From The Business Manager

mr Noel Kennedy | Business Manager

Although the College has operated as Salesian College Chadstone for many years, the College has operated as a company limited by guarantee since 1 January 2021. We are most grateful to the six former Advisory Council members who, along with Fr Bernie Graham, agreed to become our inaugural Board of Directors. In particular, we appreciate Fr Greg Chambers’ leadership as Board Chair in addition to his work as Rector and a colleague. Importantly, our Salesian Charism and philosophies of education have been enshrined in our Constitution. With a number of the Board’s own processes embedded, we look forward to introducing the Board to our community at events over 2022.

It is important that Mr Neil Carter’s contribution to the new governance model be acknowledged. In what was a challenging year for all principals, Mr Carter also helped manage transition to the new governance structure and the transition to a new Principal. Over 2021, the focus of support staff continued to be on aiding staff engaged in remote teaching and learning. A number of support staff willingly contributed in unfamiliar areas to ensure that programs were delivered as smoothly as possible. The program aimed at assisting families whose financial circumstances were strained as a result of COVID and related lockdowns was extended to 2021. The program aimed to reduce information requirements, deliver faster approvals and minimise the stress that the process caused to families. Although it is hoped conditions improve in 2022, the College’s ongoing fees assistance programs will continue to operate. In relation to facilities, the College commenced master planning processes but will revisit and extend consultation in 2022. Although planning for a new sports hall continued over 2021, the College will need to wait for the passage of time or more favourable market conditions to proceed. However, a number of general learning areas were refurbished, finishing the upgrade program that commenced in late 2019. The Facilities Team’s Building Asset Management Plan (BAMP) has been completed and will guide maintenance efforts over the next few years. The Marketing Team continued to implement its programs whilst supporting teaching and learning with remote delivery. Its Marketing Strategy, that was endorsed by the Board in May 2021, will direct the team’s work over the next few years. The College’s finances remain healthy and the College is poised to implement its new Masterplan once it is ready. A key task for 2022 will be supporting our new Principal, Mr Mark Ashmore, in the developing of plans and revisiting of policies in advance of our cyclical school review.