BalCC Annual Report 2022

Annual Report 2022

Introduction

Schools which receive ongoing recurrent funding from the Australian and Victorian Governments are required to publish annual data, in a number of areas, to comply with relevant legislation. We have presented this data in a form which we trust will be easily read and understood by the College community, and which will provide the information required under law.

Ballarat Christian College is a nondenominational, co-educational College catering for approximately 300 students in 2022 in Years Prep to 12. The College is registered as an education provider by the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA). A broad, inclusive and comprehensive program is offered from Years Prep to 10, with VCE, VET and VCAL offered to (some) Year 10, and to all Year 11 and 12 students.

Students are encouraged and guided to reach their God-given potential by striving for excellence in all endeavours. The College seeks to help students grow in the wisdom of God and to walk in His ways after initially having a saving faith in Christ. We foster the development of positive and harmonious relationships with other people, the environment and with God.

The College offers programs in many areas including pastoral care, student leadership and co-curricular, as well as a balanced curriculum based on the Australian Curriculum. Additionally, a Christian education program called Christian Living is taught, whereby the knowledge and heart of the Christian faith is transmitted through structured lessons delivered by Christian teachers. The College is also a Registered Training Organisation delivering the Certificate III in Christian Studies course to internal and external students in the senior secondary years.

Every learner reaching their God-given potential

To provide each student Christian education that gives opportunities to develop gifts and talents to fulfil the will of God in his or her life. OUR

Ross Coventry

Board Chairman

The year 2022 was marked by significant developments at Ballarat Christian College. Despite the challenges caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the College continued to make progress on multiple fronts. The following report highlights some of the key accomplishments and events of the year.

Capital Program Works

Ballarat Christian College undertook several capital works projects in 2022 aimed at improving the school environment and facilities. The works included beautification of the creek area, concreting of driveway areas, and installation of an additional playground for the primary school. These developments not only improved the visual appeal but also provided topquality learning experiences to our students and their families.

Acquisition of 115 Yarrowee Street

In pursuit of our ongoing expansion, the College purchased 115 Yarrowee Street, adjacent to the campus. The new property will be used for Senior staff and office space. This strategic move enabled the school to allocate the principal and business manager's former offices to the Wellbeing team, providing them with the much-needed space to enhance their work effectively.

Expansion of the Wellbeing Team

The Wellbeing team was increased significantly in 2022, including the appointment of a team leader, to manage the impact of the pandemic. The increase in staff was aimed at strengthening mental health and illness prevention, providing psychological support, and offering a range of wellbeing services to support students' learning experience.

COVID-19 Impact on Enrolments

The year 2022 reflected the continued impact of the pandemic on class numbers, with sharp reductions, especially in the first half of the year, affecting the budget. The College budgeted enrolments for 2022 at 315, but due to COVID-19, the enrolments commenced at 293, and they increased to 299.2 at census. In response to these challenges, the school's finance team worked tirelessly with astute management, reducing the operating deficit to $95k and achieving a consolidated surplus of $414k (operations and capital donations).

Introduction of Composite Class Structures

Ballarat Christian College completed the introduction of composite class structures aimed at improving the student's learning experience that focused on creating cross-functional teams and greater collaboration between teachers and students.

Continued Success of VET Programs

The College continues to offer the highly successful VET Fashion and Design and Building and Construction courses, with strong support from the student and parent community.

New Bus Service Introduced

The College commenced a dedicated bus service in 2022, providing a 24-seat bus to service students in Miners Rest, Alfredton, Lucas, Winter Valley, Delacombe Town Centre, Bonshaw, and College. The service, which is contracted by Ballarat Coachlines, was aimed at enhancing access to quality education and providing convenience to students in the area.

New EBA Negotiations Commenced

Negotiations commenced for a new Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA) with the College's employees, and the negotiations will continue throughout 2023.

VRQA Audit Completed

The College completed the VRQA Audit as commenced in 2021, achieving registration compliance with ease.

Passing of Two Former Employees

It is with sadness that the Board acknowledges the passing of three former employees of the College. David Stickland, Mr Howard Drough and Mr Kerry Hutton. All were valued members of the College community and left an indelible mark.

