ASC Annual Report 2022-23

ASC Prayer

God of all truth, teach us to love you with heart and mind. Bless the Anglican Schools Commission that our schools may be lively centres for sound learning, new discovery, and the pursuit of wisdom.

May all who teach and all who learn, seek and love the truth, and in humility look to you, the source of all wisdom and understanding, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Acknowledgement of Country

The Anglican Schools Commission acknowledges and pays respect to the past, present and future Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation and the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Anglican Schools Commission Strategy Snapshot

Our Vision

To fulfil the Gospel imperative to teach and live the faith and nurture the young by strengthening and growing low-fee Anglican schools as communities of excellence in teaching and learning, wellbeing, worship and service.

Our Core Values

Faith - Living and teaching Gospel values and Anglican traditions.

Excellence - Pursuing high standards in all things.

Justice - Demonstrating fairness, compassion and conviction; advocating for the educationally disadvantaged.

Respect - Respecting self, others and our world.

Integrity - Acting with honesty and openness.

Inclusion - Promoting diversity and celebrating difference.

Our Core Purpose

To establish, acquire and support low-fee Anglican systemic schools which provide a high quality, inclusive, caring Christian education.

Our Strategic Direction

Our strategic direction and priority to 2025 is to:

• Support the sustainable growth and development of our existing schools.

• Develop and acquire new schools in keeping with our business model and capacity, with a commitment to Western Australia, regional Victoria, the Victoria/NSW border region and appropriate opportunities beyond.

• Enrich the capacity of our schools to be learning communities, grow their Anglican Identity and be proactive in promoting inclusion, justice and respect for all.

Our Core Activities

Growing our Anglican Identity

System Sustainability and Growth

A Learning Community

Inclusion, Justice and Respect

Leading through Influence and Advocacy

Message from the Board Chair

‘Exceptional’ best describes the development and growth of the Anglican Schools Commission (ASC) over the past twelve months.

The exceptional leadership and commitment from the CEO, The Reverend Peter Laurence OAM, ASC Principals, and Chiefs and Directors in the ASC Head Office, enabled a complicated and dynamic jigsaw, Strategic Plan 2025, to live large. At its centre, most importantly, is a vibrant Anglican identity.

The exceptional growth in enrolments is unexpected in this economic climate, but our system embraced a dramatic increase in families attracted to accessible, quality Anglican education and our Schools’ positive and allembracing culture. As well as consolidating and enhancing our established schools, a new school, All Saints Anglican School, Shepparton, is under construction. Meanwhile in Perth, fully developed plans for the future home of St George’s Anglican Grammar School, ASC International and the ASC Head Office are just one step away from building works commencing.

The exceptional relationship between the CEO and ASC Schools was evident too in the smooth negotiation and implementation of the new Charter, which provides the framework for modern governance of our School Councils into the future.

The Board is immensely proud of the core purpose, growth and achievements of the ASC and its schools and congratulates all who have contributed to our impressive living and learning environment.

Mrs Lynne Thomson

Message from the Chief Executive Officer

I am delighted along with Mrs Thomson in presenting our annual report, which reflects on the ASC’s remarkable achievements and progress over the past year and outlines our exciting growth strategy.

All we do must be grounded in our Anglican Identity. At the heart of our Anglican identity lies the belief that education is a transformative force that empowers individuals to fulfil their potential and contribute meaningfully to society. Every day our schools seek to live their Anglican Identity, which is founded on the six tenets of faith, reason, worship, inclusion, character and service

Our schools are places of quality teaching and rich learning. Learning sits at the heart of our raison d’être. How significant it is that this year we launch our transformative Vision for Learning. This visionary blueprint sets a roadmap for equipping our students with the skills, knowledge and values they need to thrive in an ever-evolving world. More details of the ASC’s Vision for Learning may be found later in this report.

