ELOUERA SPECIAL SCHOOL

2009 ANNUAL REPORT

 

“PREPARING FOR LIFE”

 

Board Report by Neil McDonnell

Chairperson 

The past year has been a challenging one for the Elouera Association. There have been significant changes in staff at the school and the school has undergone accreditation by the NSW Board of Studies. A major refurbishment project has been undertaken at the new Wallendoon St building as well as planning for the new building at the school. The global financial meltdown continues to be a concern for all the Associations services.

Mrs Emily Harris relinquished her position as Principal of the school at the conclusion of 2008. Emily had held the position for many years. On behalf of the Board and the Association as a whole, I would like to thank her for her service to the School. We also acknowledge the contribution of Mrs Sue Bradley as Acting Principal during periods when Emily was on leave.

Mrs Annette Field accepted the position of School Principal At the commencement of 2009. It has been a challenging year for Annette, with a complete review of the school’s policies, procedures and curriculum undertaken in preparation for the school’s re-accreditation which was successfully achieved in September. The processes involved with the accreditation have resulted in significant improvements for the school and will provide future direction for the school in the coming years. We thank Annette for her work in preparation for the accreditation. Our thanks also go to Mrs Sue Bradley and CEO Allan Young for their contribution to the success of the accreditation.

Work has commenced on the upgrade of the school car park and the construction of the new classroom and the storage rooms at the school. In total the Commonwealth Government will provide $300 000 for these projects. This funding is a major boost to our school with little cost to the Association. I must congratulate our CEO Allan Young on the successful acquisition of these grants from the “Building the Education Revolution” economic stimulus package.

Recently the Elouera Association Head Office moved to the newly purchased and refurbished premises in Wallendoon Street. The new offices and meeting room are a great improvement on the Yass Road building and  project a much more professional image of the Association to the public. Work is continuing on the refurbishment of the laundry.

I wish to acknowledge the continuing contribution of the Brady Trust to the Elouera Association. The Trust supports many of our programs and projects such as the Wallendoon Street development.

Despite the difficult economic climate of the past year, most of the association’s services were able to operate with positive financial outcomes. There have been major upgrades completed at Young and Cootamundra Recycling which will allow further improvements in efficiency. At Elouera Industries pallet output and sales have remained firm. The Elouera Laundry is a model of consistency producing excellent work and a positive result every month of the year. The ongoing drought continues to impact on TT’s Café in Coleambally. New strategies are being trialled and evaluated in an ongoing effort to keep this valuable service in a viable position.

No doubt the coming year will continue to present challenges on the economic front for the Association’s employment services. Hopefully the Australian economy will continue to improve.

I would like to thank all supervisors, staff and volunteers for their efforts and dedication over the past year. In particular I would like to express my appreciation to our CEO Allan Young. The Elouera Association has expanded its range of services for people with disabilities significantly in recent years. This expansion in no small way is due to Allan’s expertise and tireless efforts to manage change in the organisation. I would also take the opportunity to congratulate Allan on his election to the board of the NSW NDS (National Disability Services), the industry body representing the interests of all disability services providers in the state.

I extend my thanks to my fellow board members for their dedication to the Elouera Association during the past year. In the coming year board members will undergo further training in organisational governance which will no doubt enhance the contribution of the existing board to the Association.

Finally, on behalf of the Elouera Association community I wish to convey our sincere gratitude to John and Margarete Nieuwendyk for their contribution over the past seventeen years. Margarete served as a volunteer at the school for many years. John served as General Manager, Board Member and President of the Association. Their commitment and selfless dedication to people with a disability are an example that we all might aspire to.

 

Neil McDonnell

Board Chairperson.

 

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS REPORT

 

By Allan Young

 

You would have to have been living under a rock to not be aware that the current economic circumstances are difficult and disability organisations are not immune to the pressures of the World Economic Downturn.  I am however pleased to advise that while the impact on Elouera Association (Inc) has been noticeable, this has been largely absorbed to date without the need for any reduction in services.  Our Recycling area saw the most significant impact as has the TT’s Café in Coleambally that continues to struggle.  We were however pleased to be reporting a surplus in 2008/09.  The School finishes the current calendar year with a deficit of $28,205.00

The Elouera School

The Elouera Special School commenced the 2009 year with a new Principal, Mrs Annette Field.  In recruiting Annette I saw the skills and experience needed to move the School forward as a great centre of educational excellence.  The year has thrown Annette many challenges including accreditation and these have been met with the support of her team and other Elouera Association (Inc) staff.  We have been granted accreditation and the licence to operate the School for the next five years. 

