Victoria Association of Schools Bursars & Administrators (VIC) Inc

ANNUAL REPORT

2018

MISSION STATEMENT ASBA exists to promote and develop the profession of Business Management and Administration in schools and other educational establishments

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CONTENTS

1. Mission Statement ...... 1

2. President’s Report ...... 3

3. ASBA Ethical Standards of Conduct ...... 4

4. Details of Committee and Sub-Committee membership ...... 5

5. Committee Reports ...... 7

6. Regional Group Reports ...... 13

7. 2018 Financial Statements ...... 17

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PRESIDENT'S REPORT 2018 As I write this report I am enjoying a break from my workplace and time in the sunshine. I hope that you have also taken the opportunity for at least a short time away to refresh and revive. For me, time out provides opportunity to catch up on reading and, this break, I have enjoyed ‘Becoming’ by Michelle Obama. Michelle talks of her experiences as a black woman raised in a marginalised community in Chicago. Loving parents encouraged and supported her to be the best she could be. Association of Schools Bursars & Administrators (VIC) Inc She strived to achieve, attending Princeston and Harvard and gaining employment as a lawyer in a prestigious law firm progressing through PO Box 546 leadership roles and encouraging and mentoring other minority women East VIC 3002 and men (including Barack) to similarly succeed. Whilst she excelled in this environment, she believed she was not meeting her true, life T +61 (3) 9895 4494 purpose and finally left to work for not for profits, earning half of her E [email protected] previous salary. Of course, these roles working with a variety of www.asbavic.asn.au marginalised communities, set her up well for her role as First Lady of the USA. Michelle’s story is one of authentic leadership. She determined what was important to her and sought positions, not to raise her own profile, but to connect to those within her community and bring positive change where it was needed. She always spoke truth, from the heart and only made promises that she knew she could keep. She made sure that all those reporting to her felt valued as individuals and worked tirelessly as role model and leader. As First Lady, she provided Barack the space to lead the USA as President, supporting him whilst also raising two, independent young women and finding her own opportunities to continue to bring positive changes to marginalised communities and members of society. So much can be taken from Michelle’s story and applied to our roles as leaders in our schools. Many of you have identified that professional development in leadership and building skills and attributes required to successfully lead are of interest to you. I am proud that ASBA (VIC) has provided opportunities throughout 2018 for members to pursue these interests. We have offered the New Business Managers Course in conjunction with ISV, the biennial ASBA(VIC) Conference and the Leadership event at Melbourne Business School. We have continued to ensure there are ample opportunities for all members to learn and network, through Regional Group events, our many State-wide events and by maintaining our close association with ASBA Limited to ensure you can access the numerous professional development opportunities offered at a national level. Developing and building on my own leadership skills remains of great importance to me and, during the past two years, I have had the great privilege of leading ASBA (VIC) as President. I have valued the opportunity to give back to you, our members, as your President, as a Director of ASBA Limited and as Chair of the National Professional Development Committee. I am extremely proud of the many initiatives that have been implemented to enhance the professional development available to us all during this time. Our Annual Report will show that 2018 has been a successful year for ASBA (VIC). We have met our goal of providing valuable professional development and networking opportunities to members, gained significant support from corporate sponsors and National Partners, built our membership base and ensured the longer-term financial strength of our organisation. All of this is only possible with the hard work of our tireless ASBA (VIC) Committee. On behalf of all members, my sincere thanks to them for their outstanding service.

Leanne Smith President

ABN 79 011 376 078 3 ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATORS LTD ETHICAL STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

Statement of Application

The Association requires Member Associations and their members to observe the highest standards of professional conduct and ethical behaviour in all their activities. By adherence to such standards, the reputation of School Bursars and Administrators is enhanced and public confidence in the management and administration of Independent Schools is increased.

As the conduct of an individual member will reflect upon the wider profession of management and upon the Association’s membership as a whole, the Code sets out what are deemed to be appropriate standards of professional conduct.

Member Associations and their members are required to adhere to this Code both in spirit and to the letter, so that their conduct is governed by the highest standards of professionalism and ethical behaviour.

