The Birregurra Preschool Committee of Management
Birregurra Preschool is a community, not for profit kinder that is run by a committee of parent volunteers and staff members called the committee of management (COM). The committee acts at the licenced provider and employer of the kinder. Without a COM, Birregurra Preschool would not be able to provide early education services to the local community.
There are many benefits of having a community-run kinder. Our educators have the freedom to adapt the curriculum to the interests and needs of the children and have a greater level of independence and flexibility. We have total control over the programs we run, for example, we have chosen for the pre-school group and pre-kindergarten group to maintain their own separate days as we feel this has many benefits. Additionally, incursions and excursions are tailored to the interests and needs of the students. Another advantage is that there is sense of community among the kindergarten’s families and staff.
The committee of management is responsible for the kindergarten’s business operations and reporting to regulatory bodies. The smooth operation of our preschool relies on parents and staff with a diversity of skills and experiences to volunteer their time.
Through the committee, members are given the opportunity to have a say, be involved in the collaborative running of the kindergarten and play an active role in the wider kinder community.
As well as ensuring the kindergarten meets government regulations, other main responsibilities include:
- planning the budget
maintaining finances and deciding how funds are spent - appointing and supporting staff
- applying for grants
- organising fundraising opportunities and social events
- securing the sustainability of the kindergarten both now and into the future
In order to fulfil these responsibilities, several volunteer committee roles need to be filled each year.
Why join?
What’s involved?
How do I find out more?
Speak to a staff member A staff member will be happy to talk with you about the committee and answer your questions.
Overview of Committee Roles
PRESIDENT
(Executive Member)
cerfvqrag@oveertheen.xvaqretnegra.ivp.tbi.nh
- Chairs and facilitates committee meetings and AGM
- Oversees the hiring of new staff
- Oversees staff professional development plans
- Act as an official spokesperson for the committee, including signatory for outgoing correspondence
- Oversees compliance with legal requirements and funding criteria
- Ensures that the preschool meets the requirements of the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and ACECQA’s National Framework
- Co-signatory on the bank account
VICE PRESIDENT
(Executive Member)
ivprcerfvqrag@oveertheen.xvaqretnegra.ivp.tbi.nh
- Assists the president and other committee members as required
- Maintains the Preschool Website and assists in publications such as the Birre Mail & the Preschool Social Media Page.
SECRETARY
(Executive Member)
frpergnel@oveertheen.xvaqretnegra.ivp.tbi.nh
- Corresponds with the kinder community about events and meetings
- Prepares the agenda and takes and distributes minutes
- Maintain files and records for the preschool
- Organises and collates results of surveys
TREASURER
(Executive Member)
gernfhere@oveertheen.xvaqretnegra.ivp.tbi.nh
- Presents and explains monthly financial reports to the committee and the annual financial report at the AGM
- Works alongside the kinder administrator to oversee financials
- Approves expenditure
- Liaises with the external accountant regarding the preparation of Business Activity Statements
- Annual budget
- Co-signatory on the bank account
- Checks funding and liaises with Department of Education if there are any issues
FUNDRAISING
shaqenvfvat@oveertheen.xvaqretnegra.ivp.tbi.nh
- Report to committee on plans/progress/funds of fundraising activities and informs publicity of events
- Arranges a calendar of events for fundraising activities
GRANTS
This was a new position introduced in 2024. It will involve submitting applications for grants for the preschool.
- Liaises with staff regarding potential grants
- Applies for grants and completes remittance
- Completes the grants process by publicly acknowledging the grant and providing recognition (where necessary)
OH&S
buf@oveertheen.xvaqretnegra.ivp.tbi.nh
- Organises a monthly checklist and reports back to committee meetings
- Helps rectify any potential risks and hazards
- Responsible for the maintenance of the building and grounds
- Organise trades or volunteers to fix any problems
Current Executive Committee
President
Jade Quinn
-
Hi, Im Jade and I am currently in my second year as President of the kinder. My daughter Evie is in four year old kinder and my youngest, Austin, will begin his kinder journey next year. While taking on the role of President was daunting, I wanted to ensure that our wonderful kinder remained committee run so that our community could continue to have input into our children's early education.
We live on a small farm just outside town where we raise Hereford cattle, although my real passion on the farm is veggie gardening. I took a break after having kids but have recently started back up and would love to move towards being more self sufficient. Next on my list is perfecting the making of sourdough which I have not had much success at!
I love my role on the committee as it allows me to work closely with the teachers and educators and I feel like I am really contributing and taking part in my children's education. Being a small community kinder, volunteering means I get to meet and have many conversations with other families and also the wider community so that we can all work together to ensure our kinder is the best it can be
Vice President
Tegan Mortimer
-
My name is Tegan and i live in Birregurra with my husband Ian and our son Harry who is currently in 4 yr old kinder. We moved to Birregurra in 2019 and love the community here. I joined the commitee to be a part of my sons early education and contribute to the community that we love.I am a Nurse, currently working in Lorne and Colac. I love exploring our beautiful region and cherish quality time with friends and family. I am excited to meet more families and be a part of ensuring the success of our kindergarten.
Treasurer
Lachlan Hill
-
Hi I’m Lachie. I live in Birregurra with my partner Kate and two children – Levi and Clementine. Levi has just started 3-year-old kinder and I’m excited to join the committee in the role of Treasurer.
I am an accountant based at Findex in Colac. I enjoy going on lots of adventures with my family and working on my family farm at Winchelsea. I also love watching football and try and get to as many Geelong Cats games as possible.
I look forward to working on the committee with a like minded group of people who strive to make the Birregurra Kinder the best it can be.