Our Vision for Learning is founded on the principles of academic excellence, holistic development, and spiritual growth. We believe in fostering an inclusive and nurturing environment where every student is encouraged to explore their potential, discover their passions, and develop a lifelong love for learning. We aim to instil in our students a deep sense of purpose, compassion and courage, inspired by our Anglican values. Our dedicated Principals, Chaplains, teachers and support staff are instrumental in realising this vision and continue

to provide unparalleled support, guidance and pastoral care to our students.

At the core of our mission is a high-quality, lowfee inclusive education. Our commitment to strengthening existing schools and supporting sustainable growth remains unwavering. The ASC’s recent purchase of land at Yanchep in Perth’s far northern suburbs will ensure that we can continue to provide for the ever-growing population of Perth for decades to come. Our new school in Shepparton, Victoria, opening in 2024, is another example of our growth strategy. We continue to explore future school options in WA and Victoria.

The past twelve months had so many highlights, from our Schools Week Eucharist and Combined Schools Concert, to finalising plans for 441 Murray Street and the major expansion of Trinity Anglican College in NSW. All we do always must be for the benefit of the students in our schools.

As we reflect on the achievements of the past year and look to the future, I am filled with gratitude for the commitment and collaborative spirit of our Board and my Leadership Team. Indeed the whole ASC Head Office and ASC International staff go above and beyond in their service and support of those who serve the students in our schools. Their tireless efforts exemplify Jesus’ life of service – I came “not to be served but to serve…” (Luke 20:28). May all we do be done in a spirit of love, grace, compassion and mercy.

Let’s celebrate the past year in the pages ahead. Every blessing…

The Reverend Peter Laurence OAM

01 Growing our Anglican Identity

Strategic imperative: To create places of welcome and inclusion, grounded in Anglican beliefs, values and practices.

Our Anglican identity defines what we understand to be meaningful and significant.

Coming together in worship, reflection, learning and celebration is a vital activity for us. It drives a strong sense of connectedness within our School communities and beyond.

We support our Schools in being vibrant and welcoming places for students, where faith is promoted and lived.

Throughout the last year, we have continued to drive initiatives and hold events that support our Chaplains and teachers in their delivery of worship, religious studies classes, and the evolution of school cultures that reflect Anglican beliefs, values and traditions.

Image: From L-R The Reverend Dr Gift Makwasha, The Most Reverend Kay Goldsworthy AO and The Reverend Jacob Legarda.

1.1 Engaging Events

Anglican Identity Day

24 April — WA

26 May — Vic/NSW

ASC Principals, Chaplains and teaching staff came together to hear from inspiring speakers who illuminate Anglican Identity. The day culminated in the celebration of the Eucharist, led by The Most Reverend Kay Goldsworthy AO, Archbishop of Perth, in WA, and The Right Reverend Clarence E Bester, Bishop of Wangaratta, in Vic/NSW.

In WA, Dr Donna Cross OAM, Emeritus Professor, spoke about teacher wellbeing and Mr Mark Glasson, CEO of Anglicare, raised awareness around growing homelessness and domestic violence.

In Vic/NSW, Bishop Clarence Bester spoke about his faith journey during apartheid and Tony Rinaudo AM, Principal Climate Action Advisor, World Vision Australia, spoke about the importance of forest regeneration.

Senior Staff Retreats

25–26 August 2022 — Vic/NSW

19–20 May 2023 — WA

The retreat brought together senior leaders for a weekend of reflection, learning, collaboration, fellowship, prayer and worship. Both retreats were conducted by Bishop Clarence Bester.

New Staff Induction Day

20 January 2023 — WA

23 January 2023 — Vic/NSW

We welcomed more than 100 new school staff members to the ASC at the annual induction days. These events help new teaching and support staff establish connections and learn about the ASC culture. They promote a sense of belonging while encouraging collaboration and teamwork.

The Right Reverend Clarence E Bester

The Most Reverend Kay Goldsworthy AO

The Right Reverend Dr Ian Coutts

Student Leadership Days

28 October 2022 — Year 11

5 May 2023 — Year 12

To empower and inspire students to develop essential leadership skills and qualities, we hold two Student Leadership Days each year. The days give Years 11 and 12 students opportunities for personal growth and foster collaboration while promoting a sense of responsibility towards their school and community. Archbishop Kay Goldworthy led both days.

