BOARD REPORT

COLLEGE BOARD REPORT

In April, we were blessed with a visit from the Council of Mercy Partners who conducted their annual regional meeting with a pleasant dinner gathering for all those in leadership in Mercy ministries in Townsville – St Patrick’s College Townsville, the Mater Hospital and Mercy Community Services North Queensland. The Councillors also enjoyed the ambience of the East Precinct band room for their regular meeting. Our Principal, Mrs Hauff, and I spent time with the Councillors sharing the planning and progress of St Patrick’s College Townsville. They expressed their appreciation of the quality of leadership of the College and were particularly impressed with the way in which the College managed the challenges of the pandemic year, and the work done by the Board in developing a very successful Recruitment strategy for both Board and Committee membership.

Members of the Mercy Partners Council conducted the Annual General Meeting [AGM] on May 24.  In approving the Annual Board Chair Report, they commended the excellent and comprehensive report provided, and noted that “Mission delivered at St Patrick’s College Townsville is an example of what being Catholic is all about”  which was evidenced by the fact that despite the challenges posed by the pandemic the College did not lose sight of its essential mission.

In April and May respectively it was with some sadness, and with great appreciation, that we bade farewell to Ms Moira Grant and Mr Peter Cavallo. As the Director of Business and Operations, Moira made a remarkable contribution to the College with her extraordinary expertise in finance and oversight of the construction work, and her competence in the role of Company Secretary. Peter finished his time as a Director on the Board, a position he held over the past six years. Peter brought his professional and financial expertise to the Board and chaired the Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee. His was a voice of calm optimism that helped guide us through difficult financial decisions and supported the astute financial management provided by our College leadership during that period. He was also very generous in providing Covid-19 safe meeting spaces for us during a difficult year.

The tasks of the Recruitment Committee chaired by Ms Tia Cox came to fruition with the appointment of new Directors to the Board. It was with delight that we welcomed Ms Maria Larkin, Ms Josephine Gabrielli and, for a short while, Mr Zak Plumridge.  Zak has since left the Board to take up the position of the Director of Business Operations for the College. As such, he will take on the role of the Company Secretary. Maria brings her accounting and financial expertise and will replace Peter as the Chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee. Josephine is a skilled health professional and brings expertise and practical knowledge of the construction industry. She has joined the Property and Facilities Committee under the chairmanship of Mr Steven Mosch. We look forward to the addition of two new members within a few weeks.

Planning is well underway for the next two phases of the College Master Plan – the construction of the sports complex and the STEM building which includes new staffing space. The Board is very grateful for the extraordinary effort of the College leadership in progressing the planning at every stage.

Sr Helen Mary Peters

BOARD CHAIR