ANNUAL REPORT 2019 The Association of Independent Schools of New South Wales Coogee Boys’ Preparatory School, Randwick This publication is produced by The Association of Independent Schools of New South Wales. With thanks to AISNSW member schools for their contribution of images. Cover photo: Australian Christian College, Marsden Park. © 2020 AISNSW All rights reserved Contents Empowering Independent Education 3 From the Chairman 4 From the Chief Executive 6 Our Board 8 Sector Overview 11 Services 17 Peak Body 33 Partnerships in Education 47 Appendices 55 AISNSW Annual Report 2019 1 The Scots College, Bellevue Hill 2 AISNSW Annual Report 2019 Empowering Independent Education Our Purpose To promote equity of educational opportunity in NSW independent schools so that all students can reach their academic potential, regardless of background or personal circumstances. To advocate for the rights of NSW independent schools and their communities to ensure they are able to offer choice, diversity and excellence in education to the whole community. To provide the necessary support that enables NSW independent schools to provide the best possible educational environment and outcomes for students. To support innovative and inspirational leadership in education in independent schools and within the wider education community. Our Organisational Values Integrity Respect Professionalism Collegiality We Describe our Values in these Ways A commitment to always act with integrity and professionalism. To demonstrate trust and respect for others through our actions. To collaborate with and support others to make a positive difference. To develop and grow relationships through collaboration and support. Principles that Guide our Work Parents have the right to choose the schooling that they wish for their children. Funding of children in independent schools should be provided under the principles of a funding entitlement for all children, plus additional support based on needs. Each independent school community has the right to have its ethos, religious beliefs and values reflected in the nature and individual characteristics of its school. Each independent school has a right to exercise its independence through its ethos, religious beliefs and the values reflected in the nature and characteristics of its school community. AISNSW Annual Report 2019 3 From the Chairman By the standards of recent years, And late in 2019, parts of NSW 2019 was one of relative stability. were devastated by ferocious bushfires which impacted scores The re-election of incumbent of communities, both physically governments at the state and and emotionally. The Federal federal level suggests a degree of Government announced a $2 billion continuity in the immediate future Bushfire Recovery Fund over two after several years of political years that will invest in rebuilding upheaval and ministerial changes. infrastructure – including schools – Federal Minister for Education affected by the fires. Dan Tehan retained his portfolio However, AISNSW’s key focus after the May 2019 election, has been on the development allowing him – and the sector – the and implementation of the new opportunity to fully implement the Direct Measure of Income (DMI) new school funding arrangements arrangements, which will determine announced after his appointment as the level of government funding John Ralston OAM Minister in the second half of 2018. that all non-government schools will Chairman In NSW, Sarah Mitchell succeeded attract for the next decade. Rob Stokes as the state Minister for Thankfully, 70 per cent of NSW Education; despite the change, it independent schools will receive appears at this stage to be a case As we enter a new similar or more government funding of ‘business as usual’ with minimal decade, we look to under the new arrangements. policy disruption at a state level. build on the dedication This of course means 30 per cent The perennial subject of funding of every person of schools in our sector will be for schools was again an area of adversely affected; throughout 2019, involved in our sector concern for our sector, although not AISNSW has been in consultations since Australia’s first as prominent as it was in 2018. with the Commonwealth on key independent school was Much work nevertheless was elements of the DMI formula to established in 1793. There undertaken in the background by moderate its impacts on those will be challenging times AISNSW to protect the interests of schools. independent schools. ahead, and we can learn Although the new school funding from the challenges Special Circumstances funding model is based on a sector blind faced by those who built of $10m (later doubled to $20m) approach, there remain complex was provided by the Federal issues to be addressed before the schools we are so Government to the most drought- its full implementation in 2022. honoured to represent affected non-government schools, AISNSW will continue to work with today. following representations by the Commonwealth on behalf of AISNSW on behalf of schools. affected schools to achieve the best and fairest outcome possible. 4 AISNSW Annual Report 2019 The community’s trust in In 2019, Geoff was again The non-voting observers of the independent schools continues acknowledged for his service to AISNSW Board, the majority of to grow with Australian Bureau of schools, this time by the Australian whom are heads/principals of Statistics data showing the trend of College of Educators (ACE), which schools, but also some business significant enrolment increases in awarded him its annual NSW managers/bursars – continue recent years extending into 2019. Sir Harold Wyndham Medal in to provide valuable insights into recognition of his 40+ years in the the needs of schools, and their Enrolments in NSW independent education sector. significant contribution to our work schools grew by 4,993 students is greatly appreciated. or 2.4 per cent in 2019 to almost The Wyndham Medal is the ACE’s 209,000 students. This compares highest honour – a worthy accolade Lastly, I thank all AISNSW member favourably with growth in NSW for an outstanding life dedicated to school governing bodies, heads government schools (up 1.0 per cent, furthering education for Australian and their staff for their support or 7,651 students) and Catholic students. during 2019. systemic schools As we enter a new (0.1 per cent, or The community’s trust in independent schools decade, we look 328 students). continues to grow with Australian Bureau of Statistics to build on the dedication of every This rapid growth data showing the trend of significant enrolment is, of course, driving person involved demand for new increases in recent years extending into 2019. in our sector since independent Australia’s first Throughout 2019, Geoff has schools and the expansion of independent school was established maintained his relentless negotiation teaching and learning infrastructure in 1793. As we go to press, all and advocacy on behalf of in existing independent schools. schools are facing their most independent schools. disruptive crisis in decades. AISNSW consults regularly with He continues to represent the the NSW Government on the Let us recall the challenges faced by sector in numerous meetings across need to ensure conditions support those who built the schools we are Australia, supported by committed the development of new school honoured to represent today as we and professional staff who also work infrastructure, so that parents can meet this challenge together and tirelessly every day for independent exercise their right to choose the emerge strengthened and united as schools, students and their school they consider best suits the educators and as a nation. communities. needs of their child. I thank my fellow Directors of the The leadership and advocacy AISNSW Board for their continuing provided by AISNSW in this area commitment to quality governance, and others is due in large part to the and their support and guidance in experience and insight of our Chief John Ralston OAM ensuring AISNSW continues to meet Executive, Dr Geoff Newcombe AM. Chairman the needs of its member schools. AISNSW Annual Report 2019 5 From the Chief Executive The 2019 year was both one of hosting the 15th ICT Management exciting developments and new and Leadership Conference at or ongoing challenges for our the Gold Coast with a record sector, particularly in the area of 307 participants, amplifying its government funding. reputation as a national premier The trend of significant enrolment ICT event. Professional Services growth in NSW independent provided excellent support around schools accelerated in 2019, with whole-school wellbeing and digital almost 5,000 additional students. technology across the curriculum, This growth is driving development two areas of growing importance to of new and existing independent schools. schools in NSW, including in regional The AISNSW Regulations communities. and Programs team assisted AISNSW’s focus throughout this independent schools to meet period of growth in the services we their reporting, compliance and provide to member schools – from accountability obligations under Dr Geoff Newcombe AM teaching and learning to operations Australian and NSW government and management. requirements. It also provided Chief Executive advice on regulatory areas and The AIS Leadership delivered funded programs in 2019 including numerous programs in 2019 to overseas students, early childhood AISNSW’s commitment individuals