School Chaplains: Nurturing Faith and Community

The Reverend Victor Adams was officially licensed and commissioned as the Chaplain to Cobram Anglican Grammar School in March 2023. He has assumed responsibility for conducting weekly chapel services, providing pastoral and spiritual care to students and staff, assisting teachers to deliver Religious and Values Education classes, and acting as a conduit between the school, the local parish and the Anglican Diocese of Wangaratta.

Father Victor’s calming influence, friendly demeanour and engaging chapel services have seen him become a valued and important part of the school community, illuminating its understanding of Anglican identity.

Anglican Identity Day staff choir

Anglican Identity Day Eucharist

1.2 School Chaplains

Our Chaplains are central to each school’s Anglican identity. They provide pastoral care and play an important role in supporting students’ spiritual, social and mental wellbeing.

Professional learning days see Chaplains and religious educators engage in a day of storytelling, presentations, workshops, reflection and hearing from Christian leaders.

Four ASC Chaplains have been officially commissioned since July 2022:

• The Reverend Dr Gift Makwasha, St George’s Anglican Grammar School, August 2022.

• The Reverend Justine Coverdale, John Wollaston Anglican Community School, August 2022.

• The Reverend Jean-Pierre Schroeder, Peter Moyes Anglican Community School, February 2023.

• The Reverend Victor Adams, Cobram Anglican Grammar School, March 2023.

1.3 Religious Studies

We have appointed a Religious Studies

Curriculum Advisor to support our Director of Teaching and Learning and to assist us with the continuous development and refinement of our religious studies curriculum and modules. This year, we added new units to our curriculum, including a unit dedicated to women in the Bible, while other units have been updated, such as ‘World Religions’.

The Wollaston Certificate for Anglican Leaders is an introductory certificate in theology and was developed by the Wollaston Theological College in association with the ASC.

The Western Australian Schools Curriculum and Standards Authority has approved our application to recognise the Years 11–12 course as an endorsed program. That means that students who complete the course will receive a C grade on their Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE).

The Reverend Jean-Pierre Schroeder and The Right Reverend Kate Wilmot, Assistant Bishop of the Diocese of Perth

Pastoral Care Programs: Building Belonging

The Positive Pastoral Care Program at St George’s Anglican Grammar School sees Houses allocated dedicated time for activities such as a sausage sizzle in Kings Park, team games, and participation in the CBD ‘Amazing Race’.

The activities foster new friendships and deepen existing connections, while building a heightened sense of belonging and renewed House spirit and unity.

1.4 Service Learning

The ASC remains committed to supporting All Saints Anglican School in Samoa and providing meaningful service-learning experiences for our students.

In 2022, an ASC delegation visited Samoa and New Zealand to meet with the Schools, Diocese and the Primate of New Zealand.

• After the decommissioning of their Beechboro campus at the end of 2022, John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School donated surplus school furniture to Samoa, with the ASC Special Mission Fund covering the cost of shipping.

• Three service-learning trips for students are planned for Samoa in the second half of 2023.

Shining Bright Like Diamonds

Anglican Identity shone brightly in March at the sixth ASC Schools Week. Our Schools came together in worship for the Eucharist at St George’s Cathedral and performance at the Perth Concert Hall.

Schools Week is a celebration of Anglican Identity, as it is expressed through worship, music and performance. The theme this year was ‘Creation’ and celebrating everything that is good within it.

The Most Reverend Kay Goldsworthy AO spoke to students’ hearts and minds at the Eucharist, using the popular music of Rihanna to liken people to diamonds, shining brightly and full of potential to be beautiful and unique. Her words certainly rang true at the concert, where nearly 400 students and professionals came together to deliver a gloriously vibrant and diverse show.