Works completed this year will flow on to greater outcomes for all students in coming years, parents will notice the difference in their child’s education plans and a higher focus on outcomes. 

I also applied for and was granted $306,000 for three projects at the School this year. 

Firstly $6,000 was granted from the Federal Government for the purchase of six new computers for the School however we added $14,000 of our own funds to this and bought twelve computers and installed an excellent school wide network. 

We were granted $50,000 to upgrade the School car parks and increase the safety for students.  For many years the flow through drive ways has increased the chances of an accident involving one of our students.  The new lay out will see the development of a Staff and Taxi car park and a Short Term parking area for the drop off and pick up of students.  Cootamundra Shire Council has been contracted to under take these works.

The largest project is a new class room complex housing two new rooms.  under the Federal Governments Building the Education Revolution program we were granted $250,000 to build this extension to the school.  The building will house a third class room and an art and crafts room with storage for each of the three classes.  This will mean we will no longer have a class in the multi purpose hall freeing it up for use by all students. Elouera School has grown from a building of 280 Square metres in 2003 to over 800 square metres in 2010.  Rod Knagge a local builder was contracted for these works.

The Board

The Elouera Association (Inc) is an Incorporated Association and as such has an elected Board representing the members.  The Board is responsible for setting the direction of the organisation, its goals and ensuring it is run well and meets its legal obligations.

To do this the Board appoints the Chief Executive Officer who then employs the staff and sets about achieving these goals with that team.  Key staff such as the School Principal attend Board meeting a number of times each year. 

Our Board has Seven members plus regional members from areas such as the one from Coleambally.  The regional members are elected by the members in that local community in a process separate from the main Board election process.  The seven Board Members elected at the AGM’s can chose areas where they want a regional representative, or rescind this right and they can invite people onto the Board to fill vacancies between AGM’s.

Our Board has a guidelines book that details the roles and responsibilities of members and how they will act.  In 2009/10 this Board Members Handbook will be reviewed and updated.

We are keen to get the right people on the Board, while well intended people are admirable, the Governorship requirements of Boards today means we need Board Members with business, accounting or industry skills that will enable them to contribute more fully to the Board meetings.  We are always keen to hear from people who believe they have these qualities and would like to service on the Board. 

I would like to thank the Board Members past and present for their efforts and time given to the organisation with the sole goal of improving the lives of people with a disability. 

Management and Head Office

Our Head Office is small compared to the size of the organisation, with just three staff.  This consists of the Chief Executive Officer, the Manager of Operations and the Human Resources Officer.

The Chief Executive Officer Allan Young has over 25 year in the disability industry, the last ten years with the Elouera Association (Inc).  This position is responsible or the organisations overall management and direction.  The CEO attends Board meetings (as a non voting member) and also acts as the organisations Public Officer.  

The Manager of Operations Narelle Gentles takes care of the accounts and wages and administration.  This position also acts as head of the organisation in the Chief Executive Officer’s absence.  Employment Supervisory Staff work closely with this position. 

The Human Resources Officer Julie Young takes care of workers compensation, inductions, the assessments and Government reporting systems as well as providing supports for staff in the field and taking on project works like the setting up of the Elouera Centre. 

The Head Office recently moved from Yass Road where it was part of Elouera Industries to the new office opposite the Post Office in Wallendoon Street.  We purchased this office in 2009 and most of the renovations and upgrades to this new office have been carried out by Elouera Industries staff and employees.

The new location makes us far more accessible to parents and members of the community.  The final stage in the development of this office will include a Board Room which will also be available for training and parents meetings. 

THANKYOU

Chief Executive Officer

 

Elouera Special School Principals Report

Elouera Special School provides students with Board of Studies approved Life Skills curriculum which enables them to move from Kindergarten through to year 12. The school is registered and accredited to teach towards the achievement of a Life Skills School Certificate and Higher School Certificate. In 2009 one student worked towards the School Certificate and another Higher School Certificate.

At the end of 2009 we will be farewelling Amanda Thompson as she will have attained her Higher School Certificate Life Skills and will be moving into the workforce. Amanda will be the fifth student to successfully complete the Higher School Certificate Life Skills at this school.

In 2009 the school commenced the year with 17 students. Three students have ceased enrolment, one due to a severe medical condition, another moving into a community participation option and the third taking the option of home schooling. The school enrolment has remained constant at 14 since the end of term 1.

