Newsletter

Chairman’s Note 

Andrew Schoenmaekers - Chairman of the Board and Finance Committee

School Advisory Committee(SAC)  - Working Parties

 

As advertised in the last newsletter I am seeking expressions of interest for interested members of our community to join working parties on the SAC on the following issues:

  • School Advisory Committee - Terms of Reference
  • Community Partnerships with Dandenong City Council

During last year there has been a significant change in the structure and management of all Catholic schools in Victoria. This includes the formation of a new school governance model.

 

Effective January 1st 2021 the St John’s College Advisory Board was re badged as School Advisory Council with a new Terms of Reference (previously the St John’s College - Advisory Board Constitution).

 

The Terms of Reference will enable uniformity across all Catholic Schools to work in the governance of the school and assist the Principal and the Parish Priests associated with the school.

 

During this year we have begun to work through the changes, how it impacts the School Advisory Council and their interaction with all at the school.  We will update the Terms of Reference template compared to how we currently operate, giving the flexibility that will enable us to fit the new model.   To date, our initial review has been that we are operating, in most, with the format only needing some terminology and/or some procedural changes. 

 

One of the major changes is the creation of Working Parties.  These Working Parties will be in areas that are needed to assist Tim, management and teachers. This will be for any special projects or groups. The Working Parties, will be open to the School and Parish Community to get involved and assist with any experience or skill they may have. We currently have some already in place.

 

Such ongoing groups include: and the Committee person in charge:

  • Finance Committee – Andrew Schoenmaekers
  • Parents and Friends – Cathy Pascal
  • Marketing - Tony Biviano
  • Master Plan - Chris Richardson

As a result of the change the-  Terms of Reference – Working Party has been established.  This will be managed by Andrew Jorissen to review the new Terms of Reference and identify all that needs to be completed before it can be loaded onto the School Website.

 

The second working party  - Community Partnerships with Dandenong City Council will explore the costs and benefits of St John’s forming a community partnership with the Dandenong City Council in regard to the use and development of our school facilities.

 

We extend to the wider school parent community the opportunity to join and participate in these important Working Parties.  So, if you have the skill set that requires attention to detail, then this is an opportunity to get involved and assist the School Advisory Council in finalizing this in the required deadline.

 

Please contact Symone Goodwin at the office to pass your details on to the SAC.

 

Thank you for your participation.

 

All the very best.

 

Andrew Schoenmaekers