The Code

Member Associations and their members:

• are required to exercise complete probity and diligence in carrying out their duties and responsibilities;

• shall at all times safeguard the interests of their school employer;

• shall not knowingly be party to any illegal or unethical activity;

• shall not enter into any agreement or undertake any activity which may be in conflict with the interest of their school or which would prejudice the performance of their professional duties;

• shall not use confidential information gained in the performance of their duties for any personal gain or in a manner which would be detrimental to their school;

• shall endeavour to ensure the currency of their knowledge, skills and technical competencies necessary for the proper conduct of their duties and responsibilities;

• shall refrain from conduct or action which might detract from the reputation and standing of their school or the Association;

• shall abide by the Memorandum and Articles of the Association and those of its member associations and uphold the objectives contained therein.

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COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND COMMITTEES - 2018

2018 Committee

President: Mrs Leanne Smith Ruyton Girls’ School Vice President: Mr Mark Glover Strathcona Girls Grammar Secretary: Mr Cameron Blew Woodleigh School Treasurer: Mr Ross Congleton Scotch College Immediate Past President: Mr Hirian Hinson Kilvington Grammar

Committee Members during 2018 were: Mr Brenton Smith Shelford Girls’ Grammar Ms Nicole Bradshaw Mentone Grammar School Mr Kim Stokie Goulburn Valley Grammar Mrs Collette Laing Haileybury Mr Lester Kerber Lutheran Schools Regional Office Mr Matthew Duke Plenty Valley Christian College Ms Jane Macneil Mr Ian Foster The Knox School Mr Paul Hillas (CEBA Representative Ex-officio)

2018 Sub-Committees

Professional Development: Mr Mark Glover (Convenor), Mr Hirian Hinson, Mrs Leanne Smith, Mr Brenton Smith, Ms Nicole Bradshaw, Mr Lester Kerber, Mrs Collette Laing, Mr Matthew Duke, Ms Jane Macneil, Mr Cameron Blew, Mr Lee Perry (Kingswood College)

Membership: Mr Kim Stokie

Website: Mr Hirian Hinson

Newsletter: Mr Brenton Smith

Sponsorship: Ms Nicole Bradshaw

Functions: Mrs Collette Laing

Regional Group Liaison: Ms Jane Macneil

CEBA Liaison: Mr Paul Hillas

State Fee Survey: Mr Ross Congleton

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New Business Manager’s Course: Mr Kim Stokie, Ms Nicole Bradshaw, Mrs Collette Laing, Mr Brenton Smith

Representatives to, and Directors of, ASBA Ltd: Mrs Leanne Smith, Mr Mark Glover

Property Managers Group Representative: Mr Bill Sciarretta

2018 Committee Meetings During 2018 the following meetings (excluding sub-committee meetings) were held, and attendance by Committee members was as specified below:

ASBA (Vic) General Meetings ASBA Ltd Committee (inc AGM) (National) Eligible Attended Eligible Attended Eligible Attended Leanne Smith 7 5 2 2 3 3 Mark Glover 7 6 2 2 3 3 Hirian Hinson 7 6 2 2 Ross Congleton 7 5 2 2 Ian Foster 7 5 2 1 Collette Laing 7 5 2 2 Nicole Bradshaw 7 6 2 2 Kim Stokie 7 7 2 1 Lester Kerber 7 3 2 2 Brenton Smith 7 7 2 2 Jane Macneil 7 7 2 2 Matthew Duke 7 4 2 2 Cameron Blew 7 7 2 2

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COMMITTEE REPORTS

2018

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Membership

During 2018 ASBA (Vic) welcomed a total of 30 new members bringing our total membership to 354 (2017 346). Our membership includes 10 life members.

We also maintain a data base of Property Managers. While they are not strictly eligible for general ASBA membership, we are looking to further develop services for this key group of school leaders in 2019.