The Elouera Special School continues to operate three classes, supported by very experienced and qualified teacher’s aide in each class. The teacher’s aides have all completed the Teacher’s Aide Special Course and are instrumental in assisting teachers with successful lesson delivery.

The permanent access to a mini bus has enabled each class to fully participate in community activities such as weekly library, dance and shopping excursions. The school has also been involved with Meals on Wheels, with students delivering lunches to the aged twice per term. As well as regular weekly excursions, students have participated in two whole school excursions, one to Temora Aviation Museum and another to Wagga Botanical Gardens. The two senior classes also travelled to Canberra to tour The War Memorial, which was relevant to their History studies.

Three students have participated in the Elouera Association (Inc) Transition to Work Program in 2009 at Elouera Recycling, Elouera Industries and Elouera Laundry. This program enables students to gain exposure to valuable work experiences whilst still supported by the school environment. Elouera Association works closely with the school and provides valuable reporting which is then included in the students Individual Plans.

In 2009 the School went through renewed registration and accreditation by Board of Studies (BOS) inspectors. This involved making sure all policies and procedures were up to date, curriculum was in line with BOS guidelines, school facilities were maintained and followed Occupational Health and Safety guidelines and financial and accounting procedures and accountability guidelines were followed and accurate. The task was detailed and comprehensive and took most of 2009. Inspectors for the Minister attended the school for a whole day in September to assess the paperwork and facilities. The inspectors have recommended to the Minister that Elouera Special School be re registered and reaccredited for a further five years.

 

Teacher Standards & Professional Learning

During 2009 Elouera Special School maintained an enrolment of 14 students. These students were placed in 3 graded classes. Each class was supported by a full time teacher and full time Teacher’s Aide Special.

During 2009 Teachers were involved in a 2 day professional development training program ‘Opportunities, Options and Outcomes: Adjusting for Success’

All staff participated in computer professional development activities throughout the year which complimented the development of the school’s new computer network.

The three teaching staff attended a Special School Conference at the Association of Independent Schools in Sydney

Qualifications of Staff

Teacher/ Principal: Mrs Annette Field- Diploma of Teaching – Milperra Teachers College-1979 plus 29 years full time teaching experience with Department of Education

Teacher/ Head: Mrs Sue Bradley- Diploma of Teaching- Riverina College of Advanced Education NSW.

Teacher: Ms Elizabeth Verri: Bachelor of Education- Australian Catholic University,  Canberra.

Replacement Teacher: Nerida McDonnell- Diploma of Education- Riverina College of Advanced Education NSW.

Teacher’s Aide: Ms Nancy Doubleday- Nursing Degree- 1980 : Albury Base Hospital, Certificate 3 (Teacher’s Aide Special).

Teacher’s Aide: Mrs Jennifer Roberts – Teacher’s Aide Special.

Teacher’s Aide: Ms Stacey Hardy- Certificate 3 (Teacher’s Aide Special)

 

Teacher Attendance & Retention

A New Teacher/ Principal, Annette Field was appointed at the commencement of the 2009 school year.

During 2009 Ms Elizabeth Verri, full time teacher, took long service leave during terms 3 & 4 and she was replaced by Nerida McDonnell. Ms Verri will recommence duty at the beginning of term 1 in 2010.

There were 18 full sick leave days taken by staff throughout 2009.

Student Retention and Attendance

In 2009 the school commenced the year with 17 students. Two students have withdrawn from the school due to medically related conditions. A third student was transferred into a more suitable community participation program. The school enrolment has remained constant at 14 throughout this year.

Retention rates in Secondary School

Year	Year 7	Year 8	Year 9	Year 10	Year 11	Year 12
2006	2	5	2	1	1	1
2007	3	3	5	2	1	1
2008	1	3	3	5	2	1
2009	1	0	3	1	5	1

2009 Goals (Achievement of)

Elouera Special School has been able to achieve a number if its goals for 2009

1.   Registration and Accreditation- development of policies and procedures specific to the school. The school’s policies and procedures manual has been developed and produced and will be constantly reviewed. These policies and procedures were instrumental in gaining a further five years registration and accreditation for the school. Policies and Procedures documents can be viewed by parents by contacting the Principal or the CEO.

 

2.   Programming and Assessment- Twice yearly reporting continued and the development of a new reporting format was achieved, in consultation with staff and parents.  Reports are now attached to a professionally printed folder.

 

3.   School Computer Network- The development of a school computer network has occurred in 2009. Six computers were provided through the Education Revolution Program and the Elouera Association purchased an additional six computers. Each class has four computers internet ready and networked to a server for file sharing.