2.1

Growth in Schools and Enrolments Over Time

Anglican Schools Commission opened

John Wollaston opened 235 students

2023: 1,205 students

Frederick Irwin opened 175 students 2023: 1,459 students

Peter Moyes opened 246 students 2023:1,688 students

Swan Valley opened 127 students 2023: 1,294 students

Esperance opened 9 students 2023: 209 students

ASC Language School acquired by ASC

St George’s acquired by ASC (2000)

200 students

2023: 494 students

St James’ opened 61 students 2023: 986 students

Frederick Irwin opened Halls Head campus 132 students 2023: 178 students

John Septimus Roe opened initial campus

John Septimus Roe opened Mirrabooka campus

199 students

2023: 1,688 students

Georgiana Molloy opened 128 students 2023: 1,133 students

Peter Carnley opened 146 students 2023: 1,211 students

Cathedral College acquired by ASC (2003) 34 students

2023:1,028 students

Cobram acquired by ASC (2000)

Trinity acquired by ASC (2002)

17 students

2023: 1,241 students

26 students

2023: 394 students

Peter Carnley opened Early Learning campus

All Saints Shepparton due to open 2024 St Mark’s opened 240 students 2023: 1,854 students

2.2 School Locations

MANDURAH

BUSSELTON ALBANY

1 St James’ Anglican School ALKIMOS

2 Peter Moyes Anglican Community School MINDARIE

3 St Mark’s Anglican Community School HILLARYS

4 John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School MIRRABOOKA

5 Swan Valley Anglican Community School AVELEY

6 St George’s Anglican Grammar School PERTH

6 ASC Language School PERTH

7 John Wollaston Anglican Community School CAMILLO

8 Peter Carnley Anglican Community School WELLARD & CALISTA

9 Frederick lrwin Anglican School MANDURAH & HALLS HEAD

ESPERANCE

MELBOURNE

1 Trinity Anglican College ALBURY, NSW

2 Cobram Anglican Grammar School COBRAM, VIC

3 Cathedral College WANGARATTA, VIC

4 All Saints Anglican School SHEPPARTON, VIC

SYDNEY

Georgiana Molloy Anglican School

Esperance Anglican Community School

2.3 Growth

With expert advice and guidance, we continue to drive our growth and prepare for the future by:

• establishing new schools

• identifying and securing sites for future schools

• expanding and enhancing the current facilities at our existing schools.

We opened an office in Wangaratta, Victoria, in May 2023. The expansion marks a significant milestone in our dedication to the growth of ASC schools in regional Victoria, and the New South Wales and Victoria border region.

Twenty Year Milestone!

Since 2002, Trinity Anglican College has evolved from two portable buildings located on a parish site servicing 17 students and three staff, to a school of 1200 students from Kindergarten to Year 12 attending a beautiful 10-ha campus in Albury, New South Wales.

The school community recently celebrated their 20th birthday milestone in a whole-school event, hearing from two founding staff members who both continue to work at Trinity.

Wangaratta office

Coming 2024 — Shepparton

Building works for All Saints Anglican School, the fourth ASC school in the Diocese of Wangaratta, commenced in February 2023.

The 16th ASC school will open in Term 1, 2024 for students in Preparatory through to Year 7. The Shepparton (and surrounding) community has expressed great interest in the coming school, reflected in strong enrolments across all year groups.

Coming 2025 — 441 Murray St

The City of Perth approved plans in April 2023 for the ASC to develop a purpose-built facility at 441 Murray St, Perth. Construction will commence later this year.

The ASC Head Office and ASC International will relocate to 441 Murray St by the beginning of 2025. St George’s Anglican Grammar School will relocate in a staged move from 2025.

Future Growth and Expansion

The New Schools Committee continues to investigate opportunities to establish ASC schools as part of our sustainable growth strategy.

We recently secured a site in the far north of Perth at Yanchep for future development. The magnificent site in the future Yanchep township development will provide for full primary and secondary schooling.