New Members in 2018 are:

Name Title School Mrs. Belinda Arena Accountant Kingswood College Ms. Trudy Alexander- Finance Manager Beaconhills College Blow Mr. James Bennett Business Manager Catherine McAuley College Mrs. Allison Biggin Business Manager Brighton Grammar School Mrs. Jacque Birchall Assistant Business Goulburn Valley Grammar Manager School Mrs. Iris Blobel Payroll Manager Ballarat Grammar School Mr. Simon Costa Business Operations Mentone Grammar Manager Mrs. Kirstie Ford Bursar Kerang Christian College Mrs. Elizabeth Haines Office Manager Geelong Baptist College Mr. Luke Haitas Leader of Business Sacred Heart College Geelong Operations Mrs. Emily Hordern Business Manager Galen Catholic College Mr. Rod Kenning Chief Operating Officer The King David School Mr. Andrew Lovick Director of Finance and Kardinia International College Administration Ms. Liz Miko Assistant Business Belgrave Heights Christian Manager School Mr. Gary Minihan Business Manager Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College Mrs. Michelle Mitchell Business Manager Alice Miller School Miss Rebecca Muldoon Graduate Accountant Toorak College Mrs. Hemalatha Business Manager Mount Hira College Murugesan Mr. Andrew O’Brien Business Manager Christian Brothers College Mrs. Irena Ostapenko Financial Accountant Beaconhills College Mr. Luke Russ Project Manager Aquinas College Ms. Leanne Sarah Business Manager Little Yarra Steiner School Ms. Jennifer Smith Bursar/Company Janet Clarke Hall Secretary Ms. Kristen Steer Business Manager Avila College Mrs. June Stewart Finance Manager Mazenod College Mr. Shane Stiles Business Manager Mary MacKillop College South Gippsland Miss Jess Stryker Facilities and Operations Manager Camberwell Grammar School Mr. Phillip Tascone Human Resources Strathcona Baptist Girls Manager Grammar Mrs. Teressa Yamada Finance Manager Good News Lutheran College Ms. Katherine Yee Business Manager Westbourne Grammar School

8 New Property Managers:

Name Title School Mr. Joel Blakston Properties Manager Covenant College Mr. David Borg Facilities Manager Lowther Hall Mr. Matthew Davis Property and Facilities Beaconhills College Manager Mr. Tom Humphreys Property Manager Cornish College Mr. Rod Quan Property Manager

A warm welcome to these new members and the committee encourages you to develop your network of ASBA contacts and attend as many events as possible.

Our membership data base continues to reflect the vibrant and diverse nature of both independent schools and the administration and positions they have.

My sincere thanks go to Doug Wiles for his excellent support in the processing of membership applications and renewals.

Kim Stokie Membership Officer

Professional Development

The Victorian Chapter has had a busy 12 months with a great deal of professional learning activity conducted across the 2018 school year.

Term 1 PD – 2018 AGM

First up we had our Annual General Meeting & PD Day for Term 1 hosted by Mentone Grammar on 14 th March. The PD Session focused on legal and compliance focus noting the need for us all to be fully conversant with issues relating to new accounting standards, new data breach & privacy legislative requirements and post Royal Commission outcomes update on all matters Child Safe. The AGM also saw the conduct of the normal annual reporting and elections process.

Term 2 PD – 2018 State Conference

All focus for the ASBA Vic PD Committee was on the 2018 State Conference held at Hyatt Place and the Australian Events Centre from 6 th to 8 th June 2018. We had a record number of registrations!

The Conference program was formulated around the key theme of “Future Proofing Our Schools – Towards 2030” . A spectacular array of speakers, panels and tours was included in the program together with some terrific evening entertainment. The Committee was very pleased with the response from our Sponsors again with the Trade Exhibition a sell-out including a wide range of educational suppliers keen to support our Schools. The Conference opened with a world-renowned futurist based speaker in Chris Riddell who has spoken to thousands across the globe and will kick off what should be a program full of thought-provoking sessions.

