2 minute read
The School Council Report
Rev Andrew Cunningham, Chair of School Council
REV ANDREW CUNNINGHAM
Chair of School Council
It goes without saying that the start to this school year has been an eventful one. Thankfully, we all work together as a whole community to make the school run smoothly. I acknowledge role that is played by everyone – students, staff, families, volunteers and the many others who are involved in the life of the school. Without each group’s input, we would struggle to work effectively and to achieve our aims. Thank you for the part that you play.
The School Council, in our newly incorporated structure, is the Board of Directors for the school company. In the simplest terms, the Council is responsible for oversight and planning, and the school management, led by the Principal and Business Manager, takes care of the daily operations of the school as they put the school’s strategic plan into action. The Council does not get directly involved in daily matters. However, without being directly involved, the Council works closely with the Principal and Business Manager by providing guidelines, asking questions, and having a full understanding of the workings of the school. Management share reports on all aspects of school life, and the Council, at regular meetings, analyses these reports and makes many decisions, including decisions about finance, risk, policy and capital expenditure. In the last year this has included the process of incorporation, the COVID 19 pandemic, the new uniform, budget and strategic planning and the appointment of new members of Council as others end their term.
In the coming months we plan to turn our attention to more focussed Environmental and Social Governance and will form a working group of Council members and other stakeholders to take this forward. This area of governance is increasingly being flagged as a key part of good governance. The Australian Institute of Company Directors states, ‘Climate change has rapidly evolved from one seen as an ethical and environmental issue to one that presents material financial risks and opportunities for organisations — across short, medium and long terms.’
To achieve all of this, we need to have a Council of skilled and committed people, and I would like to acknowledge the time that is given, and the skill that is put to work by each member of Council – all of it in a voluntary capacity.
Over the last year or so, we have farewelled the following Council members – Mr Andrew Kermode, Dr Paul Bloomfield, Mr Dan Blyde and Ms Caroline Myers. Each one has contributed significantly to the good governance of the school over many years.
Also in the last year we have been pleased to appoint the following members of Council – Reverend Alan Robinson, Dr Radha Srikanth and Mrs Katrina Sweetapple.
We all look forward to working closely with each other and management into the future for the good of the students and wider Kinross Wolaroi Community.
