Governance

Maranatha Christian School is a parent controlled school governed by The Association for Christian Education of Dandenong. It is a public company, limited by guarantee, and subject to regulation by the Australian Securities Commission and the Corporations Law. Being a Christian Parent Controlled School, Maranatha is not governed by any one church or denomination.

The term "Parent-Controlled" indicates that the responsibility, and hence the final authority, for children's education lies not with the State, nor with the Church, but with the parents. At Maranatha Christian School the authority that parents have is exercised through the elected Board of Directors which is legally responsible for the governance of the school. The Board of Directors therefore is essentially a group of MCS parents (although anyone who is a full member may be elected as a director). The school is affiliated with Christian Education National (CEN).

Membership is required of parents with children attending the School. Membership is also open to past students and others who are committed to Christian Parent-Controlled education.

The company has 2 sorts of members:

Associate Members

All parents are automatically made associate members when their child starts at the school as the membership fee is included in the school fees. Other people may also become associate members provided they agree with the purpose (objects) of the Association. Associate members can attend and speak at all members’ meetings, which is why all parents are given notice of meetings as a matter of practice. Associate members do not have voting rights.

Full Members

Full members can vote at members’ meetings and are eligible to be considered for the Board of Directors. Anyone can become a full member through a simple interview process with one of the current Board of Directors, by which we confirm your commitment to the objects of the Association. All parents are encouraged to become full members.

Board

The Board comprises of full members who are elected for three year terms, for a maximum of three terms. The Board concerns itself primarily with strategic matters and delegates to the Principal/CEO and senior leadership the day to day responsibility of leading the school. The Board is always searching for new directors to ensure it has appropriate skills and talents to be good stewards of all God has given us, and to make good decisions for the future of the School. Parents are asked to pray regularly for the Board. The Board holds two public meetings a year – usually in April and November – and parents are strongly encouraged to attend to keep up to date.

The Board may be contacted via the school's Executive Assistant, Mrs Suzanne McDonald.

Current Board Members

Mrs Tanya Fletcher

Chair / Audit / Risk and Governance, Membership

Tanya joined the Board in August 2013. She is a commercial lawyer who was admitted to practice in 1994 after completing her training at Melbourne University. She started her career at Herbert Smith

Mr Jeff Moodley

Vice Chair

Jeff is married to Ramona, and they have 2 girls Arielle Year 7 and Ariana Year 11, both attend Maranatha.

Mrs Kim Bruinsma

Director

Kim is a past student of MCS – alumni of 1995. She married Gavin Bruinsma – also a past MCS student. They have 4 daughters who currently attend Maranatha.

Mr Andrew Snook

Audit / Risk / Governance Committee

Andrew is the Assistant Manager of MIT Business Services where he has been for since 2010. He has a bachelor degree in Ministry, has worked for Churches in pastoral roles in Mill Park, Rowville and B

Mr Anthony Dunstan

Treasurer / Finance / Remuneration Committee

Anthony is a Chartered Accountant and worked in public practice for 21 years guiding business and individuals with their taxation, cashflow and strategic requirements. During the last few years he ha

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