The PD Committee has asked itself the question ‘Can you imagine what your School will look like in 2030?’ Only 12 years ago, the iPhone came on to the market and the mobile device has evolved in that time to be more powerful than large computers of that same time. So what is in store for us over the next 12 years? Is your School ready for the continued technical revolution? Have you the strategy in place to prepare your staff and stakeholders for the pending changes? Education funding shifts to pedagogical approaches will all take place in this time and preparing our students 9 for the new global dynamic will be a challenge. Thus we shaped the 2018 Conference around the aim to prepare members to tackle the next evolution of schooling in . The program included the following additional speakers/sessions:

• Dr Kevin Donnelly AM – Acclaimed Education Commentator, ACU Senior Researcher and Former Chair of National Curriculum Review • Mr John Black – Founder & Executive Chairman of Australian Demographic Strategies • Mr Sean Tierney – Director of Teaching & Learning Strategy for Microsoft Asia/Australia • Mr David Buley – CFO, AIS NSW • Ms Claire Madden – Director Hello Clarity Strategy & Communications • Ms Sharon Richens - Business Partner of Happy Body at Work • Ms Maxine Driscoll – Founder & CEO, Think Strategic for Schools We also had 2 Panels; the first a collection of Business Managers and Property Managers showcasing a number of innovative and sustainable projects from their schools, and the second involved a group of Heads/Principals who reflect on schooling in the present and their thoughts of where it was heading over the next decade. The Conference also provided another fabulous opportunity for our members to mix and network with colleagues from other Victorian Independent Schools during the plenary sessions, exhibition breaks and evening functions providing a great value-add to the conference. The venue for the conference, Hyatt Place, is only 12 months old and sitting adjacent to the new Australian Events Centre made for a great conference location. Essendon Fields has been extensively developed in recent years and as part of the conference, delegates got to hear first- hand of the master planned precinct and got a special surprise tour of Lindsay Fox’s amazing collection of cars and aircraft!

The PD Committee worked tirelessly over a 6 month period to prepare what was a great program over the 3 days and were so pleased with what evolved for all delegates registered.

Term 3 PD Day

A new approach was taken with respect to the conduct of the Term 3 PD Day. Thanks to our President Mrs Leanne Smith, we convened an Executive Leadership Workshop program in conjunction with the Melbourne Business School.

Held on 7 th September with the event sponsored by Chartwells and NAB, we had over 40 members attend the full day session. We were very pleased with this attendance number. The workshop was led by Diana Renner who is a leadership facilitator, coach and consultant in this space for the past 20 years. Diana was joined by Andrew Stevens who is the Director and co-founder of Unchartered Leadership Institute. Their dynamism, enthusiasm and expertise contributed to the great success of the day. Leanne and I have had a number of emails commending the Association for convening the day and suggesting we continue this format once a year in the future.

The day ended with a short presentation from Chartwells International Director Carol Arrowsmith who addressed the group on governance in the NFP sector which was followed by hospitality in the recently refurbished student lounge and hosted by Chartwells. Thanks to Ms Nicole Bradshaw (Mentone Grammar) for arranging the sponsors and particularly to President Leanne for co- ordinating the day. A great success.

Planning for 2019

The Victorian Chapter PD Committee has met in recent times and confirmed the 2019 calendar. Our Term 1 PD Day will be combined with the Annual General Meeting and will have a focus on Procurement and Competitive Tendering Best practice. In Term 2, we will conduct our bi-ennial PD Day with CEBA and this event will be the second Melbourne Business School led Leadership Development Workshop. Term 3 will not have a specific Chapter event due to us all heading to Hobart for the National Conference. 10

I wish to thank the PD Committee and all Victorian members for their support of the Chapter PD program that was highlighted by our State Conference in June. I would like to specifically acknowledge the work of the Committee members for their willingness to volunteer and help steer the PD Ship for this past year:

Brenton Smith (Shelford Grammar) Cameron Blew (Woodleigh) Collette Laing (Haileybury) Hirian Hinson (Kilvington) Jane McNeil (Yarra Valley Grammar) Leanne Smith (Ruyton & State President) Lee Perry (Nazareth College) Lester Kerber (Luther College) Matthew Duke (Plenty Valley Christian School) Nicole Bradshaw (Mentone Grammar)

Mark Glover ASBA (Vic) Vice President & PD Convenor

Sponsorship

The residential conference held at Hyatt Place and Australian Event Centre, Essendon Fields in June was the main focus for Sponsorship in 2018. The feedback received from Sponsors was positive and we are thankful for the support received.