New State-of-the-Art Athletic Facilities

Frederick Irwin Anglican School opened their new state-of-the-art sports centre in April 2023. The centre features an abseil tower, rock climbing wall, weights room, two classrooms, a lift and laundry.

The new facility will see the expansion and enhancement of existing sporting programmes and the introduction of exciting new courses.

Transforming with Grace and Innovation

2022 was a big year for Peter Carnley Anglican Community School. They celebrated their 15 year anniversary and the opening of two profoundly transformative buildings within their grounds.

The new ‘Grace Chapel’ is a beautiful sacred space that will be used for worship, as well as for celebrations, events and valedictories by the school and the Parish of Kwinana.

The second new space is the centre for innovation, research and the arts. Named ‘Moortang Mia’, which means ‘place of family’ and ‘community coming together’, the thoughtfully designed building houses a drama and dance auditorium, an area dedicated to the TIDES program (Technology, Innovation, Design, Enterprise and Sustainability), research and reading zones, IT help desk and café style canteen.

Both spaces have had a significant impact on life at the School.

2.4 Continuous Improvement

We continue to seek efficiencies and enhanced outcomes, while managing risk, through continuous improvement, innovation and technology. Over the last year we have:

• embedded an ongoing focus on cybersecurity to protect our schools’ data and online safety;

• recognised the transformative role Artificial Intelligence (AI) is predicated to play in the way we work, learn and live. To ensure we are future ready, we have established a Working Party to support the introduction of AI technologies into our Schools; and

• migrated our financial system to the cloud for greater operating efficiencies and access.

Image: All Saints Anglican School in Shepparton coming in 2024.

The beautiful new ‘Grace Chapel’ at Peter Carnley Anglican Community School

03 A Learning Community

Strategic imperative: To be a learning community where excellence is pursued.

3.1 Academic Highlights

99.90 St Mark’s Anglican Community School

52 students achieved an ATAR of more than 95

Trinity Anglican College received nine mentions on the 2022 NSW Distinguished Achievers List.

Image: ‘Team Crashers’ from John Wollaston Anglican Community School, winners of the 2022 National LEGO Championship.

1,127 Year 12 Students at ASC schools. These students completed a wide range of vocational qualifications, university preparation courses and ATAR courses.

Standout median scores

88.85 St James’ Anglican School (11 students)

88.05

John Wollaston Anglican Community School (12 students)

87.90 St Mark’s Anglican Community School (82 students)

86.35 Esperance Anglican Community School (7 students)

85.58

students)

John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School (68

A VET Certificate of Excellence was awarded to one student from Georgiana Molloy Anglican School and one from Peter Carnley Anglican Community School.

Cobram Anglican Grammar School had strong results in Biology and Mathematical Methods.

Cathedral College Wangaratta had strong results in Studio Arts and Legal Studies.

Exceptional results from international students that completed the Western Australian Universities’ Foundation Program (WAUFP) at St George’s Anglican Grammar School:

>99

2 students achieved an ATAR of more than 99

99.95

1 international student received the highest score in Mathematics Specialist in WA

3.2 Teaching and Learning

We continually seek, develop and implement improvement initiatives to support our learning communities to pursue excellence. We work with our schools to ensure that students can access the support and resources they need to perform at their best.

Vision for Learning

In consultation with teachers and leaders from our schools, the ASC has developed a Vision for Learning in 2023 (see pages 32-33). The vision articulates a shared set of values for teaching and learning at ASC Schools. It will serve as a common reference for success and a narrative to consider and prompt change.

We will embed the Vision for Learning throughout our teaching communities over the next year.

Growth and Professional Development

We conduct many professional networking and development opportunities for the ASC teaching community. Quarterly events are held for Senior Staff, Aspiring Leaders and Education Support staff, while annual events are held for Heads of Department.

Over the last year, the networks have focused on:

• assessment and reporting;

• differentiation; and

• gifted and talented education.

Professional development opportunities have included leading learning seminars and master classes in ATAR English, Mathematics and Early Literacy.

