead volunteering initiatives and am a part of around 17 different clubs this year – yes, I might be slightly addicted to school activities! I’ve loved contributing to the school life and spirit and connecting with students across all year levels.
I am also passionate about writing and the arts, particularly writing, as I love exploring how language can bring people together and inspire change. Outside of class, I’m the kind of person who enjoys helping others, supporting projects, and finding ways to make school life more engaging and inclusive for everyone.
I believe that every student should feel valued, included, and proud to be a part of our tight-knit Westlake community. Joining the School Board is an exciting opportunity for me to listen to students’ voices and contribute to decisions that shape our school’s future. I’m really looking forward to making a positive change here at Westlake, so that every student feels empowered, heard, and supported and can reach their full potential.
Kia ora, I’m Marie Mckerrow, Executive Assistant to our Principal Jane Stanley and Board Secretary at Westlake Girls High School.
I joined the school at the start of 2018, bringing with me a wealth of experience from a career in sales, finance and management. Since then, I’ve embraced a dynamic new chapter supporting leadership and governance in the education sector.
My role is multifaceted—alongside my EA and Board Secretary responsibilities, I also work in HR and payroll administration, and lead a team of four talented administrators.
While education comes with its fair share of challenges, I genuinely love what I do. Every day brings opportunities to support our staff and students, and to contribute to the smooth running of our school.
Having spent most of my professional life in corporate environments, I bring a strategic and systems-focused perspective to my work. This background helps me navigate complex processes, streamline operations, and support decision-making with clarity and confidence.
I’m proud to be part of a team that’s committed to excellence and student success.
