Meet The Board
Our board is made up of seven elected parent representatives, our principal and one elected staff trustee, all of who are in office for a term of three years.
Jenny Davy
Deputy Presiding Member
Hello, I'm Jenny Davy and I have two sons at our school. I moved our family to Whangaparaoa in 2015 because I was looking for a coastal community with an incredible school - I feel very lucky to have found all that right here in Manly.
I am currently in my first term on the board and feel very comfortable and confident with the wonderful state our school is in. One of my focuses is Health, Safety, and Wellbeing and I sit on the H&S committee ensuring that the board is following best practice for our students and staff.
As a parent representative I am always listening out for the parent voice and you'll see me at virtually all school community meetings, PFA meetings, and around school.
Our school is really wonderful, and I'm excited to see how it improves over the years.
Jacqui Marks
Presiding Member / Treasurer
I moved to Manly in January 2021 with my husband and two sons. The sense of community is extraordinary, and I am committed in making a positive contribution to sustain this for many years to come.
Professionally, I have experience in large New Zealand corporates and internationally networked marketing agencies. I ran a Dentsu agency and was a member of the NZ Executive Leadership Team.
I am now the Head of Business Activation at the Bank of New Zealand, where I help grow New Zealand’s prosperity, by growing New Zealand businesses and their people.
I have experience and served on industry associations. With my management and strategic leadership background, my experience spans various disciplines and I will apply these skills to continue the wonderful efforts of the school's leadership team, staff and most importantly the students to help them be the best they can be.
Laura Davis
Kia Ora, my name is Laura Davis. I live in Manly with my husband Garth, and our three children Boston, Millen and Kaia who are in Years 6, 4 and 1 at Whangaparaoa School.
My background is in media and communications (BCS), education (Grad Dip Ed), family support and conflict resolution, and I have a wide range of experience working with all ages of children, from birth right through to young adulthood. Currently, I work as a relief teacher in the local community, in early childhood centres, kindergartens and primary schools.
I have a passion for connecting people and building a sense of community, and am known as an organiser and 'doer'. I don't believe in sitting back and waiting for someone else to make things happen!
I hope to bring the voice of the community with me to the Board. We are fortunate to have so many amazing opportunities for our children here at Whangaparaoa School, and it is a privilege to be involved in maintaining the special character of our kura.
My family and I have lived on the coast for 9yrs and we have two children attending our school. I am one of two directors of a medium sized building firm and have a passion for property and construction. I enjoy our community spirit. I want our students learning environments and school grounds to look and be the best they can be, not only for our Students but our Teachers, Parents and the wider community, so we can all be proud of being a part of Whangaparaoa School. I want to assist in any way possible and help this school develop and it's students to succeed.
Ryan Densem
Hello, my name is Ryan. My wife and I live on the Whangaparoa coast and have two wonderful children here at Whangaparoa School.
I, like all parents strive to provide the best for our tamariki. As a parent representative I act to support the school to provide the children the best primary education possible - to encourage eagerness to learn and excel into becoming outstanding young individuals full of goals and ambitions. I am committed to focusing my energy working on behalf of the school and parents to get the best outcomes for all.
Professionally, I am the General Manager of a Recruitment company and lead a nationwide team of over 800 staff.
At a volunteer level I am a regular mentor and currently serve on the RCSA (Recruitment & Consulting Staffing Association) NZ council where I hold the role of Vice President.
My outside of work interests (spare time, if I can call it that) involve a number of kilometres cycling, mixed with a multitude of kid’s sports; soccer, swimming, running and taekwondo. Finally spending quality time with friends and family which of course is one of life’s best pleasures.
Bridget Platt
Hi I’m Bridget, we live in Manly and own a local business in the area. Professionally, my background is in Education. I have been teaching for over 20 years in senior management and classroom roles.
It is evident that upon entering Whangaparaoa Primary School, the focus is on the students. The children are happy, the teachers are passionate, and the leaders are encouraging. It is a special place for children to grow and learn. I believe the school has established excellent values in their ORCA model to support students in becoming the best version of themselves.
My passion is staff/student well-being and raising student achievement. I am empathetic and understand that there is more to education than academics. Many pieces of the puzzle need to be gently guided to make the bigger picture. My focus is social, emotional, and physical well-being, as when these are nurtured the learning becomes seamless. Mā pango mā whero ka oti te mahi - together we will get the work done.
%20(1).jpg)
Kevin Cronin
Principal
It is an absolute privilege to be Principal of this wonderful school and be part of the Whangaparāoa Community.
I was born in Hamilton and served at the following schools before finding the mighty Whangaparāoa – Cambridge Intermediate, Leamington Primary, Berkley North Middle School, Pirongia School and Huapai District School.
I am married to Monique, and have two daughters, Hannah and Zoe. We have a rascal of a dog called Rocco.
I enjoy most sports, the outdoors, going out for brunch, boogey boarding and a great action movie.
I am looking forward to working with staff, children, and parents to make this school an outstanding environment for children to learn, play, meet new friends and try lots of things.