2018 Conference Sponsor Category Sponsor National Alliance Higgins Principal Team Kids NGS Super Westpac Kiss Print Solutions Partner ShineWing Australia Landscape Solutions Campion Education Harwyn Shining Knight Facility Services Noone ACS Property Services Hunter Industrials The Alpha School System (TASS) Waterman Receivables Management Bridge Coast Finance School Easy Pay Edstart JB Hi-Fi Solutions BFX Furniture NAB Trident Capital Finance Programmed Property Services Willis Towers Watson RTG School Furn Big Screen Video Quay Clean Konica Minolta GPS - 1 Circle Education Horizons Group ASCA PPE Valuations 11 Consolidated Property Services Woods Furniture Chartwells

We are thankful for the support of the following Sponsors at other 2018 events.

Event Sponsor Annual General Meeting Danihers Facility Management Professional Development Day NAB Chartwells Christmas Function Woods Furniture Harwyn

There are 200 suppliers/contractors registered with ASBA (Vic), who are willing to consider sponsorship of our activities.

Thank you to all sponsors for your continued support of ASBA (Vic).

Nicole Bradshaw Sponsorship Convenor

New Business Managers Program 2018

The New Business Managers Program is a joint professional development collaboration between Independent Schools Victoria (ISV) and ASBA Vic.

The program commenced in 2013 following the initiative of Geraldine Illot (ASBA) and Peter Roberts (ISV). With 2018 being the sixth year the program has run, it is now a fixed part of both the ISV and ASBA Vic professional development calendars.

Each year sees 25 to 30 participants from a diverse range of schools across Victoria. Typically participants comprise recently appointed Business Managers with no previous school experience and other school finance professionals looking to gain a greater understanding of the Business Manager’s role.

The two day program includes key aspects of the complex role of the school Business Manager, led by a range of presenters with expertise in specific areas.

The program in 2018 was held on 27 April and 4 May at ISV and attended by 25 participants. ASBA Vic presenters comprised Nicole Bradshaw, Ross Congleton, Collette Laing, Brenton Smith, Leanne Smith and Kim Stokie. ISV presenters included Nigel Bartlett, Peter Roberts and Kerri Knopp. Other presenters were Jon Charlton (Principal of Kilvington) and Steve Brophy (ICT Coordinator of Ivanhoe Grammar).

Preparation for the 2019 program is well advanced, with the dates being 3 and 10 May.

Kim Stokie New Business Managers Convenor

12 REGIONAL GROUP REPORTS

2018

Group 1

2018 started with a real flurry of activity – so much so that the date for our first meeting – 7th February - came upon us as fast as a bullet train – which meant our term 1 meeting was required to be cancelled as everyone was left on the platform as the train flew past us and left us in the dust of a hectic school year commencing.

The term 2 meeting - timetabled for 2nd May – was well attended as most of us caught the Vline train to Woodend to view the very new campus of Braemar College – led by the very capable Brad Sims. It was a wonderful opportunity to obtain an insight to how a new campus based around a structure of pods was set up. Thanks Brad for your wonderful hospitality including the infamous Woodend vanilla slices.

The term 3 meeting held on 1st August required us to catch a train to Sunbury where Paul Hillas provided a very informative tour of his new capital works at Salesian College – Sunbury. Another great chance to get out of the office, catch up with other colleagues, chat about various issues and concerns over a cup of coffee and sumptuous lunch – thanks Paul for your generous hospitality.

Term 4 saw us meet at Squires Loft in Essendon on 23rd November over a sumptuous steak (or similar) lunch. Whilst the numbers were less than expected (due to the complexities of year end tasks refusing to abate) the venue lived up to its reputation as “The Steak House” and all attendees relished their menu selection. The AGM was quick and furious – snuck in between main and desert courses – where our long service Treasurer / Secretary Gary Bonello was re-elected, I was steam rolled into another year as Convenor and Anita Briggs was fast tracked into the Deputy Convenor role for another action packed year.

