The Applecross Primary School Board has an official role, as defined by the Department of Education, which includes reviewing school performance; developing and reviewing the school Business Plan; reviewing and approving school budgets and charges; and establishing and reviewing the school’s objectives, priorities and general policy directions. In addition to this official role, we agree to be ambassadors and advocates for the school; develop a culture of service; support our staff, and be available to other parents.
Summary of our last School Board Meeting
The School Board held its Term 2 meeting on Tuesday 23 May 2023 and had a packed agenda. The Term 2 meeting is the annual open meeting where the Annual Board Chair Report (below) is presented. The report highlighted that 2022 provided the opportunity for stabilisation and consolidation at the School following the disruptions of recent years. The increasing use of data to inform analysis, communication in and around the school, and discussions around the school's performance against the Business Plan being notable features of Board discussions throughout the year.
Other key matters that were discussed at the meeting were:
- The timeline and planning pathway for the preparation of the School's next Business Plan (2024-2026).
- Feedback from the Parent-Teacher meetings.
- The potential further opportunity for a Specialist Science program to be developed in the school.
- Updates on the Numero and Elastik program.
- Outcomes of the On-Entry reporting.
- Support the continuation of the Community Use of School Facilities Policy.
- Support of the new Homework Policy to be adopted by the school.
- Board governance and structure arrangements.
The Board also noted the departure of Mandana Arshi from the school, and consequently the Board. We acknowledged Mandana's contribution to the Board since joining last year and wish her and her family all the best for their move interstate.
This creates a vacancy for the 18 months remaining of her Board membership and the Board endorsed the School seeking nominations to fill this position. This position will cover what is likely to be a period of significant discussions and contribution as the school develops its next Business Plan, amongst the Board's regular termly business.
Our next Board meeting will be in Week 8 of Term 3. In the meantime, if you see any of the Board members around the school and want more information on these matters, or the Board generally, please come and say hello.
Ryan Keys, School Board Chair
Annual School Board Chair Report
The 2022 year presented a time for consolidation of the School Board to coincide with the School and the community more broader moving away from the restrictions and disruptions from previous years. While we commenced with an online meeting due to social distancing requirements, it was a positive start to welcome Bea Bouska as the new Principal, and charting a path forward after a period of temporary arrangements.
Throughout the year the Board had rigorous discussions about the significant matters impacting the school with a key characteristic being the continued respectful and collaborative relationship between the staff and parents
who make up the Board. Amongst this the Board continued its significant role of regular reviews of the school’s suite of policy documents, financial position and performance against the Business Plan.
While a number of the school’s policies are seen to establish a benchmark around the network, it is pleasing to see the ongoing work to ensure they remain contemporary and relevant to the Applecross School community. The
increasing use of data to inform analysis and discussions around the school’s performance was a notable feature of Board discussion this year.
Linking back to the challenging period of recent years, the Board also had a regular focus on communication in and around the school to ensure the school community had consistent, reliable, and accessible information as well as increased avenues to raise relevant matters with the School Board.
The Board acknowledges the valued contribution of Mr Vikas Sehgal who completed his multiple terms on the Board earlier in the year. We were pleased to see strong interest from the parent community when vacancies became available and the contribution from new members Mandana Arshi and Tom Shaw throughout the year. A key strength of the Applecross Primary School Board over many years has been the dedication and commitment of all Board members to ensure our School remains a great place for children to grow and flourish.
After a stabilising year, I look forward to another interesting year ahead with a key feature being the establishment of the school’s next Business Plan.
Ryan Keys
Board Chair