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
(New Position)
This will be a new position 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
Brydie Kilday
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Hi, I'm Brydie and I've been the President of the kinder for the last 2.5 years. My eldest daughter, Lottie, began her kinder journey back in 2019 and since then we've also had Georgia attend the kinder. Currently, Harriet is in the 3 yo group.
We live on a small farm just outside of town and have lived in Birregurra for 6 years. We love the town and have found the community very welcoming. I've returned to primary teaching this year as a casual teacher and I'm loving being back in the classroom after a 7-year break.
I've enjoyed being part of an enthusiastic group of families and educators that are passionate about providing a wonderful early education for our kids. This small community kinder simply can't survive without volunteers so you really feel like you're making a difference. I've made some fantastic friends on the committee, who I otherwise might not have connected with.
The skills I have developed in this role, will certainly help in other aspects of my life as I plan to return to part time work again soon. If I went for a job interview, I'm confident I could draw on the many skills I've developed in this role!
Vice President
Cassie Stephens
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Hi, I'm Cassie Stephens. I'm a mum of 2, Will 5 & Mae 3. I work in marketing as an Account Manager at Mixx FM and have done so for the past 15years.
I have a great passion and love for netball. I have played and been involved on the committee at Birregurra for the past 14yrs. I love to keep myself busy by co coaching the senior netballers at along with playing and umpiring.
I joined the committee in 2022 with my son starting out at kinder. Brydie asked me if I'd be interested in being involved and I jumped at the opportunity.
I have enjoyed my time on the committee working alongside other mums and dads and our teachers & educators. I like being involved and brainstorming with others on how we can continue to grow and make our preschool the best it can be. I also love to give back, and find this role to be very fulfilling.
Secretary
Nickeeta Roache
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Hi, I'm Nickeeta Roache. I'm a mum of 2, Oliver 6 & Hazel 4. I work 4 days a week as a Teacher and also help with the our farming business as well. As a family we love being outdoors exploring. In summer, we are often down the beach and in winter we try to find time to head to the snow.
While I grew up in Colac, I moved away for university and work only moving back when I was pregnant with Oliver. I joined the committee to create community connections. In my first year, I took on a support role with the fundraising Sub-Committee and then later stepped up to the secretary role.
I have been able to get to know other kinder families and form new friendships, which with my work hours I would not have been able to achieve. Its a fabulous opportunity to get to work with our wonderful educators and form strong partnerships in your child's education I am a person that needs mental stimulation and I have been able to learn a whole new skill set in these roles. On top of this the sense of accomplishment that comes with successfully completing tasks or applications. The support that you receive from the other committee members, new or old.
Treasurer
Steph Crittenden
-
Hi, I'm Steph, a working mum with two kids, Bella; in prep & Angus; 3yo kinder. We live on a farm in Birre, I work in the equestrian & retail industries & my husband is a builder.
I really admire the way the kinder is run & felt it was my time to help. I joined the committee at the begining of '23 as treasurer. This is our 3rd year of having a child at the kinder and felt I could do more to help. We have helped in other ways in the past: gounds keeping & property maintenance.
I have formed some lovely relationships with others families at the kinder & also gotten to know the teachers & educators. It's such a lovely environment for our children to start their education. I haven't been on many committees and find it really rewarding to work alongside other parents who are continually trying to improve the kinder.