B.O.T. Profile: Paul Pointon

 

I had a connection because I am an Old Boy of the school, and because I work in the same building as David Blanchett – the BOT Chair.  Dave and I would occasionally meet at work, and he was aware that I have a son involved in the rowing squad, so we would chat about the school. He suggested that I stand for election in May last year. I missed out during May, but was co-opted on in November.

 

 

I’m a solicitor with Beattie Rickman Legal, and I undertake a wide range of commercial work; leasing, sales and purchases, construction, building, compliance work, health and safety, resource management. I guess from the Board’s point of view, they thought that it would be good to have someone on the team who has some legal background. A lot of the Board’s work ultimately relates to statutory compliance and risk management issues. 

 

 

What strikes me is that everyone has the boys’ welfare at heart. We are all on the same page in that respect. Administratively, Boys’ High is a well-run ship; the Chair of the Board has been a member since 2000, and Susan Hassall is a very experienced Headmaster. Jan Missen is an extremely experienced administrator. There is a lot of experience within the group – people know what they are about, and the meetings are productive as a consequence. It’s enjoyable, and it’s also a contrast with my work because I’m dealing with adults all day. It’s great to stop thinking about their problems, have a cup of coffee and talk about teenagers for a while. I enjoy that contrast.

 

 

I think the biggest challenge is an economic one at the moment – we are living in really tough times. People are struggling, a lot of parents are struggling and kids may well be seeing it. People are having to adapt and change and get lean and mean. Really the challenge is to maintain the high standards that the school has already got. The school has a great reputation and tradition. People want their kids to go there. It is an integral part of the Waikato, and a big part of our challenge is to maintain that presence and performance. We talk about striving for excellence, but we also need to work hard to maintain the gains that we have already made.

 

To do this, we need to send the message as a Board that we are supportive of the Headmaster, the staff and the students. They have our backing and we are behind them. Also, I think it is important that we continue to make sure that the school experience is relevant to a wide range of students. We should cater to the strengths and needs of as many of the boys as possible. 

 

I think what is important in this context, is developing life skills. For example, it is great to be good at Geography or Music, but you need to complement that by knowing how to handle personal finances, invest money, and get regular health checks. Being able to balance accounts, instruct a professional person, knowing how to buy a house, or how to behave in a public meeting; each of these skills is something that fundamentally influences the quality of life of adults, and needs to be learnt by our boys. School progress means continuing to graduate students who are capable citizens.

 

 

It is important to me to be a part of the community I live and work in. This role gives me a way to do contribute, and to interact positively with a group of like-minded individuals. Being on the Board requires you to be punctual, to be involved, take an interest and to listen. Keep an open mind and be prepared to do some background reading, but it will all be interesting, so it is not a chore at all. This is definitely good use of your time.