Term 3, 2019

On Monday, 11 November we held our term 4 board meeting. The key agenda items discussed were:

1. Mission H20 – We recently had our whole school performance held at Kilbreda College. It is fair to say that this was an exceptional display of talent from our students. A huge congratulations (and thank you from the parents) goes out to all the staff, associated helpers and of course the children for what was a tremendous evening showcasing not only the talent of our school but also the incredible ability we have as a school to put on such an event. Every time we put on our whole school performance; we continue to lift the bar. It is very exciting to see what will come next!
2. School Board 2020 – We are currently undertaking admissions from parents wishing to sit on the school board for the 2020 school year. We will have 3 vacancies available. A copy of the board guidelines can be found in the SZApp app or by asking at the school office. If you are interested to serve on the board next year, I would advise you review these guidelines and please provide your details to the school either directly to the board through our email address or to Lynda O’Donnell, School Principal. Of course, you can always speak with one of our current standing board members if you would like to seek clarification or just have a chat about what is involved. There is an applications process that you will undertake once you have expressed an interest to sit on the board. I welcome any and all parents to consider this position. It is a great way to get involved and to assist in ensuring the future direction of the school for our children.
3. Governance Reform for Melbourne Archdiocesan Schools – Effective from 2021 there will be educational governance changes to how Catholic schools are governed and managed within Victoria. Currently as you are aware our school sits within a community parish and is administered under that Parish structure. This will change as from 2021 and our school will no longer operate within the administration of the Parish but rather through a more traditional corporate educational structure. There is a lot of work being done by the Archdiocese at the moment to ensure the structure of this new model is effective, professional and puts our students first. There will be more on this in the months to come which I will share with you as it becomes known.
4. Christmas Market – Time is fast approaching where we as a school community will be coming together yet again to celebrate the festive season in the form of our school Christmas market. Julie Griffin and a number of key parents have come together and are doing some fantastic work preparing for this major event in our schools’ calendar. Point to note that this year the P&F are solely running, organising and executing the Christmas market and therefore any additional assistance that can be provided would be greatly appreciated by Julie and the team. No matter how big or small a role you can play, I know the team would be most happy to have your input and assistance. This is being highlighted in the newsletters at the moment as it is a timely topic so please read these and feel free to respond to the P&F team as you can.
5. Foundation Parent Information Night – On Wednesday, 30 October we held our Prep Parents Information Night. This night was very well attended by all new (and returning) families of Prep students for the 2020 year. A well run and received evening with plenty of information provided to our new parents as well as good quality interaction shown by the new families. Discussions held with Prep families after the event indicated that the night was a great success with key messaging being delivered that of “relevant, timely, comforting, provided much peace of mind”. Well done to the school for welcoming our new Prep parents in such a professional, embracing manner.
6. Current Board Members – Please don’t forget that we have a school board noticeboard in the foyer of the office. Please familiarise yourself with our current board members so you know who is serving our school this year.

Lastly, and again, please do not hesitate to touch base with one of our school board members if you would like to discuss anything or make anything known. It is our responsibility to represent the parent body within the St Catherine’s school and we are only too happy to do so.

Many thanks for taking the time to read this board report and I look forward to speaking with you around the school grounds.

Darren Forner

Chair – St Catherine’s School Board