boys at TSS. In order to ensure funding is directed in the most appropriate and effective way, extensive feedback from teachers and parents helps to identify and prioritise projects. Donations to the Building Fund are made immediately available for projects and in 2015 a total of $171,000 was raised through donations to the Voluntary Building Fund made in connection with school fees. To add further to this, an additional $8,900 was raised through the Annual Appeal.
GERRY NORTHAUSEN
Executive Officer The Southport School Foundation
THE FOUNDATION REPORTS IN
Once again the TSS Foundation has had a busy and productive year, with its various programs and activities generating the means to make a meaningful contribution to the growth and reputation of the School. Whether in the “bricks and mortar” aspects of TSS infrastructure or in the provision of opportunity for boys through scholarships and bursaries, the Foundation continues to uphold the TSS tradition of selflessness and service as it has done for over a century. THE BUILDING FUND BUILDS THE FUTURE
PROPOSED LECTURE THEATRE
The Building Fund operates as resource to support essential capital works and facility upgrades that will benefit all 18
THE SOUTHPORT SCHOOL SOUTHPORTONIAN 2015
The Foundation acknowledges and thanks all those who make these voluntary donations, which are an essential part of the philanthropic fabric of the School community. In practical terms these donations help to ensure that many vital projects can be undertaken without the need to increase school fees. It is in this spirit of community that we encourage all parents to support the Building Fund. SCHOLARSHIPS OPEN WINDOWS OF OPPORTUNITY
That a quality education lays the basis for a boy’s future is an article of faith with the Foundation and in this it’s also recognised that through various circumstances, for some boys, this educational pathway is not accessible. Giving substance to the spirit of philanthropy, Foundation Scholarships or Country Boarder Bursaries are awarded to boys who otherwise would not have the opportunity to attend a school such as TSS. These awards are both merit-based and needs-based and cover a certain percentage of a boy’s tuition at the School. Funding of these scholarships and bursaries is generated by social vehicles such as the Foundation Business Breakfasts and Annual Golf Day. Another aspect of this program is the strong commitment of the Headmaster and School Council to continuing and strengthening the School’s longstanding connection to rural and isolated regions of Australia. In this, building up the number of boarders from these areas is a key strategy and Country Boarder Bursaries are an important part of this.
In 2015, the Foundation transferred a total of $151,818 to the School to support these scholarships and bursaries, and looking ahead, the School and TSS Foundation aim to drive a significant increase in the value and number of such bursaries over the next few years. BRIDGING THE INDIGENOUS EDUCATION GAP
The Indigenous Education Program is a practical means by which the educational gap can be bridged and deliver life-changing opportunities for Indigenous boys. The first boys to benefit from this program commenced at the School in 2008, and as the program has grown the Foundation can point with pride to having helped support some of the 28 boys here in 2015. The IEP is definitely proving its worth and in this context we offer our wholehearted congratulations to Jabreeni Fogarty and Jordan Swan, both of whom were awarded full Academic Scholarships to Bond University to study Law. THE PLEASURES OF BUSINESS AT THE BREAKFAST TABLE
The TSS Foundation Business Breakfasts are regarded as one of the premier business networking functions on the Gold Coast. The always impressive line-up of guest speakers and the opportunity to mingle with fellow business persons in a convivial setting not only continues to draw strong attendances, but generates vital funding to support the Indigenous Education Program. Seven breakfasts were held throughout 2015 and these hosted a total of over