 

4.   Maintaining three classes- The school has been able to maintain three classes during 2009 and support each class with a qualified Teacher’s Aide Special.

 

5.   Continued Literacy and Numeracy Programs- The school successfully ran literacy and numeracy programs which were funded by Commonwealth Grants applied for in 2008. Numeracy programs targeted money, time and measurement. The Literacy Program allowed the school extra Aide funding to support teachers with literacy lessons, concentrating on comprehension and recognising visual text.

 

6.   Performance in State and National Tests: Elouera School students were exempted from these tests due to their moderate or severe intellectual disability. This decision was made with parent support and agreement.

 

School Based Improved Targets: 2010

 

During 2010 the school’s goals for improvement are:

1.   Increased Student Enrolments: We will continue to work towards increasing our student enrolments to capacity. The School is working with Harden Pre School to provide early intervention and preschool transitioning programs for students with disabilities since their feeder school, Bellhaven Special School, closed its doors

2.   Capital Works: The commencement and building of one new classroom plus an art studio will commence in October 2009 and be finalised early in the 2010 school year. The added classroom will free the school hall up for whole school activities. At present the hall has been used to house the third class in the school. The art facility will allow for safer lessons and easier access to specialised equipment.

3.   Increased Professional Development of Staff:  In 2010 Elouera Special School plans to increase staff participation in professional development (budget allowing) in the following areas: leadership, curriculum development, special education with particular emphasis on autism and integrating technology in all KLA’s.

Summary of Student Welfare Policies

School Principles

Elouera Special School believes education involves learning to live and function in a variety of environments cross the broad areas of this school’s curriculum independent living / personal, leisure and recreation, vocational skills, all incorporated into the key learning areas.

All students have the capacity to learn and develop, regardless of their disabilities. Therefore, students should receive an education that respects personal privacy, promotes individual rights and dignity, allows personal choice and enhances the student’s sense of worth and dignity.

Each student learns and develops through the provision of appropriate educational services, experiences and environments necessary to their physical, social and emotional needs, within the boundaries of personal safety. Students require an activities-based curriculum, which is age appropriate and functional, to broaden the individual’s opportunities and options for a personally satisfying and valued lifestyle. Each student requires an Individual Education Program in accordance with identified needs and educational objectives. The school’s approach involves the liaison with a variety of support services and resources to enhance the quality of each student’s life within their community.

School Aims

Through its Welfare program the school aims to develop and maintain 

·        A unified school community embracing all students, staff and parents

·        A sense of enjoyment and satisfaction in belonging to the school

·        A feeling of dignity and worth and self respect for each student

·        An environment where all students will experience success

·        The student’s sense of personal and social responsibility for their own actions and decisions

·        A caring attitude towards others

·        That our students be accepted as valued members of their chosen community.

 

Elouera Special School

Discipline Policy

Statement of Purpose

Discipline at Elouera Special School is based on the following main principles:

•      all students have the right to an education without interference from other students

•      caring for others is the basic standard of behaviour in all situations

These can be achieved by: 

•    having respect for yourself and others

•    having respect for property and the school environment

•    taking responsibility for your own actions

 We must try encouraging the student’s independence and enabling them to become someone who can be trusted to do the right thing on their own.   

Elouera Special School prohibits the use of corporal punishment. 

Elouera Special School does not explicitly or implicitly sanction the administering of corporal punishment by non-school persons, including parents. 

 

Code of Behaviour  

The student code of conduct will place significant emphasis on the development and recognition of positive behaviours

·        Individual management plans will be developed for students who require support to manage their behaviours.  

·        Incidents of bullying will be managed according to the strategies outlined in the Anti Bullying policy.  

A record of inappropriate student behaviour will be maintained by the Principal 

The Elouera Special School Code of Behaviour outlines a series of expectations and responsibilities each student has to themselves, other students, their family, the school and the community. All students enrolled at our school are expected to comply with the requirements of this code. 

Rights & Responsibilities of students: 

·        Students have the right to be happy at school and be treated fairly with understanding, respect and politeness. 

Students have the responsibility to: 

·        treat others with understanding, tolerance and respect;

·        speak politely;

·        follow staff directions. 

Students have the right to learn all that they can. 

Students have the responsibility to: 

·        attend school regularly and punctually;

·        behave in class and not disturb the learning of others;

·        complete class work and homework. 

Students have the right to feel safe and have my property treated with respect. 

