ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BOARDS OF GOVERNORS / MANAGERS OF GOVERNMENT-ASSISTED MISSION SCHOOLS

By Methodist Education Council

Introduction

In keeping with the Education Act of 1996, an Instrument of Government / Management is used for the Board of Governors/Managers in Private Schools. The roles and responsibilities below help to add value to the Instrument and provide an understanding and appreciation of the motivation of the Mission authorities.

Their Role

Ensure the Christian traditions of the school are continued by sustaining the school ethos, i.e. the characteristic spirit of the school community.

Ensure a safe school environment by maintaining the safety and good condition of the buildings and providing pleasant and comfortable facilities as well as up-to- date equipment for learning to take place effectively.

Care and provide for the marginalized in the school population.

Cultivate a love for learning and the fear of God in the pupils through the "school culture".

Their Responsibility

Be guardians of the school for continuity and the preservation of traditions, yet allow for change that is good and progressive; maintain or enhance the character of the school: school motto, badge, song; Christian teaching in Bible Knowledge, Chapel services, Christian Fellowship, Boys' Brigade and Girls' Brigade, etc.

Attend Board Meetings

Offer their help and expertise to the Principal and staff in areas where there are needs in the school :

• In maintaining school buildings and extensions or renovation.
• In facilities for sport and other activities.
• In ensuring that the school is covered by insurance and cash-in-transit and other funds are covered and secure.
• In the appropriate management of sources of income from the use of the premises or school buildings, e.g. rental of school canteen, bookshop.

Encourage and advise teachers in their professional careers; counsel young teachers and encourage them to become a good effective educator.

Make every effort to be present at Speech Days and Sports Days and any other important school functions.

In a consultative role, act on behalf of the authorities who are the owners of the school pending transfer or retirement of the school head, and keep a lookout for a successor.

Encourage our young people to enter teaching as a mission.

Conclusion

Overall planning and development of the school is in fact the responsibility of the Board. With parents, old pupils, government representatives and church representatives on the board, the width of talent available from the persons involved is really tremendous, and when every one does their part, the school is surely bound to be blessed.

QUALITIES OF BOARD MEMBERS

Chairman

1. A Christian of stature and authority in the community
2. Love for the school and children
3. Respect the Principal and teachers
4. Be the umbrella and shield for the school and principal, i.e. be protective and supportive and never undermine the authority of the principal
5. Have people skills and be able to work along with the principal and others
6. Be a person of integrity and generosity
7. Keep abreast of what is going on in education and society
8. Have the time and interest to serve the school:
   1. attend Speech Day, Sports Day, etc
   2. chair at least two meetings of the BOG/BOM
   3. walk around the school with Principal to look at areas of need
9. Regard chairmanship of BOG/BOM as a ministry
10. Be able to lead- fundraising activities
11. Be conversant with English and Malay
    

Members

1. More or less the same as above
2. Be a person with expertise in business, commerce or with special knowledge in matters of education to help the school
3. Be a person of wisdom and discernment.

MISSION SCHOOLS established over the last 150 years by the various churches:

• Anglican
• Brethren
• Catholic
• Methodist
• Presbyterian

We are all ONE.
When One is harmed,
all are harmed.
When One is helped,
all are healed.

"One of the enduring legacies of the colonial era, at least 800 mission schools and convents were established throughout Malaysia since the early 19th century." » Source

As at January 2008
Primary Schools: 289
Secondary Schools: 121
Total Mission Schools: 410
Student Population:
241, 272
Source: EPRD, MOE

» Guidelines for School Administrators of Government-Assisted Catholic Schools (GACS) Malaysia

» Roles and Responsibilities of Boards of Governors / Managers of Government-Assisted Mission Schools

• Mission Schools Vocabulary Guide
• Recommended Reading

JOIN GROUPS
@ Facebook

• Malaysian Catholic
• Mission Schools ROCK!