annual report | 2012 - Redeemer Lutheran College

College Council Report
As I reflect on the events of 2012, it is
clear it has been another busy year at
Redeemer Lutheran College.
Construction of JG Block in the Junior
School was completed for the start of
Term 3. The new building provides an
additional six permanent class rooms,
which have been designed with flexibility
as a strong feature. I understand from
the staff that this flexibility is regularly
used and is being used in more creative
ways that had not been contemplated at the design stage. Stage 1
of the work on the new Junior School playground was completed
soon after and what a stunning playground has been produced.
This is evidenced by the intense use of the equipment and the area
at break times. I thank students and parents for their patience in
the time that has been taken to get all the necessary approvals in
place and then to construct this facility.
At the beginning of the year, the new Junior School
administration block was installed adjacent to the MPC building.
This provided Junior School staff with improved staff facilities and
brought administration to the front of the sub-school where it is
more accessible for parents and visitors.
In the Senior School, a new modular building has been installed
adjacent to the Hospitality Training kitchen. The usefulness of this
space was demonstrated when the Year 10s catered for Christmas
in July in this building. The guests were parents and friends of the
students and made quite a crowd.
It was good to see the temporary fence around the Senior School
volleyball courts removed following completion of strengthening
works to the roof structure. Large undercover areas are useful
considering this area’s climactic conditions.
Refurbishment of the Middle School toilets in SA Block commenced
in Term 4. Over the Christmas holidays, the change rooms at the
swimming pool will be refurbished. Ongoing refurbishment at
Redeemer will be carefully monitored by the College Council.
Other challenges for the College are the transition of Year 7 into
high school, Australian Curriculum and funding by the State and
Federal Governments. The transition of Year 7 into high school
commences in 2015 and in preparation for this, College Council
reviewed the sub-school structure. As has been previously
announced, from 2015, the Middle School will be Years 7, 8
and 9. This revised structure is also seen as complementing the
proposed Australian Curriculum, which is gradually being rolled
out across all subjects.
Funding by State and Federal Governments is an ongoing
challenge, as the State Government funding is currently falling in
real terms and we wait to see which recommendations from the
Gonski Report are adopted by the Federal Government.
Amidst all these developments, College Council has been
wrestling with a strategic plan for 2012 to 2016. It is planned to
release the Strategic Plan early in 2013.
While all this has been happening, the College Executive and
College Staff have gotten on with the business of running a
College. I continue to be moved when I see and hear of the
dedication and compassion shown by all staff and I thank you for
remaining student focussed. In particular, I want to acknowledge
the long term commitment of Carol Appleton (32½ years), Judy
Powell (23 years) and Steve Hollister (17 years) to the College and
thank them for their service.
The College would not function as well as it does without all the
work of the auxiliaries, such as Parents and Friends Association,
Sporting Supporters groups, Music Supporters, Past Parents
group, Alumni, Redeemer Foundation, Our Saviour congregation
and the list goes on. At the beginning of 2012, the responsibility
for the running of the Tuckshop and Uniform Shop was handed
over to the College by the P & F. This hand over was brought
about by changes in the Workplace Health and Safety Legislation,
which were seen as being better handled if the College was
directly responsible for running these facilities. P & F continues to
organise Redeemer Fair, which was another successful event this
year, despite the rain in the closing hours. To all of the auxiliaries
and the associated volunteers, I and College Council thank you.
I also take this opportunity to thank the members of College
Council who volunteer their time to function as the College’s
governing body and ensure that the College remains founded
on God’s Word, the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
“Our Hope is in Christ”
Mr Ross Warbrooke
Chairman
6 | REDEEMER ANNUAL REPORT | 2012