Annual Report - 2014 - Christian Schools Tasmania
Transcription
Annual Report - 2014 - Christian Schools Tasmania
Annual Report - 2014 Index From the Board Christian Schools Tasmania Page 3 From the Board President Page 4 Executive Director’s Report Page 5 Christian Schools Tasmania Foundation Statement Page 6 - 7 The 2015 Christian Schools Tasmania Board Page 8 From the Principal - Northern Christian School Page 9 From the Principal - Emmanuel Christian School Page 10 From the Principal - Calvin Christian School Page 11 From the Principal - Channel Christian School Page 12 - 13 Business Manager’s Report Christian Schools Tasmania is an association of Christians who are committed to working in partnership to provide highest quality Christian education. 2 From the Board President President The past twelve months have seen some significant change across the association, which coincides with increased optimism for the future of CST. I hope that through this president’s report, you will catch the vision and share in our reinvigoration of Christian Education in southern Tasmania. Following several years of deficit budgets, a surplus has been returned for a second year. While only minor in dollar terms, it is a signal to a lot of work that has gone on behind the scenes. The level of rigour around our finances would be unrecognisable from two years ago. There have been significant improvements, from modelling and budgeting to ongoing financial control and accountability. The current expertise on the Board’s Finance Committee has significantly improved the Board’s oversight, as well as enhanced scrutiny and advice to the Executive. The skill sets and attitudes of our Directors play a crucial part in the ongoing success of CST. For that reason, the Board continues to go through a process of “professionalising” its operations. We have realised that passionate parents are no longer enough to ensure good governance. Rather we identify and seek to nominate and have elected, those within the association who possess skillsets of strategic importance, be it commercial, legal, governance, technical or social expertise. The current makeup and operation of the board, following the past two elections is testament to the success of this approach and benefits it brings. There is an increased understanding that self-determination at a school level provides better community engagement, staff motivation, and executive accountability. The Board has therefore embarked on a process of increasing each school’s autonomy, whilst still retaining the benefits offered by a single association and central CST office. As we have appointed new Principals over the past couple of years, we have ensured that they possess the aptitude and willingness to run their schools in a manner that reflects greater localised decision making and accountability. This year we embark on the process of individually registering schools, such that the government views, and funds each of our schools as a separate entity, whilst still part of CST. Fifty years ago, Christian families sent their children to Christian schools where they would receive an academic education. In 2015 Christian families send their children to schools where they will receive an excellent academic education. Do these families therefore not value Christian education? Not at all! They are however no longer willing to sacrifice student outcomes in the name of a Christian education. Will we therefore be dumbing down our Christian perspective? Again, not at all. What we are doing however is refocusing our efforts on providing and celebrating highest quality education, from a Christian world view. In all of these happenings, I would like to commend to you our Executive Director, Simon Mathews. He has boldly sought and embraced the not insignificant shifts in direction and operation of our association. His ability to unite Principals from four schools, and successfully lead them on the journey of change we are travelling is not to be under appreciated. In closing I thank you for your continuing support as we seek to position CST to remain at the forefront of Christian Education for the next fifty years. Yours sincerely Lance Conry President of Christian Schools Tasmania 3 Executive Director’s Report It is with delight I present the 2014 Annual Report. This report is designed to give an overview of Christian Schools Tasmania, an association of Christians who recognise the responsibility parents have for the education of children and the role they play in partnership. The Association has a mission to honour God through the provision of Christian education. The vision of Christian Schools Tasmania is to provide highest quality Christian education that prepares students for a life of service to God. Christian Schools Tasmania, through a Board of Directors, operates and is legally responsible