Students have the responsibility to: 

·        behave safely;

·        respect the property of other people;

·        respect school property;

·        behave sensibly and safely in the classroom, playground, at sport, on excursions, and travelling to and from school. 

Students have the right to have a clean and tidy school. 

Students have the responsibility to: 

·        care for the school environment and try to keep it clean;

·        put litter in the garbage bins. 

Students have the right to participate in school activities if they have abided by this Code of Behaviour. 

Students have the responsibility to: 

·        participate actively in school events;

·        behave appropriately in school and community settings so that they bring credit to the school and self;

·        represent their school with pride at all times;

·        wear the school uniform correctly and with pride. 

Students have the right to enjoy success and recognition. 

Students have the responsibility to: 

·        value their own achievements and positively acknowledge the achievements of others.

 

Levels & the Discipline Policy 

The Discipline Policy has a system of Levels which allows students to: 

·        be acknowledged for personal success and positive achievements in the school community

·        recognise the consequences of inappropriate behaviour and learn the importance of self discipline. 

All students start their schooling on level 1. This level describes students who conduct themselves in an appropriate manner and respect the rights of others and follow the code of behaviour outlined above. 

If students engage in inappropriate behaviour such as: 

·        Taking other people's property without permission

·        Teasing other students

·        Leaving the classroom or grounds without permission

·        Repeated refusal of expected behaviours or tasks

·        Swearing within and outside of the School environment

·        Minor classroom or playground misbehaviour 

They will move on to a level 2: Steps taken are 

·        Warning or reprimand by staff

·        Second warning and removal from activity

·        Being sent to the Principal’s Office for counselling 

If the student’s behaviour is self corrected they move back to level 1 

If the student fails to correct their behaviour then a classroom management plan will be devised by the teacher. Classroom management plans will be implemented over a period of 3-5 days depending on the individual student. 

If a child’s behaviour does not improve then they move to level 3. 

Level three involves: 

·        Notification of parents for repeat offences

·        Notation recorded in Incident Report Register: kept in Principal’s Office

·        The development of a Behavioural Management Plan if one does not exist in consultation with parents and guardians

·        Critical Incident Procedures detailed in the Behavioural Management Policy implemented 

If a student engages in any of the following activities: 

·        Physical abuse i.e. hitting, punching, kicking, fighting of other students or staff

·        Deliberate mistreatment of School and other students and staff property

·        Spitting

·        Back-answering and verbal abuse to staff and students 

They will automatically move to level 4 

Level 4 involves 

·        Intervention from external Professional staff.( DADHC- Behaviour support teams)

·        Suspension as per the policy

·        If continued inappropriate behaviour occurs of a significant nature then expulsion may occur at the Principal’s recommendation but only with the Chief Executive Officer’s approval and after all other reasonable steps have been taken in accordance with the Aggressive Behaviour Policy and Behaviour Management Policy.

·        If expulsion is the only option Elouera Special School does not have an Exclusion Policy and will not prevent a student from being enrolled in another school. 

 

The Roles of the School Community Members in the School Discipline Policy 

Student 

Students are the key people in the Discipline Policy and this allows students to:

·        develop self-discipline by recognising the rights and responsibilities of members of our school community

·        be acknowledged and rewarded for personal effort and achievements in the school

·        seek information and assistance whenever necessary from staff  

Parent 

Parents are informed about the Discipline Policy and their support for the school is encouraged.  

Parents will be kept informed of student progress, and actively encouraged to assist in the development of their children’s behavioural performance 

Parents are encouraged to support the Policy by developing their children’s understanding of rights and responsibilities. Parents will be given a copy of the Discipline Policy.  

Parents are encouraged to contact the school at any time to discuss their child’s progress or welfare. This can be done by phone, post or e-mail. Students are supported by parent and community participation in school activities.

 

Teacher 

Classroom teachers provide lessons which are relevant and which will assist students in their learning. 

They will help students whenever possible and will offer advice when they feel it is needed. In the first instance, teachers are responsible for dealing with any discipline problems in their class. They will notify the Principal of any ongoing discipline issues and they will reward student effort and achievement when appropriate. They can also liaise directly with parents when necessary. 

All staff will undertake professional development on student behaviour and discipline management. 

The school curriculum will include programs to develop resilience, positive choices & conflict resolution.

 

Principal 

The Principal provides leadership and direction in relation to the Discipline Policy at Elouera Special School and supports the staff in implementing this policy. The Principal encourages an atmosphere which allows all students to achieve their personal best in all areas of school life. The Principal has the authority to take immediate action in situations where serious student misbehaviour occurs. 

