Principal's Report - Stewardship Council

Most of the clubs and organisations that make our local communities work so well rely on volunteers, the swimming coaches, club secretaries, presidents, and treasurers; hard working committee members and working bee contributors. One does not have to look far to see evidence of the fantastic contribution that volunteers make.

Our own College community is no exception. There have already been numerous occasions this year where volunteers have made a significant contribution to the success of our College. It is all the richer for the generosity of these volunteers.

The Stewardship Council is an important body in the operation of the school. I would ask you to consider whether or not you can nominate someone for membership of the Stewardship Council at St Joseph’s College in order to help the College continue to flourish and provide wonderful opportunities for the students entrusted to its care.

The concept that informs Stewardship Councils is derived from a parable at the end of Matthew’s Gospel (Mt. 25: 14 – 30) which tells the story of ‘a man who was going on a journey’ and who left his wealth in silver pieces to be tended by his three servants. Two of the servants responded wisely, invested the money and made a good profit. The third behaved foolishly, being so anxious about security that he merely kept the original amount safe. On the master’s return he commended the first two and rebuked and punished the third one.

The pieces of silver in the story can be interpreted as symbols of the things held dear in an educational community: commitment, care, talents, ministry, and achievements resulting from insight or skill. These gifts are ours in trust, to nurture and develop.

Emerging from this Christian view, responsible stewardship:

makes decisions within the context of an agreed sense of Christian mission and gospel values
promotes a good education for all students and responds to issues of justice and social needs
assesses the cost of services offered, the distribution of resources and the inclusiveness of the more vulnerable in our society
processes and monitors short- and long-range financial plans
reports regularly on the way the school is using the resources available to educate in a way that is truly Catholic.

The major function of the Stewardship Council is to support the Principal and Leadership Team as a wisdom group that assists in key decision making for the school.

As such it will be an advisory group that helps the Principal and Leadership Team:

To monitor the structures and processes that exist for the school to be a strong place of learning and wellbeing for students.
To monitor and contribute to the development of policies for the school, to be part of the KEM consultative process of policy making, and to offer constructive advice so that all policies strengthen the school as a good place for young people.
To plan for the future by studying trends in education, local demography and emerging needs.
To monitor the recurrent and capital finances of the school and to accept the school’s annual budget in accordance with KEM Delegations of Authority.
To participate, together with staff, in the development of strategic planning documentation and annual action and master plans for the school.
To contribute to the public relations of the school within the wider community.

In the selection of members, it is recommended that the people from the following groups be considered:

past parents, teachers and students for a knowledge and understanding of the school
people from the wider community who have an interest in education and can bring understandings of the issues in the general community to bear on the discussions
parents of present students (it is recommended that no more than three members be from this group in order to ensure objectivity in discussions).

It is a very rewarding experience.

To find out more information, or to nominate a community member, interested parents should contact my PA, Ms Maree McNamara (principal@sje.vic.edu.au ) at the College or the chair of the Stewardship Council, Mr Shane Stacey (shanestacey@hotmail.com ).

I would like to thank all those who have volunteered in one way or another to date. Your efforts are very much appreciated and of great benefit to our College community and the young adults entrusted to our care.