for four schools across southern Tasmania - Calvin Christian School, Channel Christian School, Emmanuel Christian School and Northern Christian School. Later in this report you will find a brief snapshot of each school. They provide a clear and concise picture of the operational work undertaken across our schools throughout the last year in a way that brings much glory and honour to our God. Over the last twelve months, much work has been undertaken to develop and launch a Foundation Statement for our organisation. This statement arose out of a growing awareness that as an organisation we have suffered from a confusion and lack of clarity about who we were. This statement seeks to articulate clearly and simply, yet boldly, who we are, and expect to be as an organisation. A copy of this Statement is displayed on the opposite page. In engaging with the Statement you will see that our identity as an organisation is grounded in the gospel – the work of Jesus through His life, death, resurrection and ascension. And while faith is central, we do not believe that everything else we do is irrelevant or unimportant. In fact, we believe the opposite. Because faith is central, other things are important. People are vitally important. We want to show that in the way we think and plan and decide and act. Because faith is central, relationships, and the way we live and work together is important. We expect that our identity corporately and individually will dramatically shape this aspect of our communities. Because faith is central, the way we understand and plan for and provide teaching and learning is import. We will do this with passion, and expertise, and grace, and humility. And because faith is central, all those other areas in the Statement are also important. I commend our Foundation Statement to you, along with this Annual Report. Yours sincerely Simon Matthews Executive Director Christian Schools Tasmania 4 Foundation Statement ACCOUNTABILITY PEOPLE FAITH IS CENTRAL (CHRISTIAN IDENTITY) ALLIANCES We believe the gospel informs, impacts and ultimately permeates everything within our organisation. Our Christian identity is not merely theoretical: it is ultimately practical. We aspire to allow the gospel to guide all our personal and organisational decision making and actions. RELATIONSHIPS FAITH STEWARDSHIP LEARNING PLANNING LEADERSHIP STORY TELLING BECAUSE PEOPLE ARE FAITH IMPORTANT IS C E N T R A L ... (CARE & WELL BEING) We believe all people are made in the image of God. Therefore, we have a responsibility for the personal well being and safety of all people with whom we have contact, particularly those whom God places in our care. We also believe that people have a responsibility to care for themselves and each other. RELATIONSHIPS ARE IMPORTANT (COMMUNITY & CULTURE) We believe God created us to live and work in community. We therefore have a responsibility not to act in isolation, but look for opportunities to work cooperatively, to enhance our understanding and appreciation of others, to value other’s strengths and perspectives and to look not only to our own interests but also to the interests of others in the building of the Kingdom. A key relationship in our organisation is partnership with parents. LEARNING IS IMPORTANT (SCHOOLS & PROGRAMS) CST exists to provide highest quality Christian education. We work in parnership with parents to provide educational experiences that are academically rigorous, culturally engaging and Biblically ground. LEADERSHIP IS IMPORTANT (GOVERNANCE & LEADERSHIP) We believe strong governance structures, and Godly leaders provide our organisation with the capacity to effectively and efficiently fulfil its mission. We recognise that God calls people into strategic and operational leadership roles for purposes and seasons. We have a responsibility to train, equip, mentor and support our leaders. STORY TELLING IS IMPORTANT (EXPRESSION) We believe all of life exists within one big story – the story of God, His creation, and his plans and purposes for that creation. We believe CST and our communities exist within that story, and so are committed to telling and celebrating our stories within the light of that big story. PLANNING IS IMPORTANT (CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT) We believe that God owns the whole earth, and all who live in it. In light of His sovereignty, we are called to make realistic and responsive plans that ensure our communities are sustainable, strong and supportive into the future. We fulfil this call through considering, developing, monitoring and refining annual and longer term plans and projects. STEWARDSHIP IS IMPORTANT (FINANCES & RESOURCES) 5 We believe that all resources at our disposal are a part of God’s generous provision to us. We therefore have a responsibility to be wise stewards of these resources. This understanding