Malcolm Finger Group One Convenor 2018

Group 2

Regional Group 2 had a good year networking during the year, meeting 3 times during the year, attending the State conference and other PD.

In March we met at Yarra Valley Grammar, Jane Macneil took us on a tour of the school, including their new pool. In Term 2 we were hosted by Donvale Christian College and again toured the school and their new P-2 learning areas. Our final meeting in Term 3 was a networking lunch, we enjoyed good conversation around current issues over a good meal.

It was great to welcome some new members and sad to farewell a couple as well. In all it was a good year networking, learning and friendship.

Jon Price Group 2 Convenor 2018

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Group 3

Region 3 is a group of ASBA members from 16 schools in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne.

As with all ASBA members, finding time to attend ASBA meeting can be difficult. We however held two meetings during the year - Camberwell Grammar School (term 2) and (term 3). The visit to Camberwell Grammar included a tour of their recently completed building works which included the state of the art solar generation. Thank you to both schools for allowing us to visit. Nineteen members attended either or both the meetings.

The meetings as normal are a benefit to all who attend, from the larger schools to the smaller schools as we all have the same issues: debtors, budgeting, building works and city Councils just to mention a few and no doubts this is the same for all business managers and building managers across Victoria.

To all members and colleagues have a Merry Christmas and safe break and I hope to see you all in the New Year.

Philip Dunmill Group 3 Convenor 2018

Group 4

Regional Group 4 again enjoyed an active year. The Group membership is currently 17 schools; most of these schools are active participants of ASBA. The group met four times this year at Kingswood College, Huntingtower, Ivanhoe Girls and a year-end restaurant lunch meeting at Hellenic Republic. The average attendance was 12 reflecting the level of interest in the group’s activities and the opportunity to network with peers. This network has enabled a working relationship amongst members with sharing of ideas beyond meetings.

New to the Group this year was Daniel Mc Grath (Strathcona), Belinda Arena (Kingswood College), Geraldine Ilot (Fintona) and Kristen Steer (Avila).

Thanks to the members for the input and support and for the impressive working lunches provided by the school’s that hosted in 2018.

Lee Perry Group 4 Convenor 2018

Group 5

The Regional Group 5 members met each term during 2018. The meeting attendees were kindly hosted by Scotch College, Caulfield Grammar, Lauriston Girls’ School and St Catherine’s School for lunch. Thank you to these Schools for providing a venue and lunch for the Group 5 members.

On average, 22 members attended each of the meetings. These meetings provided a forum for colleagues from the finance, administration, risk and property areas to network. During the meetings, members discussed a number of topics and current issues which impact all our Schools including human resources onboarding, risk management, security and records management.

14 One of the highlights of the 2018 year was the opportunity to hear from the Principal of Caulfield Grammar School, Mr Ashleigh Martin, who shared with us some insights regarding the culture of Caulfield Grammar, his transition into the School Principal role and future plans for the School.

It is wonderful that members are willing to share their experiences or provide guidance either at the meetings or by telephone or email.

At the end of Term1, 2018, John Jesson stepped down as Group Convenor after many years in the role and I would like to extend thanks on behalf of the group members for all his efforts in coordinating this group.

Thank you to all members for their support and participation during 2018.

Cathy Tan Group 5 Convenor 2018

Group 6

Region 6 enjoyed a large gathering in the term 2 break on the 4th July. The lunchtime meeting of over 40 attendees was held at Mentone Grammar. The lunch was sponsored by Lime catering, special thanks and acknowledgement to Andrew Oxland. The guest speakers were John and Michela from Australian Scholarship Group (ASG). We enjoyed a very informative session on the business products offered by ASG. The two products relevant to schools are a tax effective savings plan from any age of a child and tuition helper where the school is paid on time and the parent pays according to a set plan. I would like to extend my thanks to ASG for their attendance at this event along with the yummy fresh cannolis for our dessert.

I look forward to many constructive catchup’s in 2019.

Julie Aarons Group 6 Convenor 2018

15 TREASURER’S REPORT

AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2018

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