Partnering with the Experts to be Future Forward

ASC Piano Competition: Musical Collaboration and Excellence

A record number of students took part in the 2022 ASC Piano Competition.

11 schools 243 students

Swan Valley Anglican Community School’s new Learner Profile has earned them a place as a research partner in the innovative ‘New Metrics for Success’ collaboration project led by the University of Melbourne. They join John Wollaston Anglican Community School, who are also a proud research partner in this project.

The project recognises the need for refreshed approaches to education and assessment to best prepare students for a markedly different future. It brings together progressive school leaders, national and internationally recognised academic researchers and thought leaders, with system, sector and industry leaders.

36 digital entries

The competition was hosted at Peter Moyes Anglican Community School. Six different entry categories, named after the ASC core valuesFaith, Excellence, Justice, Respect, Integrity and Inclusion - enabled students from a broad range of piano grades to participate.

3.3 Vision for Learning

We aim for our learning community to be:

PURPOSEFUL building personal qualities and skills to make a meaningful contribution to their community

COLLABORATIVE working together to learn with and from each other

In action, learners:

• respectfully share their ideas and attentively listen to the ideas of others,

• work with others to find solutions to problems, and

• encourage and celebrate the success of all.

• strive to achieve personal excellence,

• proactively participate in positive and productive activities, and

• show agency in learning.

and independently

• ask questions and extend their learning,

• are open to new and different ways of thinking and problem solving, and

• use reasoning and rationale to explain their conclusions.

INQUISITIVE thinking creatively, constructively, critically

INCLUSIVE learning design is agile and responsive to all students

CONNECTED

learners are inspired to take an active role as global citizens

• feel valued and supported to fully participate, learn and succeed,

• recognise their own unique skills, talents and needs, and

• champion the benefits of diversity and difference.

COURAGEOUS learning is pursued with integrity, enthusiasm and perseverance

• proactively pursue challenges,

• take responsibility for their actions and decisions, and

• persevere and demonstrate resilience in the face of difficulty.

• question and contribute to the world around them,

• care about and consider local and global issues, and

• understand that their voice can have an impact.

Striving High: AFL Women’s Draft Success

Continuous Improvement: Learner Profile Workshop

Representative teachers from our schools attended a two-day Learner Profile Workshop to consider different approaches for measuring student success and performance.

The workshop was run by academic researchers from the University of Melbourne to provide expert guidance to participants.

During the sessions, researchers helped participants consider possible options for redesigning learning ambitions, learning assessment and design, and credentials.

Expanding Pathways

Two graduating Year 12 students from the STRIVE Athlete Development Program at Cathedral College Wangaratta were selected for the 2022 Australian Football League Women’s (AFLW) Draft. The AFLW is the national semi-professional Australian rules football league for female players.

The STRIVE program aims to support talented student-athletes to achieve at the highest levels of performance in their various sports, while encouraging and assisting their education and vocational development.

A 2022 review of our schools found an increase in the:

number and type of learning pathways available to senior students; and quality and quantity of academic counselling options available to students and parents.

Science and Sustainability Challenge Equipping Students for the Future

To deepen their local, national and global knowledge of sustainability, John Wollaston Anglican Community School offers a Science Challenge option to Year 9 students with a passion for the sciences.

Aligned with the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals, the course embeds the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values students need to thrive in and shape their future.

The Challenge has seen Year 9 student Jack Halstead receive a ‘Highly Commended’ award for his short film submission, ‘The Changes with COVID-19’, to the 2022 University of Sydney Sleep Geeks Science Eureka Prize for Secondary Students. Visit https://bit.ly/3F2KuNn to watch Jack’s video.

04 Inclusion, Justice and Respect

Strategic imperative: That the ASC lives its values of inclusion and diversity.

The ASC fiercely champions inclusivity in all we do and who we are. Our Head Office and schools are welcoming places, enriched by Anglicans, other Christian denominations, those of other faiths or no faith at all. We are committed to providing high quality, affordable Anglican schooling to a wide cross-section of the community, regardless of creed, colour, nationality or sexual orientation.

