ANNUAL REPORT 2017
COUNCIL REPORT The boarding house refurbishment programme continues with the refurbishment of Clyde North followed by the construction of a new Clyde South. Construction of the new Clyde House has been recently completed and very well received by the girls; landscaping and the completion of the tennis court will follow in the coming months. There was also major investment in staff housing and the refurbishment of office space at Corio. Jeremy Kirkwood (FB’79) Chairman of Council
I am pleased to present the Chairman’s report for 2017 together with the abridged 2017 financial accounts. 2017 was Stephen Meek’s last full year as Principal ahead of our twelfth Principal, Rebecca Cody, commencing her appointment at the start of Term 2, 2018. I would like publically thank Stephen for his significant contribution to the School over 13 ½ years. He has led the School with distinction and can be justly proud of his time as Principal. During Stephen’s time, enrolments increased and more importantly, the educational programmes, staff development and facilities have all improved. We wish him all the best for the future. Enrolments remained strong in 2017 and it is pleasing to see that this level has continued in 2018. Council is pleased with the numbers, particularly the strength in boarding numbers and girls in the School. These gratifyingly endorse the Council’s decisions to invest in the School’s boarding facilities (adding P unit and Elisabeth Murdoch House as well as upgrading the Senior School boarding houses) and introduce Positive Education.
The Toorak Wellbeing Centre (TWBC) opened in November 2017 completing the Master Plan for the Toorak Campus that was first developed back in the 1990s. A highly successful fundraising campaign was critical in being able to construct the TWBC and I would like to thank all of those who contributed to this magnificent Centre. Our Toorak Campus is now blessed with an enviable suite of facilities that complement the wonderful educational programme and staff, led by Rachel George, Head of Campus. The School is keen to make the TWBC available to the broader community, particularly local schools, if the Stonnington Council can overcome its planning restrictions. Elsewhere, the Institute of Positive Education continues to perform very well, working both inside the School and outside with other educational organisations. Incredibly, over 18,000 teachers and over 1,100 schools from around the world have participated in the Institute’s training programmes. The Institute continues to grow and delivers on the School’s vision of ensuring Positive Education is made available beyond the School. In November 2017, the School’s development of Positive Education was recognized as one of the world’s 100 most inspiring education innovations by Finland’s HundrED organisation.
On behalf of the Council, I wish to express sincere thanks to the School’s executive team, led by the Principal and all staff and volunteers at the School. I would also like to thank Penny McBain in her role as the Chair of the Foundation and Margie Gillett (Cordner, Cl’71) in her role as President of the Old Geelong Grammarians and their committees for all they do for the School. I am delighted that Philip Crutchfield QC, John Chomley (M’85) and Reverend Dr Hugh Kempster joined the Council. They all bring a strong commitment to the School and their diverse skill sets will be an asset to the Council. Philip and John are both current parents and Hugh was previously the Senior Chaplain and is a past parent. Peter Francis and The Venerable Neil Hicks have resigned from the Council and their dedicated contribution to the School is deeply appreciated. The School’s abridged accounts for 2017 follow this report. Enrolment numbers, particularly boarding numbers, remain very strong, which underpins the School’s robust financial position and good operating surplus. The School Council is pleased that the transition to a new Principal will be occurring with the School strong financially and positioned well to embark on its next era under the leadership of Rebecca Cody. If you have any questions on the accounts or this report please contact the Director of Finance and Operations.
ANNUAL REPORT - GEELONG GRAMMAR SCHOOL