Beaconhills College

I welcome the Federal Government decision on non-government school funding announced yesterday, which now gives us a degree of certainty on our College funding for 2019 and beyond.

In my August blog, I had expressed concern about the proposed funding model and its effect on independent schools. However, the decision now enables us to maintain our modest fee levels while continuing to deliver the broad, high quality programs our community has come to expect.

Under the new model, to be phased in over coming years, parental income tax records will be used to assess the socio-economic status of private schools to determine their level of Federal Government funding.

Independent Schools Victoria (ISV) has expressed cautious optimism that the model will create the long-term potential for a workable funding system. ISV is pleased the government has not made any “special deals” that unfairly favour one non-government school sector over another.

So how will it affect our fees at Beaconhills?

Our policy has always been to keep fees as affordable as possible. We are now confident that we can – as in previous years – set a modest fee increase when the College Board ratifies the 2019 fee schedule next month.

Beaconhills represents true value. We are an open-entry, community school, offering an exceptional range of programs, outstanding co-curricular opportunities and an all-inclusive fee structure for curriculum-based activities. Teaching staff salaries remain competitive and our program of improving infrastructure continues to flourish, with a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability. We are now one of Australia’s largest solar-powered schools.

I am delighted that local families choose to educate their children at Beaconhills. We will officially confirm our 2019 College fees in October.

Recently I was delighted to be able to help out with our wonderful artist-in-residence program by providing the subject matter – my 1982 Morgan Plus 8 English roadster.

My Morgan, of course, is not my everyday vehicle. It has been my hobby and personal passion – working with a friend – to restore it over a period of 18 months. It needed a roll cage (as it has a timber frame), some headrests and other parts to meet Austin conditions. It is literally only driven to church on Sundays!

When I was asked if my car could be used as a photography subject for Media students working with our artist-in-residence, Rob McGregor, of course I was happy to oblige. Our artist-in-residence program not only enables students to gain industry experience from working with experts in their fields, but allows artists to work for period of time at the College and leave their artworks as a lasting legacy. It’s a fantastic way to foster creativity, exchange ideas and inspire students in their art studies.

Students from all year levels have benefited. While senior students learned photography and lighting techniques from Rob as they photographed the Morgan, our Preps also enjoyed sketching the car and sharing their artwork with me. I am very much looking forward to seeing some of the final work of our students.

The Morgan (photo here by Rob McGregor)

I am saddened to hear of the passing of one of our House patrons, Nigel Creese, AM.

Nigel played a very significant role in the foundation of our College. He not only served as an interim Principal at Beaconhills in 1989 (after retiring as Headmaster of Melbourne Grammar), but first suggested the Latin version ‘Lux Luceat’ of our original school motto, arranged for the creation of a College flag and wrote our school prayer – still used today.

After his term as interim Principal, he served for a further seven years as Deputy-Chairman of the College Board, bringing his vast experience in education to the Board.

Nigel’s support and commitment for Beaconhills and independent education in general was outstanding. He has also been a mentor to me since I took up the position of Headmaster 21 years ago.

Of course earlier this year we also lost another House patron, Rev. John Leaver. Our Founders’ Day service held this week at the Pakenham Campus paid tribute to Rev. Leaver who, like Nigel Creese, was a significant and active supporter of our College.

Nigel Creese was the fourth of eight House patrons who have passed away. Their contributions to our College should never be underestimated.

The funeral service to honour the life of Nigel Creese, AM, will be held at Holy Trinity Anglican Church at 251 High Street, Kew, Thursday 6 September at 11am. Donations to the Mental Health Foundation of Australia in lieu of flowers are appreciated.