Our Community
Donate nowOur community extends far beyond the classroom. Although small, Andale School has a big community spirit, with many generous and compassionate people at its heart.
The Uniting Church
Since Andale School’s inception in 1981, the Uniting Church has generously supported Andale. For over 20 years, the Kew uniting Church has leased the beautiful school grounds in Kew to us, allowing the school to grow and prosper.
Xavier College and Ruyton School
A highlight of the school calendar is Andale-Xavier Week. Year 11 Xavier College students participate in a week of fun activities with the Andale students. In past years, activities have included science excursions, wildlife incursions, LEGO building, woodwork, sports, swimming, surfing, Puffing Billy and the Melbourne Zoo. The Xavier buddies are attentive and enthusiastic, and the Xavier College and Andale staff ensure that the activities are well organized and appropriate for the Andale student cohort.
As part of their Ignatian Service, students from Xavier College visit Andale School on a Thursday afternoon to assist with after school care activities. The Andale students enjoy spending time with the Xavier students, and we appreciate Xavier College’s ongoing commitment to community service.
We value our continued connection with Ruyton Girls’ School. Past activities with Ruyton include attending end-of-year parties organized by the Year 10 Ruyton students, and a special invitation for Andale students to attend a performance of Suessical the Musical.
Andale Ball 2022
Celebration. Education. Appreciation.
Over 220 guests, including parents, friends, alumni, and business sponsors, enjoyed an amazing evening. There were lots of smiles, laughs, and dancing as we enjoyed great food, compelling speakers, and entertaining auctions. An incredible sum was raised thanks to the generous support of our guests, our event sponsors, and community donations. The Ball was a massive undertaking for our small community and would not have been possible without the passion and dedication of the many individuals and local businesses.
With thanks to our generous sponsors for their support:
Andale School understands the importance of working with families to support our students’ learning and wellbeing. Our school holds regular events for the school community, including Student Support Group meetings, family events, school celebrations, and Open Days, providing an opportunity for families and staff to come together and celebrate our amazing school.
School Council
Andale School Council is the elected governing body of the school. The operation of the school is delegated to the School Principal. The school is an Incorporated Association.
The Andale School Council comprises parents from a range of professions as well as community members with extensive experience in education. Parents are encouraged to be active members of the school community through membership of the School Council.
Council Members 2023-2024
Executive:
Murray Nicol – President
Anna Crozier – Vice President
Till Bonhoefer – Treasurer
Anne Nelson – Secretary
General Members:
Glen Draper
Therese Morgante
Bruce McPhate
Greg Wilkinson
Ex Officio Members:
Cathy Clark – Acting Principal
Lynne Medici – Business Manager
Fundraising
Andale School is a registered Charity and a Public Benevolent Institution.
Our main fundraising initiative is the bi-annual Andale Ball, a wonderful celebration of our students, staff and school community.
Other fundraising initiatives include the Andale School Trivia Night.
Government and Community Funding
Andale School receives funds during the year from Sporting Schools, an Australian Government initiative designed to help schools increase children’s participation in sport, and connect them with community sport opportunities. Each term during weekly Physical Education sessions, Andale students have participated in various sports programs including Tennis, Soccer, Footy and Baseball.
In 2023, Andale School received a grant from the Commonwealth Government under the Schools Upgrade Fund Open Round. The grant was used to replace the shade sail in the playground area.
In 2024, a successful grant application from the Bendigo Bank Targeted Community Grant Program allowed for the installation of a new shade structure next to the sports fields.
Andale School Patron
Dr Sylvia Walton AO (16 January 1941 – 27 January 2024)
Sylvia was a valued supporter of Andale School, and came to us with a long and acknowledged commitment to the education sector.
Sylvia was Principal of Tintern Grammar School from 1982 to 2005, and in 199, established Southwood Boys’ Grammar School as a complementary school to Tintern. Sylvia was Principal of St Catherine’s School from 2007 to 2013, and Chancellor of La Trobe University from 2006 to 2011. The University established the Sylvia Walton Scholarship and the Sylvia Walton Equity and Diversity Annual Public Lecture in recognition of her outstanding leadership at the University. In 2014 the University named the Sylvia Walton Building in her honour. Sylvia was a Fellow of the Australian College of Educators, with the Victorian branch holding an annual Sylvia Walton oration.
Sylvia sat on the Andale School Council from 2020 to 2021. Sylvia was named as Patron of Andale School, and provided much respected guidance and advice to Andale School over a number of years.
We were honoured to have Sylvia as an active member of the Andale School community.