4.1 International Education

Enrolments at ASC International have grown by 25% over the past year, compared to 2022. The record increase represents more than positive data about growth, the value extends to the growing diversity within ASC schools.

There are more than 120 students enrolled at ASC International, representing 14 different nationalities studying within the ASC school family. Students originate from countries such as China, Vietnam, India, Zimbabwe and Japan.

Having a diverse student composition in our schools sees friendships formed across different cultural backgrounds. These connections help students deepen their appreciation and empathy for people that are different from themselves. Students emerge from their education as adults that champion inclusion and embrace diversity.

Image: Students from St Mark’s Anglican School ‘on country’ in the Pilbarra, with students from Parnngurr Community School.

Forging an Inclusive Community

Esperance Anglican Community School has implemented communitybased events, such as the ‘Principal’s Sundowner’ to deepen connections between the School and the local community.

By welcoming all members of the community, the School aims to promote an inclusive spirit.

Unforgettable Friendships

Thirteen Year 9 students from St Mark’s Anglican Community School experienced three days ‘on country’ in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. They had the privilege of immersing themselves in the culture and learning from community Elders, local rangers and Parnngurr Community School students.

The friendships and connections forming between the schools are giving St Mark’s students the opportunity to deepen their understanding and appreciation of a First Nations community.

ASC International students

4.2 Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)

After recently completing our first RAP (the ‘Reflect’ RAP), we are now working with Reconciliation Australia to finalise our second plan. Our ‘Innovate’ RAP will help us gain a deeper understanding of our sphere of influence and establish the best approach for us to advance our reconciliation efforts.

We recognise the importance of having a structured process in place, so that we are continuously growing our reconciliation commitments.

4.3 Engagement with Moodjar Consulting

Our partnership with Moodjar Consulting has provided opportunities for our schools and their students to engage with the traditional custodians of these lands and waters. Our schools can seek advice and guidance from Professor Len Collard through an ongoing formal arrangement.

We were fortunate to have Professor Collard perform a Welcome to Country and deliver a Gospel reading, in Noongar, at our Schools Week Eucharist.

Working Together and Honouring the Land

In a sign of their respect for the land on which they learn, Frederick Irwin Anglican School invited local Elder and leader, George Walley, to help them name their new sports centre. Together, they settled on ‘Kwobadiny’ Sports Centre. The local Noongar name means ‘to get really good in body and mind’, beautifully capturing the spirit of the centre.

The School was honoured to have Mr Walley perform a stirring Welcome to Country at the opening of the centre.

Celebrating and Learning About Culture

Swan Valley Anglican Community School enthusiastically embraced NAIDOC Week as an opportunity to celebrate the culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Local Elder Vaughn McGuire taught students how Aboriginal people connect with Country and the six Noongar seasons. Early students participated in a dance and didgeridoo performance, while older students learnt about the land, animals, cultural practices and the Dreamtime, using dance, storytelling and music. Secondary students heard from former politician, Zak Kirkup, about his father’s Yamatji heritage and the importance of decreasing the gap between indigenous and nonindigenous Australians.

4.4 Proud Partners with Anglicare WA Braving the Elements to Support Homelessness

On a cold night in August 2022, students from many of our Perth-based ASC schools spent the night out in the elements at Optus Stadium. The annual Anglicare WA ‘School Sleep Out’ event gives students insights into some of the complexities of homelessness and raises money for Street Connect, a service that supports the homeless.

Among the students sleeping out were 28 Year 10 and 11 students from St James’

Anglican Community school. These students, and many others from our schools, are part of the Anglicare WA ‘School Ambassador’ program. The program gives students opportunities to engage in social justice and learn about social disadvantage, empowering them to make a difference in their community and beyond.

It Only Takes One

We proudly partner with Anglicare WA in the provision of their community education initiative ‘It Only Takes One’. The initiative sees students in Years 5-12 at WA schools learn about critical social issues such as poverty, inequality and homelessness.