A record of inappropriate student behaviour will be maintained by the Principal.

 

CEO/ Board

These stakeholders will intervene only when the Principal seeks assistance in line with level 4 of the policy. 

Due to the varying disabilities of students at the school the discipline policy will be flexible and tailored to the student’s individual needs and circumstances.
 

School Enrolment Policy

 

The Elouera Special School is registered with the Board of Studies as a School of a Prescribed Kind. As defined in the Board of Studies Manual for Registration and Accreditation of Individual Non-Government Schools in New South Wales.   

The Elouera Special School has been recognised as a school for children with a disability.  The Board of Studies assumes that a school seeking registration for education of a prescribed kind, will have only students that meet that criteria.  Therefore to be eligible for enrolment at the Elouera Special School a student must be assessed as having a moderate to severe or multiple disability including Developmental Disability, Autism or Mental Illness or any other significant disability. 

 

Assessments

All enrolments require an Enrolment Form to be fully completed.  Eligibility to attend the school will be based on our Eligibility criteria document . 

In certain cases the Principal in consultation with the Chief Executive Officer may accept a new enrolment without an assessment of intellectual ability if they believe that the school may be able to meet the education and support needs of the student and the parent or caregiver is willing to have an assessment done as soon as possible.  In these cases the student will be accepted on a trial basis only pending the outcome of the assessment.    

The trial period commences from the start of the student’s enrolment with sufficient time allowed to an external assessment to occur and to allow the School staff sufficient time to assess the education and support needs of the student and if the Elouera Special School can meet those needs.   

If, at the end of the trial period there remains some concerns about the eligibility of the student or whether the school can provide an appropriate level of support to meet the educational needs of the student discussions between the Principal, parents and care givers plus other relevant professionals will be held.  At those discussions the Principal will highlight the concerns about the enrolment of the student. 

 

Recommendation 

Where the recommendation by the principal in conjunction with the Elouera Association (Inc) Chief Executive Officer is, that the student does not meet the eligibility requirements of the school, or that the school can not provide the appropriate level of supports to meet the personal and educational needs of the student, then their enrolment trial will be terminated.   

Where it is deemed that the students personal and educational needs can be met and eligibility clearly meets the requirements for enrolment at the school, the student will be offered full and ongoing enrolment.   

School policies are reviewed regularly and amended as required. Parents are part of this process with weekly newsletters sent home including two of our policies for parental comment and suggestions. A copy of Elouera Special School’s  Policy and Procedures Manual can be obtained by contacting the school Principal or CEO.

 

FINANCIAL PREFORMANCE

 

By Allan Young – Chief Executive Officer

 

2009 was a difficult year for us due to lower student numbers and the additional costs associated with having a staff member on Long Service Leave.  We did however get a boost from back payment funds that I was able to secure from previous years.   

As discussed in other parts of this report we were able to undertake several major programs in 2009 mainly due to the back payment and these were the computer network, projectors and hardware for class rooms and the installation of a security system in the School which with the growth in equipment became essential.   

Some key features in this years financials. 

Our income did increase but this was mostly due to the operating donation from the Harold Brady trust and the back payment of Supervisors Subsidy for a single term where we were able to claim for the third teacher in 2008.  Our actual operating budget without these items was lower than in 2008. 

Staff labour costs increased from $361,664 to $390,355  

Motor Vehicle expenses were up with our running a vehicle to and from Young daily however this has now reduced again due to the closure of Belhaven and students now able to apply for Taxi services as a result of this. 

Interest paid is lower this year as a result of the loans for the Harold Brady Building having reduced rates for much of the year however these are on the increase again in 2010.   

You will see a slight difference in this years report at the bottom lines, the operating budget finishes at the Operating Surplus/ (Loss) line, this shows a Deficit of $28,836 for 2009.  Following this there is another entry for Government Subsidies for Capital Works of $181,250.  This item is the cash forwarded to Elouera Association (Inc) for the major building projects and these will be expended early in 2010.  Our Financial Year Annual Report and Next Years School report will show the increase in our asset value as a result of these works on the Balance Sheet.   

In 2010 we will need to be vary careful with expenditure, our cash reserves are lower than in previous years so prudent management of these will be essential. It is our aim to have  student numbers increase again and as a result our financial position improve.   

The attached financial report is for the 2009 calendar year and refers to the School operations only.  These figures have been audited by our auditors Hunt and McTavish and they represent a true and accurate financial position of the Elouera Special School

  

THANKYOU

 

 Chief Executive Officer