Principal's Report

Do we participate in a politics of cynicism or a politics of hope? Barack Obama

The issue of school funding is currently prominent in the media.  Last Tuesday, I attended a ‘funding update’ by Chief Executive of Independent Schools Victoria (ISV), Michelle Green at the Australian Heads of Independent Schools Association (AHISA) meeting.  Michelle insisted it seems certain that the current SES model will not be retained but reassured us that the plight of independent schools was not lost. Indeed, late last week, she had met with the Prime Minister and Minister for Education in light of the recommendations of the National School Resourcing Board (NSRB) about a proposed new model of non-government school funding.

To update families, ISV has conceded in principle that there is a need to change the way socioeconomic (SES) scores are calculated in order to refine valid measures of student need and parents’ capacity to contribute. Their discussion has centered around maintaining the integrity of the NSRB model while ensuring that schools with similar characteristics receive the same level of funding, regardless of sector. To ensure this outcome, it is clear that there needs to be significant and rigorous testing, validation and analysis prior to any implementation of a new model. ISV has asked the Government to ensure a long transition before any new model is implemented.

This week, the independent school sector welcomed the Minister of Education’s assurance that there would be “no side deals” in funding arrangements and that the government was committed to introducing funding arrangements for non-government schools that were equitable, transparent and fairly applied.  I have written to our Federal Member, the Hon. Dan Tehan to make perfectly clear the potential impact of any proposed change, not only on the quality of our educational product but, for the wider community of Wannon.

Finally, closer to home, we wish Mrs Bonita Silva every happiness as she starts her parental leave next week.  She has been incredibly busy this term directing The Wizard of Oz while simultaneously teaching Drama, English and History.  The joy of a second child will provide new enticing challenges in the months ahead!  Mrs Helen Henry will be Mrs Silva’s replacement for the remainder of the year.

Dr Andrew Hirst