Annual report of the Chairperson of the Board of Governers 2009

It is hard to believe that I this is my second and last report as chairperson of the governing body. You will see from the individual subcommittee reports below that 2009 has been a productive year for the board and it is our intention to continue in this vein for the year to come.

Finance Committee- Craig Tyzack

2009 was a busy year for the finance committee with a change of bankers, new auditors, and the implementation of Pastel Evolution as the school’s accounting system. Implementation of a new payroll system has been held over to 2010.

With completion of the swimming pool at the beginning of the year, we have made good use of our bond facility, and have been relieved to see reducing interest rates.

Cash collection has become a challenge on all fronts (school fees, after-care and tuck-shop), given the pressure everyone is experiencing in the current financial climate.

Looking at the school’s “Wish List” for future capital projects (including both necessities and luxuries), financial planning for Merrifield’s expansion will be a major challenge given our limited resources, and the Board is currently exploring different funding mechanisms and sources to expedite new capital projects.

Campus Development- John Goldsmid

2009 saw the completion of the first stage of our much awaited swimming pool complex which boasts a 25 x 17 x 2m deep pool and a 7 x 17 x .9m deep training pool.  The main pool is suitable for swimming training, galas and water polo while the smaller pool has been designed to teach smaller children to swim.

Merrifield is in the process of upgrading its services and by the end of the year we should have an upgraded electrical, telephone and water supply as well as being connected to the municipal waterborne sewer system.  This will allow many much needed facilities to be introduced.

We have also commenced levelling operations across from the dam for our future sports fields.  This is a long term project designed to offer a site for receiving excess soil and fill material from other building sites thereby eventually creating a level platform for our sport fields.

Marketing Report - Jacque Kinnear and Sam Corbett

Merrifield has established itself as a key role player in the East London Community offering a unique selling proposition as the only IEB School in the area. The current task of the marketing department is to increase the numbers in the college. From a survey conducted recently it was interesting to note that most students place great value on the Quality of Teachers, followed by Subject Choice and then the Science Lab.

With regard to a wish list of additional facilities, it is evident that there is a strong desire to have a Gr10-Gr12 Gym, followed very closely by an Astra Turf and then change rooms.  A matric lounge, toilets and tennis courts trailed the wish list. 

Overall we have a very good insight into the needs and desires of our college students and this will form the basis of our marketing strategy for 2010. 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all current and past board members for their commitment, hard work and support and to wish the entire Merrifield Family a wonderful holiday and a very prosperous 2010.

Fay Watson

Chairperson

Merrifield Governing Body