Board Of Directors

To succeed, to flourish, you must burn: flourishing is the end point of a lot of hard work.

Libby Munro. (Actress, Fairholme College Old Girl 1998).

Governance of Fairholme College Toowoomba

The Board of Directors in its governance of Fairholme College Toowoomba and in accord with its charter as a College of The Presbyterian Church of Queensland is responsible for setting the strategic direction, monitoring the financial management and performance of the College generally and ensuring appropriate risk management and compliance controls are in place to meet those responsibilities.

The Board is comprised of up to nine members nominated by the Board with one third being appointed annually for a three year term, two members appointed annually on nomination through the Board by The Parents’ and Friends’ Association, and the Principal, by virtue of the person holding that position is a member of the Board.

The Board sets policy, approves the annual budget and appoints the Principal who is responsible for the day to day operations and management of the College, within these policies and the budget. The College Chaplain and the Business Manager are also appointed by the Board.

Board Members

Meetings of the Board

The Board discharges its responsibilities through the conduct of its regular meetings; and the meetings of its Committees. The Board normally meets ten times per year, February to November.

In addition, each year the Board of Directors meet for a weekend retreat where they engage in professional learning directly associated with their governance role in areas such as strategic planning, risk management and compliance.

Further professional learning opportunities are undertaken throughout the year as part of the Board meeting agenda and through short courses offered through external organisations such as Independent Schools Queensland.

Board Committees

Several Board Committees are in operation and report on a regular basis to the Board. These include:

• Executive Committee: Chair Mr Ian Andersen;
• Compliance and Risk Management Committee: Chair Dr Katie Murray;
• Projects, Facilities and Maintenance Committee: Chair Mr Ian Walton;
• Nominations Committee: Chair Mr Ian Andersen;
• The Executive Committee and the Compliance and Risk Management Committee generally meet 10 times per year. Other committees meet as needed. The recommendations and reports of these committees are tabled and discussed at each Board Meeting.

Directors with Special Portfolios

From time to time the Board appoints members to oversee specific portfolios that are relevant to current issues in education or governance.

• Audit and Finance Director: Mr Ian Andersen