From the Chairman

From the Chairman MR IAN ANDERSEN, CHAIRMAN

I am pleased to present the Board of Directors’ Annual Report.

Schools like Fairholme College play a much more dynamic role in society than they ever have before. While there is often discussion about whether we might actually need schools in their current form in the future, given such issues as the digital revolution, it is my view that schools currently provide a much greater sense of community, including support and services, than was previously the case ̶ and that this is likely to increase into the future.

I do not believe that a move to mostly online learning in school-age years will provide the best all-round education. Significant aspects of the education process are about developing social skills, ethical and moral perceptions, tolerance, discipline, time management, and caring for one another and the world – importantly, in Fairholme’s case and in today’s society, all in the context of seeking to know, understand, grow and strengthen our Christ-centred Faith. That is what we do now and will continue into the future.

In a nutshell, schools are one of the most important social organisations this country has – which is why the Board of Directors saw the need for and determined to develop a new Master Plan this year to cater for our future physical needs.

The Master Plan provides a framework to redevelop, reinvigorate or reinvent our College Campus. It was developed by our consultants, m3 Architecture, over the last 12 months.

To remind you briefly of the process undertaken, m3 gathered information about our Site and Current Buildings, Strategic Plan, Stakeholders, Heritage, Uniform and Colours, House Structure and Names, and Demographics. They conducted a town meeting attended by many stakeholders, students, staff, parents and community members to gain input into the Plan. They also engaged with the Board, Staff, and others across all facets of College life to understand characteristics such as class sizes, classroom needs, timetabling limitations, vehicular movements, parking needs, pedestrian movements, disability access and other needs.

M3 Architects carried out a full site survey to understand the topography and its impacts and limitations, sought town planning advice and reviewed existing services. They then designed the Plan which includes staging options for future projects and cost estimates.

I am pleased to say we have a comprehensive Master Plan, robust in its methodology, exciting in its conception and inherent possibilities. Over the life of this Plan (which could be 25 years or more) almost every building will be impacted in some way.

The Master Plan provides for increased green space through the enhancement of the green spine that runs through the College campus from the Main Front Gates through to Fairholme Street, as well as creating a new green spine running north-south through the College. It innovatively meets access needs through the use of circular paths and other means to obviate the need for expensive infrastructure such as multiple lifts.

The Plan provides a structured framework for the College to proceed with its implementation in three initial stages: Stage 1 will allow the College to build capacity and repurpose spaces; Stages 2 and 3 allow for the demolition of old facilities and the construction of totally new ones – all while the College continues to operate on-site.

These three stages come at considerable cost and will happen over a number of years, depending on the College’s ability to fund the

projects. We encourage contributions to the Fairholme Foundation Building Fund as we prepare for the implementation of Stage 1, which is tentatively scheduled to commence construction in 2021.

I must acknowledge the exceptional service provided by the Fairholme Board of Directors throughout this year. Their positive support and commitment are to be applauded – Board membership is a significant act of dedication and service and I am grateful for their interest in, and support of, the College.

Board stability is also a very positive attribute for any organisation to have and there were no changes to the Board make-up this year, other than to welcome the Right Reverend Dr Phil Strong to his year-long term as Moderator of The Presbyterian Church of Queensland. We also thank the outgoing Moderator, the Right Reverend Mike O’Connor, for his year of service.

In 2019, the College spent almost $1 million on improvements to our facilities and infrastructure. Projects approved and completed included: a major refurbishment of the Principal’s Residence creation of new offices for the Assistant Heads of Houses in the Middle School installation of new playground facilities for Fairholme Junior ongoing upgrade and replacement of IT equipment furniture, fittings, plant and equipment replacements.

Picture: Fairholme College Master Plan

The Board approved the 2020 Budget at its November meeting. The Board continues to be very cognizant of the many competing factors in developing the budget each year including the realities of daily life, the ongoing financial difficulties confronting many of our families, as well as the need to continue to improve our facilities and provide the very best education for our students. With this in mind, the 2019 Budget provides for a 2.5 per cent increase in Tuition Fees; a 1.5 per cent increase in Boarding Fees, and the Capital Levy will increase by 3.0 per cent.

I believe it is important that we reflect on each year as it passes, in order to celebrate our successes, learn from our mistakes, and to reminisce. I encourage you to do just that; after all Fairholme is about us all, students, staff, parents and friends - the extended Fairholme Family.

To conclude – the College continues to be well placed to meet challenges and opportunities as they present themselves.