2018 Annual Report

2018 ANNUAL REPORT 1 A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR 3 A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 4 THE ASSOCIATION KEY FUNCTIONS 5 MEMBERSHIP 6 GOVERNANCE AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE & SUBCOMMITTEES 7 STRATEGIC INTENT 7 ADVOCACY 8 REPRESENTATION 9 OUR PARTNERS 9 PROGRAMS AND INITIATIVES 10 GOVERNANCE AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES 11 SUPPORT FOR SCHOOL STUDENTS WITH DISABILITY 12 PROFESSIONAL LEARNING 21 SIGNIFICANT EVENTS 25 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 27 APPENDIX ais.act.edu.au Location Post Phone (02) 6162 0834 Unit 4, 16 Thesiger Court PO Box 225 Fax (02) 6162 0837 Deakin ACT 2600 Deakin West ACT 2600 Email [email protected] MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR 2018 has been yet another busy year. Perhaps this has become the “new normal” in the world of education after many years where we have faced significant changes Rita Daniels in funding and curriculum, as well Chair as other aspects of education. The continual dialogue over school funding is vitally The Emerging Leaders Program continued this year, important, and any changes that are being proposed as did the Literacy & Numeracy Coaching Academy, will have a significant impact on Independent Learning Frontiers, subject specific Communities of schools in the ACT. The recent Review of SES by the Practice, and the Curriculum Differentiation for Gifted National School Resourcing Board has proposed a & Talented Learners Program. new approach on how the Capacity to Contribute Another highly successful Celebrating Teaching for schools is calculated. Should it become the future & Learning event was held for staff from all basis on which government funding to schools is member schools. Over 120 people heard some of determined, the Association will be examining it the 72 presentations from staff who shared projects, very carefully, both in the lead up stage as well as programs or innovations being implemented in the outcome stage. ACT Independent schools. Throughout the year, the Articulating the views of the ACT Independent School AISACT Leadership Breakfast sector, and advocating on its behalf, remains a large The continual series continued to provide part of the Association’s work. Beyond this, its core dialogue over a forum for people working business is to support the work of the 18 schools in in ACT education to come school funding is Canberra which educate over 14,000 students. vitally important, together to hear from thought‑provoking leaders The Association remains committed to making and any changes and innovators from across meaningful contributions to both Federal and that are being a wide range of backgrounds. ACT Government education policies, with our proposed Nearly 300 attendees from focus always being on working to ensuring will have a the education community high quality education throughout the Territory, across Canberra and the irrespective of schooling sector. Current issues significant region attended, and I am include the implementation of the Future of Education impact on pleased to say that these Strategy, proposed legislative changes, the work Independent events will continue in 2019. of the Senior Practitioner and the Ombudsman, working with TQI and the BSSS, to name just a few. schools in This year’s Colloquium, the ACT. Building on a Culture of The Association has a proven track record of Excellence: Nurturing Learning, working with Member Schools in the advancement was again a cross‑sectoral of education outcomes, both in each Member event, with teachers from School and across the jurisdiction. As always, many schools in all sectors across the ACT – and Members can be assured, and Government can beyond – participating on the day. expect, that the Association will continue to advocate for Independent schools and the excellent education they provide to the Canberra community. The Association of Independent Schools of the ACT 1 Annual Report 2018 As an Association, we will always seek to work I also wish to acknowledge the excellent work in close collaboration with both the Education done by the small team in the AISACT office, led by Directorate and Catholic Education to enhance Andrew Wrigley, who do so much for our schools. educational outcomes in the ACT. To Andrew, Kath Morwitch, Joanne Garrisson, Sue Roche and Serita Cordeiro, we are very The Association, by its nature, is a boutique appreciative of all the support you give to us organisation, and our great advantage is that we individually and as an Association of schools. can get everyone in the same room at the same The quality of work that you do is excellent and time to discuss, and energetically explore at times, we applaud each of you for what has been the sometimes different views of Members such achieved this year. that everyone is able to express their view and explore options, and we can focus on seeking As Chair, I now take the opportunity to farewell one the best outcomes for the Association and the of our Principals from a Member School. David