Governing Body

The Governing Body of Montrose Primary School is a team of people representing school management, the teaching staff and the parents. The Governing Body looks after the strategy and the overall governance of the school. They are appointed in terms of the South African Schools’ Act, which is the main legislation governing public schooling in South Africa. Elections for the Governing Body are held every three years and the parents, being the majority of the Governing Body, are expected to represent the school community. 

The Schools Act further gives the Governing Body very broad powers in terms of being accountable for the effective running of the school. Our school has been granted the maximum basket of powers available in terms of the Schools’ Act which gives us the ability to significantly influence the school timetable, the employment of personnel in the school, the accountability for the infrastructure of our school and the provision of additional facilities such as aftercare and pilot classes.

LOOKING BACK AT THE YEAR 2011:

Another successful and eventful year at Montrose is almost over.  The partnership between the Parents and School is commendable and has played a big part in making the school so special and sought after as a preferred place of education in Sandton. 

There are daily media reports which reflect on the current problems that are being experienced in the education system; schools that are dysfunctional; teachers that are not competent and Learners that fail to meet the required standards.  Every parent shares the goal to provide a quality education for their child that will enable them to have the foundation that will maximize their potential now and in the future. 

It is with confidence that I can state that Montrose a quality School of which Learners, Parents and Educators can be proud.  Our goal is to maintain this reputation which is well deserved, but this takes commitment and hard work.  The school has a dedicated team of Educators; Administrators and Auxiliary staff who are the core and backbone of our school.  A team who tirelessly and continuously work with our children; dealing with both the good times and the not so good times.  I would like to thank them for their input and contribution to our children and the school as a whole.  I wish them a well-deserved rest over the holiday season.

In 2011 our Learners have once again excelled in academics; sports and other extra-curricular activities.   Their success and achievements highlight that Montrose offers the opportunities, facilities and environment in which Learners can grow and mature.  The role of the parents to support the children at home is also appreciated and adds to the overall benefit ensuring that Montrose learners are the Ambassadors for the school.

The SGB initiated two major capital projects in 2010.  The playing fields now have permanent floodlights which will be utilized for the annual Night Cricket and will provide ongoing opportunities to increase our fundraising through this initiative in the coming years.  The swimming pool has been heated through the partnership with Zac de Beer (a past Montrose Learner).   Our goal is that every child who attends Montrose is water safe and able to swim.   Other projects that were completed were the installation of fans in the School Hall and classrooms; sanding and refurbishing of school desks and ongoing maintenance and overall improvement to the School facilities; fields and gardens. We shall continue to maintain and improve the school to provide excellent facilities that will serve future Learners and their families. 

A special word of thanks to the MPA and their team of dedicated parents, who have continued to raise funds for the school and arrange social activities; their fundraising assists in maintaining the school and focusing on special projects.  Your tireless hard work and contribution to the school is appreciated and we thank you all.

The current Governing Body term ends in March 2012.  Elections will be held to nominate members who will serve for the period 2012 – 2014.  The current team has ably governed the school and most importantly has achieved their strategic goals which were set at the beginning of their term of office.  Thank you team – you have assisted in Montrose becoming a School of Choice for both Learners and Educators and your ongoing support, commitment and contribution to the school enables us to build an institution that will benefit so many children now and in the years to come.  I would like to acknowledge the 2010 outgoing Chairman of the SGB; Mr. Neille Wrigley who so ably and competently led the Governing Body; his astute management of the schools finances and resources will be remembered.  Mr. Wrigley continues to be involved in the Montrose School Community Association.

I look forward to 2012 and all the challenges and excitement it will bring.  I encourage each and every one of us to partner with the school to ensure that we can hold our heads up high and know that we are “doing the best” for our children.   Actively participating in school activities, meeting our financial commitments by paying fees, supporting the Educators and ensuring our children have our unconditional love and support  - together we can do it.  

I extend my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all of you; staff members, parents, learners, members of the MPA, members of the SGB and to the Montrose Community.

MRS MAUREEN TERBLANCHE
2011 Chairwoman