Return to Face-to-Face Events

2022 also saw the return to face-to-face events, including the Year 12 Assembly, Celebration Night, and the annual Christmas event.

Strategic Planning Day

The Board of Management and College Exec attended a strategic planning day early in the year, aimed at mapping out plans for the 2023-2025 period. The plan is now in draft format and will be released for review before the middle of 2023.

Conclusion

Overall, 2022 was another exceptional year for Ballarat Christian College. With strong support from the community and a dedicated and committed team of staff, the College continued to deliver quality education to our students. The achievements and developments of the year would not have been possible without the dedication and effort of our teachers, staff, and students.

Ken Nuridin Principal/CEO

Bianca Francica Head of Primary

Scott McKenzie Head of Secondary

Julie Gall Director of Teaching and Learning

Simon Edwards

Business Manager

OUR VALUES

Ken Nuridin Principal/CEO

The 2022 school year proved to be one of the most challenging in recent years. After riding out the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic reasonably well during 2020 and 2021, it seemed that the main impact of the pandemic, at least for the College, occurred during 2022. On the positive side, 2022 saw no further lockdowns, but this was countered by the College suffering a late downturn in enrolments. At the end of 2021, projected enrolment for 2022 was 320+ students, but a very high number of late enrolment cancellations saw the College begin 2022 with less than 300 students. At the August census, 299 enrolments were recorded, which moved up to slightly over 300 students towards year’s end. The main impact upon enrolments was in the Primary, where enrolments were effectively cut by the equivalent of one class compared to its previous high point. Despite the obvious negative impact upon the budget, we were blessed with some other ‘wins’, which mitigated the impact of the lower-than-expected enrolments.

Several new staff joined the College at the beginning of 2022. These included Mrs Bethany Ballinger (Science and Mathematics), Mrs Glenys Jarvis (English and HASS), Mrs Briony Kenneth (LOTE, Secondary Performing Arts), Mrs Nicki Laursen (History and English), Mr Simon Lewis (Mathematics), Mrs Priscilla Samuels (HPE) and Mrs Emma Willis (English and English Literature). The College also welcomed back Mrs Amelia Weir from leave, who picked up a part-time load in the Primary section. We welcomed to staff Mrs Emma Maskell, who filled the vacancy caused by Mrs Ashleigh Dalton’s resignation from the Student Wellbeing Team. A further addition was made to the Student Wellbeing Team near the end of the year with the appointment of Mr Haydn Croton.

During the year, there were further adjustments to staffing as some staff left and others were engaged or picked up additional teaching load. Staff who resigned included Mrs Priscilla Samuels, Mrs Chengetai Jera and Mrs Ashleigh Dalton (Student Wellbeing). At the end of the year resignations were received from Mrs Heather Paxman and Mr Simon Lewis. During the year, Mrs Bethany Ballinger and Mrs Emily Westblade took extended leave of absence.

Staff again participated in the 2-day staff retreat at the beginning of Term 2 at Narmbool. We were privileged to have the CSA Vic/Tas Executive Officer, Mr Rob Loe, lead some of the teaching sessions, which were well received by staff.

During 2022, the College was blessed with a very generous donation, which enabled the College to purchase an adjoining property at 115 Yarrowee Street. The house on the property is being prepared for use in the short-medium term as additional administration space, freeing up much-needed space for student wellbeing and ‘front-of-house’ administration. At the end of 2022, work was underway preparing the newly purchased property for occupation.

During 2022 the College introduced a dedicated bus service, providing a direct Ballarat Christian College-only transport option for families living in an arc along Ballarat’s western growth corridor, from Miners Rest through Alfredton, Lucas, Delacombe, Bonshaw and Sebastopol. This service is currently operated by a 24-passenger bus, but with an option to increase to a full-size bus if future demand warrants.

The roll-out of the composite class structure in Primary was completed in 2022.

The Prep (or Foundation) class will continue as a standalone year, with Years 1 and 2 forming Lower Primary, Years 3 and 4 becoming Middle Primary and Years 5 and 6 known as Upper Primary. The roll-out of the new structure went very smoothly and already benefits have been evident, including the ability to ‘smooth’ highs and lows in numbers at specific year levels, thus providing enrolment space for new students.

