Liberton Christian School goes to the top of the class
By John Lewis
It is a school report you do not need to hide from the parents.
After 17 years of putting together the Liberton Christian School’s annual reports, treasurer John van Dyk’s work has finally paid off with the school recently winning the primary, intermediate, area and composite schools (fewer than 100 pupils) category of the 2007 New Zealand School Annual Report Awards.
The competition was run by the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants and the Ministry of Education. Judging panel chairman Allan Newman said the aim of the awards was to encourage quality, excellence, integrity and communication with stakeholders—including parents and caregivers—through the provision and presentation of information in annual reports.
“The judging panel, in conveying the award, commented that the report focused on what management and the board were doing for self review, carried an emphasis on future strategic direction, presented a five-year financial comparative summary page (which was easily read) and provided graphical analysis of results and trends that gave a good medium to involve the audience.
“The panel felt that the report was smartly laid out, met the financial reporting requirements expected of the school and acknowledged and emphasised its special character as an integrated school.”
Mr van Dyk said he was not an accountant. In fact, he is a computer software developer, although he did do two years towards an accounting degree before discovering computers were more “interesting”.
While he was modest about the award, he said he was delighted.
“The award is acknowledgement of how the school has been blessed with an outstandingly professional team in its staff and board, many of whom have contributed material to the annual report,” Mr van Dyk said.
The school had received commendations in 2003 and 2004—the equivalent of second placing—but this year was the first time it had won its category, he said.
The school would be presented with a trophy and $1500 prize-money by NZICA Otago branch chairman Michael Turner during the school’s graduation assembly on December 14, Mr van Dyk said.
Principal Fiona Sizemore said the school had not decided what the money would be used for yet, but hoped it would be earmarked for a special project by the board of trustees.
Other 2007 winners were Auckland Grammar School and Mount Maunganui College, which were first equal in the high schools and colleges category; and Richmond School (Nelson) and Sutton Park School (Mangere East), who were first equal in the primary, intermediate, area and composite schools (more than 100 pupils) category.
Otago Daily Times, November 24, 2007
See also:
“A valuable community resource.” The Chartered Accountants Journal, November 2007
Education Gazette website: Staying in character