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.
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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
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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
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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)
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.