In 2022 the College commenced a learning extension program called Elev8. The program is administered separately from the Learning Enhancement Centre, enabling the LEC to focus specifically upon students with additional learning needs, whilst the Elev8 program caters particularly for students 12 months or more ahead of their expected level of achievement.

For many years the College delivered its own Certificate III in Christian Studies to senior students. The course was also offered to students at other Christian schools in Victoria. Sadly, the decision was made during the year to discontinue the Certificate III from the end of 2023, due to the increasing compliance burden placed upon the College as a Registered Training Organisation. The course will be taught out in 2023 to students who commenced the course in 2022. Some of the material from the discontinued course will be incorporated into a revamped Senior Christian Living course, which will be delivered to all senior students from 2024 onwards.

During September the College hosted several alumni reunions. These took the format of a morning or afternoon tea combined with a tour of the College, with each group organising their own evening event. The reunions were well received by our alumni, and further events are planned in 2023.

The College was saddened by the passing of two former principals of the College (or its predecessor schools) during the year. In August, Mr Howard Drough, passed away after an extended illness. Mr Drough was Principal of Ballarat Christian School, the Primary predecessor school of the College, from mid-2001 through to mid-2006. Mr Drough’s final term of leadership in Term 2 2006 ran parallel to the new principalship of Mr Kerry Hutton, who had commenced as Principal of the newly combined P-12 Ballarat Christian College. At the end of the year, we sadly learned of the sudden passing of former principal Mr Kerry Hutton. Mr Hutton was the inaugural principal of the merged P-12 Ballarat Christian College from Term 2 2006 through to the end of 2015. During Mr Hutton’s principalship, the College approximately doubled in student enrolments and underwent the largest number of building projects to date.

I conclude by acknowledging the dedicated work and commitment of staff, students and families who together make the College the place it is today. There are far too many people to acknowledge individually, but everyone contributes to the overall fabric of our college, and I thank each of you for your part in the Ballarat Christian College story. The College seeks to remain faithful to its original calling, namely, to provide Ballarat families with an authentic Christian education, honouring our Lord as the source of all knowledge and wisdom. To God be the Glory!

Mr Howard Drough Mr Kerry Hutton

Senior Secondary Outcomes

Our class of 20 Year 12 students (including 5 VCAL students) finished their studies, with 100% of the VCE students achieving their Victorian Certificate of Education. The Median Study Score was 22.3, and 71% of Year 12 students were awarded the schoolbased Certificate III level qualification in Christian Studies.

Post-School Destinations

The following data supplied through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) indicates Year 12 students’ post-school destinations:

Tertiary Applications and Offers: - 7 students

University Offers:- 5 students

TAFE/VET Offers:- nil

Any Tertiary Offer:- nil

In Education and Training

Bachelor degree enrolled:- 5 students

Deferred:- 1 student

TAFE/VET (Cert IV+):- 2 students

TAFE/VET (Cert I-III):- 2 student

Not in Education and Training

Employed:- 5 students

Looking for work:- 1 student

Other data from Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) is outlined below:

School Programs

Number of VCE Units 3 & 4 with enrolments – 12 (with 2 Virtual Schools Victoria)

Number of VCE VET Certificates with enrolments – 12, including 2 internal (Certificate III Christian Studies & Certificate II in Building & Construction) and 1 in School Based Apprenticeship.

Teacher Standards and Qualifications

All teachers are registered by the Victorian Institute of Teaching as either fully registered; provisionally registered, as in the case of ex-graduates; or as having Permission to Teach (PTT), in the case of teachers in the process of finalising teaching qualifications.

Teachers at the College possess the following qualifications:

The workforce of Ballarat Christian College consists of the following.

Student Attendance

The College’s Student Attendance Policy and Procedures are to facilitate follow up of student issues relating to excessive lateness and absenteeism, through close monitoring of attendance data, direct contact with students, follow up letters to parents and interviews with students and parents. This role has been assumed by the Heads of School, along with homeroom teachers.

Administration staff follow up absentees daily where unexplained, and at least twice per week regarding written confirmation or medical certificates.