influences all decisions relating to finance, development and use of facilities and the management of resources. ALLIANCES ARE IMPORTANT (ALLIANCES) We believe that we exist for a purpose, and are given communities and alliances to both support us, and for us to support and contribute to. We are committed to these communities and associations because we believe they are the means God provides for the furtherance of His kingdom here on earth. ACCOUNTABILITY IS IMPORTANT (TRANSPARENCY) We believe that we exist for a purpose, and are given responsibilities and resources to achieve that purpose. We aim to demonstrate the highest levels of compliance in relation to internal and external accountability processes to ensure that all stakeholders can be assured of our wise and faithful stewardship. 5 The Board of Christian Schools Tasmania Lance Conry - President Anthony Denman Lance has three children at Channel and Calvin Christian Schools. Anthony is a qualified Accountant having completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of Tasmania in 1989 and post graduate CPA studies in 1991. He is a Fellow Member of CPA Australia and also holds post graduate qualifications in management & leadership (Deakin University) and Christian Ministry (Tabor College Tasmania). Lance and his wife Maja are members of the Kingborough Life Church. Lance is keen to lend a voice in the continuing oversight of Christian Schools Tasmania and use his skills and interests to further Christian education in southern Tasmania. Andrew Ridge Andrew grew up in Taroona and completed a Pharmacy degree in 1996 and he now works as Pharmacy Manager at Terry White Chemist in Kingston. He is currently employed as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Anglicare Tasmania. Anthony and Pam, together with their family are active members of Grace Church where Anthony is a Church Elder and Board Member. He has also been actively involved in other ministry areas over past years as a Board Member of Ultra106five and Tabor College Tasmania. He and his wife Nicole have attended Cornerstone Church for the past four years where they assist with Children’s ministry and coordinate hospitality. They have two children – Jacob and Amelia, both attending Calvin Christian School. Andrew has enjoyed assisting with school council activities and being part of the Calvin community. Vernon Swanepoel Vernon graduated from the University of Natal with BSc (agric.) and MSc (agric) degrees followed with a MBA from the University of Pretoria. He has a Financial Services diploma from the Australian Financial Markets Association and is currently working for Hydro Tasmania as Manager Contract Trading. He and his wife Renée have two children: Nikki and Marcel. The family moved to Tasmania in 2006 and they attend Kingsborough Life Church. 6 Peter Atkinson A police officer for 19 years in the Tasmania Police Force, he opened GettaLife Books & Music, which he later sold to Koorong Books. He has worked as a funeral director, in Christian radio at Ultra 106five, and is currently employed by The Salvation Army as their Philanthropic and Business Development Representative. Peter was Chairman of Emmanuel Christian School Association in 1996 & 1997. Peter is married to Helen and they have 8 grandchildren so far. Peter believes that parents who wish to bring up their children with Christian values and a Christian faith are greatly supported and complimented by the Christ Centred Education school environment provided by CST. Ingrid Hartog Jackie Baines Ingrid and Stephen have three children at Calvin Christian School. Jackie was born in NZ and moved to Australia in 1994 to pursue theological studies. In 1997 she then moved to Tasmania to undertake a youth work role at the Christian Reformed Church of Kingston. This led to her pursuing her teaching qualification and she is currently teaching at New Norfolk High School. The family attends Kingston Christian Reformed Church and Ingrid is involved in the children’s ministry at the church. She also works one day a week as a registered nurse in the Intensive Care Unit at Calvary Hospital. Joyce Schuringa Joyce and her husband Hilbrand have 3 children who all attended Calvin Christian School for their school years. This experience confirmed to them the value and importance of Christian schools for equipping young people in a world where God calls us to be counter-cultural. They are members of the Christian Reformed Church of Kingston. Joyce works as a physiotherapist and has served on the Calvin Secondary School Council and has had experience as a Board director of CST, Independent Schools Tasmania (AIST), the Australian Physiotherapy Association and the Motor Neurone Disease Association of Tasmania. Dr Chris Rayner Chris’ current role is Lecturer in Inclusive Education, with the University of Tasmania. He