Johns Independent sector. from the Islamic School of Canberra is moving on, and I sincerely thank him for his work and contribution No doubt the coming year will be equally as to the Association, and of course, to his school. challenging as this year has been. We look forward to meeting those challenges as an Association, and as individual schools. I extend my thanks to all the Members of AISACT for the rigorous and collegial way in which they have approached the governance of the Association throughout the year. I wish to acknowledge and congratulate all the members of the AISACT Executive ‑ Deputy Chair Justin Garrick, Steven Bowers, Heather Walsh, Christine Worth, Samantha Brady, Erik Hofsink and Ian Hewitt – whose commitment to the work of the Association is outstanding. I also thank the expert staff from schools who volunteer their time to advance the work of the Executive Subcommittees. The Association of Independent Schools of the ACT 2 Annual Report 2018 MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE Andrew Wrigley DIRECTOR Executive Director 2018 was a somewhat special year for the Association of Independent Schools of the ACT. It may not be in the consciousness of us to consider just how long the organisation has been here, we have been here for a long time! This is a mini milestone year, as in 2018 AISACT The inaugural meeting of the Association took place turned 45. On 22 February 1973, 9 people on 21 June 1973 – again in the Headmaster’s study at representing 6 schools met in the Headmaster’s study Canberra Grammar –and decided that “it would be at Canberra Grammar School to “investigate the well for us to have an Association which might possibility of forming an Association of Independent on occasion speak for us all”, and “…also a need Schools in the Australian Capital Territory”. for us to be able to represent our point of view to (the Federal) Government”. Of the 6 schools present then, 5 are still Members – the AISACT may be small, but it has done this – AISACT may Foundation Members. They are and more – for 45 years, and will continue to this be small, but it Canberra Grammar School, – and more – into the future. Canberra Girls Grammar has done this – The Association works very closely with the other School, Marist College and more – for education sectors here in Canberra, and we Canberra, Daramalan College, highly value and hold essential the close working 45 years, and and St Edmund’s College. will continue to relationship we have. We come together about so many issues; we might not always agree on every this – and more detail, but we all agree it’s about the students, – into the future. and providing the best jurisdictional environment where education can flourish. The Association of Independent Schools of the ACT 3 Annual Report 2018 THE ASSOCIATION KEY FUNCTIONS The Association of Independent Schools of the ACT (AISACT) represents and advocates for the interests of all independent schools in the ACT, consulting with governments, statutory authorities and a wide range of other educational stakeholders. The Association also provides a number of • All independent schools in the ACT are professional learning opportunities throughout the Members of the Association of Independent year to Member schools. The professional learning Schools of the ACT. covers a number of areas including curriculum, • Each ACT independent school is a separate and coaching, leadership, student wellbeing and support, autonomous entity. governance and innovation. • Independent schools are not‑for profit entities In representing the views of the diverse group of with an independent governing body. Member schools, AISACT adheres to the following • As independent entities and self‑governing key principles: organisations, independent schools have the right to select and employ their staff. • Parents are entitled to exercise choice in selecting the most suitable school and education • While all schools are required to comply with philosophy for the education of their child(ren). relevant legislation with regard to alignment with the Australian Curriculum, individual schools will • The Association advocates for and represents make choices about the breadth of the curriculum the issues of the independent school sector. offered and the subject choices provided within • All students, irrespective of where they are their context. educated, are entitled to a high quality education. • Independent schools vary in size, • Governments have a responsibility to provide educational philosophy and ethos. a suitable level of funding for all students to • The work of the Association is focussed on achieve high quality education outcomes, its Mission: The advancement of educational regardless of where they go to school. excellence through the promotion of a strong independent school sector in the ACT The Association of Independent Schools of the ACT 4 Annual Report 2018 MEMBERSHIP The Association has 18 Member schools, which are a diverse group of non-government schools serving a range of communities.

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