05 Leading through Influence and Advocacy

Strategic imperative: To be recognised by government, church, education and industry bodies as a key influencer.

Advocating Against Discrimination

In February 2023, the ASC Chief Executive Officer, The Reverend Peter Laurence OAM, co-authored a submission in response to the Australian Law Reform Commission’s Consultation Paper on Religious Educational Institutions and Anti-Discrimination Laws. The response supports the propositions seeking to protect current or prospective staff and students from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or relationships status, or pregnancy.

In preparing this response, our position is clear to staff, students and families in our schools: every ASC school is to be an open, inclusive community, welcoming people of all ages, abilities, nationalities, culture, sexual identity, family relationships and religious beliefs.

The ASC will continue to champion equal opportunity and anti-discrimination protections by meeting with, and making submissions to, those charged with responsibility for law reform.

Image: ‘The Bee Team’ from Trinity Anglican College.

The ASC draws on the expertise, experience and skills of the Board and the Head Office Executive Team to establish best practices and drive positive outcomes within the ASC and throughout the Australian community.

The Board

The ASC is governed by a dedicated and highly skilled Board, with a balance of longer serving and newer members. The Board comprises a diverse set of skills, with experience in the Anglican Church, finance, school/education, law, business, industry, building/construction, corporate and not-for-profit governance. This ensures the highest level of scrutiny is given to matters of governance.

Executive:

Chair – Lynne Thomson (joined 2008)

Deputy Chair – Lance Perry (joined 2008)

Treasurer – Liane Papaelias (joined 2017)

The CEO is a non-voting member of the Board Executive.

Members:

The Right Reverend Clarence E Bester (joined 2023)

The Venerable Peter Boyland (joined 2020)

Paul Butler (joined 2023)

David Craig (joined 2016)

Fiona Elgin (joined 2022)

Felicity House (joined 2022)

The Right Reverend John Parkes AM (joined 2014, retired 2022)

Lal Perera (joined 2020, retired 2022)

Belinda Provis (joined 2020)

Eric Ross-Adjie (joined 2013)

Franzl Shannon (joined 2022)

Keith Stephens (joined 2017)

The Executive Team

Under the energetic, skilful and dedicated leadership of Chief Executive Officer, The Reverend Peter Laurence OAM, our current Head Office Executive Team comprises:

Irene Clarke – Chief Financial Officer (to June 2023, then Company Secretary)

Ivan McLean – Chief Operating Officer (from June 2023)

Kiel Anthony – Director of Human Resources (from March 2023)

Aila Dann – Director of Communications

Todd Flanagan – Director of ASC International

Shane Parnell – Director of Technology (and Acting Chief Operating Officer from February to June 2023)

Karen Potts – Director of Risk and Compliance

Penelope Russell – Director of Teaching and Learning

Peter Ryan – Acting Director of New Schools and Capital Works

Tony Sheumack – Director, Vic/NSW

The following people have also served in senior positions over the past year:

Michael Giles – Chief Operating Officer (to January 2023)

Tony O’Brien – Acting Chief Financial Officer (from March to June 2023)

Keva Crouch – Director of New Schools (to April 2023)

Kellie Opitz – Director of Human Resources (to December 2022)

Kate Simeon – Acting Director of ASC International (to September 2022)

Tackling the Big Questions

Students explore philosophical and ethical issues via discussions at the annual ‘South West Philosothon’, hosted by Georgiana Molloy Anglican School.

The Philosothon is a competition where students from Years 7 to 11 use the framework of ‘communities of inquiry’ to investigate questions at the edge of morality and reason.

The event gives critical thinkers and enthusiastic communicators the chance to spend time with other likeminded students and enhance their skills. Importantly, participants are encouraged to employ teamwork and collaboration over adversarial behaviours.

The unique approach of Philosothon makes it a valuable experience for our aspiring future thought leaders.

There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ.

Galatians 3:28