has taught a range of subjects in the teacher education courses at the Bachelor and Masters level, and is overseeing the Faculty of Education’s new postgraduate courses in inclusive education. Chris and his wife Naomi have three children: two who attend Channel Christian School and one who is preschool aged. Chris is an active member and leader at Lighthouse on Federal, having been part this local church since the age of 10. Jackie’s husband Simon was one of the first students at Emmanuel Christian School, and he completed his education at Calvin. Their two children attend Northern Christian School (Brooke, year 2 and Joel, Prep) and this year Jackie joined the school council. Jackie and her family attend Hope Christian Centre where Simon is an elder and she is involved in worship leading. Scott Parnham Scott and his wife Kristina have three children attending Calvin Christian School—Thomas, Emma and Amy. They are members of the Christian Reformed Church of Kingston, where Scott currently serves as an elder. Scott is a Fellow of CPA Australia and has held senior financial management and governance roles within professional services, government businesses, primary production and manufacturing industries for over twenty years. He is currently the General Manager, Commercial and Business Services with the Macquarie Point Development Corporation. Scott has served on the CST Finance Committee for the past two years and believes he can add further value to the association by bringing his commercial skills and experiences to the board. 7 Northern Christian School At Northern we have a lot to thank God for and celebrate! Over the last few years we have seen the enrolment numbers slowly but steadily increasing. This has led to moving away from composite classes and going single stream starting in the infant area. The impact of this has meant more classrooms are needed to accommodate the growing number of class groups. At the end of February, two modules and a toilet block were delivered - yes delivered - all built and ready to use. There was excitement amongst staff and students as a crane lifted each building and placed each one on their foundation. The Master Plan for further development is well on the way and planning is including playground development as well as buildings. At the end of 2014, a cricket pitch was laid on the oval. Now the oval is busy at break times as 20/20 ‘minute’ games have become serious business! Northern has been blessed with a supportive staff team. The teaching staff have a strong, committed focus on providing best practice teaching and learning. It is encouraging to hear the professional dialogue between staff members as they grapple not only with the demands of the teaching the academic work but also the social/ emotional needs of the children. Again I will say, at Northern we have a lot to thank God for and celebrate! Christine Woolley - Principal 8 Emmanuel Christian School Emmanuel Christian School has welcomed me as Principal and has settled down to the massive but rewarding job of teaching and guiding young people starting with Kinder and working with all ages up to Grade 10. Unit and lesson plans are being developed and scrutinised. Individual learning needs are being examined and Learning Support is a busy section of the school. A large class of 28 students graduated at the end of last year. They have been missed. New students in a number of grades have started the rebuild of Emmanuel Christian School and have been most welcome. 2015 has seen a positive start. We have approximately 26 students including some ex-students coming to the newly established after school Art Studio Inititative. The secondary camp was a great opportunity for new students to get more familiar with their peer group. I was very pleased to be able to get to know students better. Fun Friday in the Primary School has seen many activities set up to provide different learning opportunities for our students. Planning for the proposed Multi-Purpose Centre is well underway. It is hoped by all that this is able to be built and moved into in the second half of next year. The Get REAL! Vision has been launched and is guiding our future directions. This is a wonderful, busy school. Scott Winkler - Principal 9 Calvin Christian School In 2014 Calvin Christian School continued to build a strong culture of care and learning while making some major innovations to secure its continued excellent performance. We undertook the major initiatives of creating one K-12 School Council, implementing a program to support secondary students to learn more effectively, launched a three year conversation about our teaching and learning framework, completed a major review of the school’s leadership structure, and implemented a new curriculum framework in the Secondary School. The curriculum restructure will enable us to provide pathways in subjects that enhance individual giftings. Subjects will be undertaken at greater depth and for more time. The Senior subjects are able to be taken over three years. This greatly increases student flexibility of choice. Our enrolment position was very strong. This reflects parental support of the valuable environment for learning we have established. Year 12 results were excellent. Our Dux was Sophie Pilcher who achieved a result of 98.05. 