School Board
The School Board at St Thomas School and Preschool is an advisory body that plays a crucial role in supporting the Principal to guide our school towards achieving its strategic goals and fostering continuous development. Meeting twice a term, our Board brings together dedicated members who contribute their expertise and perspectives to ensure the school's mission and vision are effectively realised.
Key responsibilities of our School Board include:
- Catholic Identity: Supporting the Catholic ethos of the school and contributing to the life of the Church within the Emmaus Parish.
- Strategic Planning: Collaboratively developing and refining the school's strategic goals, ensuring they align with educational standards and community needs.
- Policy Development: Reviewing and establishing policies that govern various aspects of school operations, promoting fairness, transparency, and accountability.
- Financial Oversight: Monitoring the school's budget and financial performance to support responsible fiscal management and resource allocation.
- Community Engagement: Acting as a bridge between the school and the broader community, fostering communication, and gathering feedback to enhance school-community relations
- School Improvement: Evaluating school performance against established benchmarks, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing initiatives to enhance educational outcomes.
Through collaborative efforts and informed decision-making, our School Board ensures that every decision made reflects our commitment to providing a high-quality education and nurturing a supportive learning environment for all students. Join us in shaping the future of our school and empowering every child to reach their full potential.
A Message from the Chair of the Board
John Thompson
Dear St Thomas School & Preschool Community,
I’m delighted to introduce myself as the Chair of the St Thomas School & Preschool Board. I’ve been part of the St Thomas family since 2019 when my daughter, Maisie, joined as a preschooler. Today, Maisie is thriving in Year 4, and my younger daughter, Sadie, started Preschool in 2023 and is now happily settled into Reception. Both girls are flourishing at St Thomas, and I’m deeply grateful for the supportive, enriching environment that has nurtured them both.
As a long-standing member of our community, I’m passionate about giving back to our school that has given so much to our family, and have served on the board now for 3 years, with 1 year as Chair.
In my role as Board Chair, my focus is threefold:
Supporting the School’s Delivery of Strategy: I collaborate closely with the Board and our Principal, Belinda Burford, to provide guidance and oversight of our strategic plan, ensuring alignment with our school’s vision and goals.
Promoting Sound Governance: I am committed to maintaining and strengthening our school’s governance framework, ensuring that strategy, policy, and decision-making processes are conducted transparently and responsibly for the benefit of our students and families.
Renewing the School Master Plan: One of my key priorities is the renewal of our school’s master plan. This initiative is designed to position St Thomas for long-term success, adapting our facilities and resources to meet the needs of future generations of students well beyond the time my own children are here.
I’m excited to serve the St Thomas community in this role and look forward to working together with all of you to continue building a vibrant and inclusive environment for our children.
Warm regards,
John Thompson
Chair, St Thomas School & Preschool Board