WIS AGM - A Newly Revised Articles of Association, Solid Financials, a Successful Audit, and the Start of a New Strategic Plan

Dear Community,

My thanks to all who came out to the 2024 Annual General Meeting on Wednesday evening. The AGM had a solid turnout of parents. There were good vibes all around. WIS has a positive and compelling story to tell. 

I am happy to report that the school had the necessary votes and support to adopt our new/revised Articles of Association. Thanks also to those who registered their proxies. The school has now begun the process of working with our auditors to lodge the new AoA with BIPA.  My thanks to Michèle Wium for her expertise and leadership in drafting these new Articles, and to Rui Afonso and Swapna Sharma as the other members of the Nominations Committee for their work. The new articles will provide for greater continuity and clarity in the governance of our school. 

At the AGM, the Audited Annual Financial Statements were accepted and Stier Vente was reappointed to be this fiscal year's auditor. The Treasurer’s Report was delivered by Mr. Edmund Nel, and reflected the second consecutive year where income moderately exceeded expenditure after several years of deficit. 

At the AGM, we also launched our new Strategic Planning Process. This will take place over the next three months under the guidance of Kevin Bartlett. A leading figure in international education and a former Educational Director of Windhoek International School, Kevin virtually joined the meeting to launch our Strategic Planning Process. He has volunteered his vast experience and expertise to the school on a pro-bono basis. 

Finally, we thanked Mr John Chadyiwa for his 3.5 years (four terms) of service and this past year as the Chair of the Board. The still-current Articles of Association limit Board membership to four terms of service and John will be stepping down from his role on the Board; however, I am delighted to share that John will nevertheless be taking the lead in our Strategic Planning Process. If you see him around, please convey appreciation for his good service to the school. A reshuffling of appointments and responsibility positions for the 2024 Board Term will be determined at the February Board meeting. If you see a Board member around town, please thank them for their outstanding oversight, guidance, and service to our school. 

Sincerely,

Ethan Van Drunen

Director