30% of our students achieved an ATAR score over 90, with another 25% achieving an ATAR in the 80’s. Iain Belot - Principal 10 Channel Christian School 2014 was again a busy and productive year where we continued to experience God’s blessings. The team of dedicated teachers and support staff worked professionally and creatively to provide rich, stimulating learning opportunities for the children while, showing God’s love and grace. A highlight was the musical ‘Big Fish, Great God’, the story of Jonah. It was amazing how in six weeks this musical came together with every child involved. What talented children and what a celebration of praise to God for his mercy and love to us. A first for Channel was the well organised and wonderful Canberra Trip for the Grade 5 and 6 students. This week was filled with learning opportunities, and will become another Channel tradition. Other highlights of the year were the ‘Mary Jones Walk for Bible’, the construction and opening of the long awaited cricket pitch, the staff spiritual retreat, Grandparents’ Day, the visiting school performers, the various sports carnivals and the preparation of a School Master plan. We also farewelled two teachers, Malcolm Lacey and Michelene Tyson, who graduated together in 1970. Malcolm taught for 44 years and Michelene for 40 years and they finished their careers at Channel. What an impact they both have made on the lives of hundreds of children and families in our school communities! Praise God for his sustaining grace and goodness on Channel Christian School. Trudy Verdouw - Principal 11 Business Manager’s Report We are reminded in Scripture to be faithful stewards of temporal things (1 Corinthians 4:2) but not to put our trust in them (1 Timothy 6:17). In exercising faithfulness over the finances of our schools, there are many factors that must be weighed – how much to ask parents to pay, prioritising immediate educational needs vs longer term investments, appropriate staffing levels given enrolment uncertainty, what can be afforded for general salary increases, meeting new regulatory requirements, and so on. The Board and Executive, in their respective roles, along with the leadership in each school, have shown deep commitment to delivering on Christian Schools Tasmania’s mission in 2014 as well as providing for the longer term fulfilment of the Association’s aims. Enrolments fell in 2014. Despite best cost control efforts, this would have resulted in a deficit had it not been for a step up in Commonwealth grant funding as a result of the Gonski reforms. The resulting surplus in 2014 is very welcome at this time, and something we can give thanks to the Lord for. An improved financial result in 2014 has allowed development of existing facilities and planning for future investment. Significant developments in schools in 2014 included: • refurbishment of toilet blocks at Emmanuel and Channel • redevelopment of sports courts facilities at Emmanuel • addition of a carpark and redevelopment of a turning circle at Northern • safety initiatives to replace window glass, upgrade electrical wiring and manage pedestrian traffic • preparation for the addition of modular classrooms at Northern • planning for a major new facility at Emmanuel Here we see the faithfulness of God to us as an Association of schools aiming to serve Him. This is why our trust is ultimately in the Lord and not in our own efforts or grant funding, or enrolments or cost cuts. There will continue to be problems to manage. But the Lord will be with us. May we be faithful in His service. Brian Bosveld Business Manager Christian Schools Tasmania 12 13 Nurturing Tasmania’s greatest resource ...our children 14 Calvin Christian School Maranoa Road Kingston TASMANIA 7050 (03) 6229 4829 Kindergarten to Year 12 Channel CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Channel Christian School Endeavour Avenue Margate TASMANIA 7054 (03) 6267 2775 Kindergarten to Year 6 wing in Christ L e arning and Gro Emmanuel Christian School Chipmans Road Rokeby TASMANIA 7019 (03) 6247 8476 Kindergarten to Year 10 Northern Christian School Cobbs Hill Road Bridgewater TASMANIA 7030 (03) 6263 4733 Kindergarten to Year 6 15 Christian Schools Tasmania 299 Macquarie Street Hobart Tasmania 7000 (03) 6224 8300 www.cst.tas.edu.au [email protected] Providing highest quality Christian education in Southern Tasmania from Kindergarten to Year 12.