St Anne's College
Advisory Council
An evening of thanks and warm welcomes
On Thursday, November 24, the St Anne's College Advisory Council met for the final time for the 2022 school year. Our final meeting not only continued to build on the discussions and work that has been done throughout the year, but was also a beautiful time and opportunity to take a deep breath during our prayer reflection on the commencement of Advent - a time of waiting and preparation for the arrival of our Saviour, Jesus.
Our meeting was also an opportunity to continue the exploration and work that many of our council members have been steering throughout the year around parent engagement - What is this, and what could it be in the future at St Anne's College?
We welcomed our newly appointed members for 2023, following the process undertaken over the past month of inviting expressions of interest from college community members to join and fill three vacancies. We are excited to welcome Clint O'Brien, Liz Jones and Zara Stratton to the Advisory Council in 2023 and have shared below a brief that each candidate provided as part of their nomination process.
In welcoming the new members, we are also forever grateful to the departing members Annette Jakob (inaugural Chairperson), Adrian Raymer and Tammy Holton (departing earlier in 2022) who so generously gave their time and talents to School Board (as it was originally known) and then to the Advisory Council following the governance change in 2021. Their dedication to the formation of the Advisory Council and contribution to the college has been invaluable, and the college in many ways is what it is today because of their selfless giving so that we could grow. On behalf of the entire St Anne's College community we say a big THANK YOU for all that you have done for us, and ask that you continue to walk beside us as we grow.
- David Villani, Business Manager
Clint O’Brien
Hi parents and students of Saint Anne’s College. I am a married father of three who has lived and worked in Shepparton for over 20 years. I live in Kialla and have many interests, including landscaping, basketball, car restoration and cooking. I am also a two-time stay-at-home dad (now working part-time) and am a qualified tradesman and a qualified accountant.
Our daughters, aged 7 and 8, are presently attending St Anne’s College in the School of Wonder (Year 1 and Year 2). We elected to enrol our daughters at St Anne’s College because we were impressed by the breadth and quality of education offered at St Anne’s College. The modern facilities of the college were a real drawcard for us, and we also felt the curriculum was well suited to our children. It was also important for us that the kids go to a local school.
In nominating for the St Anne’s College Advisory Council, I feel I have a very broad personal and professional knowledge and experience base from which to make worthwhile contributions through the Advisory Council. I am always eager to listen and am comfortable speaking as well. Most of all though, I am profoundly clear that my words and actions must serve to aid in promoting the best possible outcomes and experiences for all children, parents and indeed all stakeholders.
Liz Jones
I am a mother of three children and was born and grew up in Shepparton. I have an Advanced Diploma in Legal Practice. I spent a couple of years living in Melbourne studying and working and returned to Shepparton with my now husband in 2009. I care about our local community and I love being able to give back to our incredible town.
I have a daughter who is in Foundation at St Anne's College. We chose St Anne's College after attending the information sessions because we felt that its learning method was quite unique and provided all children with an opportunity to grow and learn in their own way. St Anne's College has great foundations to be an amazing school and is one-of-a-kind in the Goulburn Valley. I feel I have the dedication and attributes to contribute to the growth and development of the school. I bring my experience as a mother who wants to see the best outcomes for students.
Zara Stratton
I'm a stay-at-home mum to two beautiful girls and a Golden Retriever, currently studying accounting. Previously my career included being an office manager, personal assistant and a business owner. I've been involved in many volunteer organisations and fundraisers over the years.
My eldest daughter is in Foundation and my youngest
will be joining in 2024. St Anne's has a beautiful learning environment unlike any other we have seen in and around Greater Shepparton. I believe it is the right place for my children to receive a personal and balanced education that will suit their learning styles.
I would like to represent the St Anne's community, to be a voice on behalf of the parents and children. I believe I have a strong skill set (administration, finance, events) that will be an asset to the Advisory Council.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions which provides more insight into becoming a member of the St Anne’s College Advisory Council:
1. Do I need a specific skill set to become an Advisory Council member?
No. The most important contribution to the Advisory Council is being a parent and/or guardian, motivated to be involved and engaged with the St Anne’s College community. The individual motivation is to be focused on the whole school community, with an interest in the strategic direction and growth for those who seek an education at St Anne’s College, and to be willing and open to a common purpose, understanding and sharing of ideas.
2. What is the commitment?
The tenure of membership is for a three-year term. During this period, the commitment requires attendance at two Advisory Council meetings per term, in weeks 3 and 8, over the course of the school year. The meeting is currently held on a Thursday evening from 6:15pm to 8:30pm. The meeting agenda and preparation reading is emailed one week prior to the meeting. There is time required to read through the material in order to actively participate in the meeting. At times there may be projects that require consultation and involvement of Advisory Council member(s). This involvement would be a voluntary commitment.
3. Do I need to be Catholic to become an Advisory Council member?
No. There does need to be an openness to learning about Catholic education and a commitment to actively support the Vision and Catholic Identity of St Anne’s College. To refresh, St Anne’s College is a Catholic community welcoming all, inspired by a loving God, committed to faith, wisdom and learning. Central to the mission of St Anne’s College is an unequivocal commitment to fostering the dignity, self-esteem and integrity of children and young people and providing them with a safe, supportive and enriching environment to develop spiritually, physically, intellectually, emotionally and socially. St Anne’s College promotes the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all students. At St Anne’s College we strive to: Develop a relationship with God that supports and nurtures our personal faith; Create relationships that are collaborative and in partnership with students, staff, parents, parish and the wider community; Empower individuals to grow in confidence and a willingness to explore their world: spiritually, academically, socially, emotionally and physically; Implement a curriculum that is contemporary, focuses on the needs of the individual and celebrates the joys of new learning.
4. As an Advisory Council member can I make changes to the operational management of St Anne’s College?
No. The St Anne’s College Advisory Council is the leading consultative and advisory group for the Principal, as an active forum for parent and community participation, providing support and advice, principally in strategic planning and school improvement. As outlined in the CES Limited Governance Charter, Advisory Council members do not have decision-making powers. The St Anne’s College Advisory Council is intended to: Provide a voice for members of the school community; Actively support, in collaboration with the local parish, the Vision and Catholic Identity of the College; Provide input into and support for strategic planning and directions; Provide input and contribute advice in the processes of school improvement and school review; Support the Principal in meeting his/her responsibilities and accountabilities for educational outcomes, effective stewardship of resources, and annual reporting; Actively support the Principal in the encouragement of parent/guardian engagement; Support the ongoing sustainability of the Council and its members in its succession and learning.
- Annette Jakob, Advisory Council Chair
St Anne's College Advisory Council 2022
The St Anne’s College Advisory Council members are:
Ex-officio members:
Sue Carroll
David Villani
Fr Peter Taylor
Representative members:
Lorraine Walker – St Mel’s representative
General members:
Kim Daldy
Adrian Raymer
Tunya Jarvis
Advisory Council Chair – Annette Jakob
Advisory Council Deputy Chair – Jennifer Nind