Parent, Student & Teacher Satisfaction with the School

The College uses the ACARA School Satisfaction Survey material for ascertaining feedback. This was conducted in the first term of 2023 to reflect student, staff and parent satisfaction with the College during 2022. This survey was widely distributed to College staff and parents, and selectively to a group of students. The results continue to be analysed and discussed by staff, the Executive Leadership Team, and shared with members of the College Board.

Parent Satisfaction Survey Results

This school works with me to support my child's learning

My child's learning needs are being met at this school

My child is making good progress at this school

Teachers at this school motivate my child to learn

This school takes parents' opinions seriously

This school looks for ways to improve

My child likes being at this school

Student behaviour is well managed at this school

I can talk to my child's teachers about my concerns

If I raised a concern about my child's safety (or the safety of another child)…

If I had a concern about child safety, I would feel confident in raising it with…

Teachers at this school expect my child to do his or her best

Teachers at this school provide my child with useful feedback

Teachers at this school treat students fairly

This school is well maintained

My child feels safe at this school

The school's Parent Lounge portal is easy to engage with

Student Satisfaction Survey Results

My school gives me opportunities to do interesting things

My teachers motivate me to learn

My school takes students' opinions seriously

My school looks for ways to improve

I like being at my school

Student behaviour is well managed at my school

If I raise a concern about my own safety (or the safety of another child) at…

If I had a concern about child safety, I would feel confident in raising it with…

I can talk to my teachers about my concerns

I feel safe at my school

My school is well maintained

Teachers at this school treat students fairly

My teachers provide me with useful feedback about my school

My teachers expect me to do my best

Staff Satisfaction Survey Results

Student behaviour is well managed at this school

If I was to raise a concern about the safety of a child at the school, I know…

If I raised a concern about any child’s safety at the school, I am confident

If I had a concern about child safety, I would feel confident raising it with at…

Parents at this school can talk to teachers about their concerns

Students at this school can talk to their teachers about their concerns

Students feel safe at this school

This school is well maintained

Teachers at this school treat students fairly

Teachers at this school provide students with useful feedback

Teachers at this school expect students to do their best

With the physical changes to the College environment, I feel safe at this…

Staff are well supported at this school

I receive useful feedback about my work at this school

This school works with parents to support student learning

Students' learning needs are being met at this school

Teachers at this school motivate students to learn

This school takes staff opinions seriously

The school looks for ways to improve

Every learner reaching their God-given potential

These results, along with other qualitative and quantitative data, will be used to inform improvement in teaching and learning, as outlined below.

A consistent, established testing regime, triangulation of data, detailed analysis of the data at a management level, quality feedback to staff and ongoing professional development regarding data analysis and strategies for change, have been the key features of the College focus on maintaining, supporting and tracking student gain.

Ongoing detailed records of student academic ability, wellbeing and demographics have supported and assisted to track student progress based on individual need.

Finance Report

2022 was an interesting post-COVID year; early enrolment decreases presented challenges to the budget projections and many expenditure areas were trimmed and carefully managed. Despite this, the College continued to seek opportunities for improvement & expansion of programs and facilities.

The key outcomes of the year from a financial viewpoint were: (i) a slight decrease in enrolments, (ii) continued reduction of debtors, (iii) a sustained focus on resourcing of staff and student programs, and (iv) further developments for growth & improvement across the College.

The College's operating deficit was $95,593 [2021 - $50,304]. The consolidated surplus for the year ending 31 December 2022, including capital donations, was $414,007 [2021 - $ $77,904].

The Board acknowledges the funding grants received from both federal and state governments and recognises its responsibility to act as a steward of the resources which God provides to the College.

TOTAL INCOME 2022

Australian Govt Grants

Victorian Govt Grants

Tuition Fees

Other Income

Capital Donations

TOTAL

$ 4,367,225

$ 1,551,938

$ 1,214,699

$ 170,363

$ 509,600

$ 7,813,825

Total Income -2022

Total Expenditure -2022

TOTAL EXPENDITURE 2022

$ 5,309,929 Salaries $ 394,132 Student Related $ 583,945 Administration $ 360,965 Property $ 601,535

Depreciation $ 149,312

Other Expenses $ 7,399,818 TOTAL

Please Note: There is a complete set of audited financial statements available to members on request from the Business Manager.