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.
The Baptist Church
The Baptist Church in Highbury Road graciously permit our use of spaces in Newnham Hall where we run programs such as yoga, karate, dance and other activities.
The Kew Library
The staff at Kew Library welcome each class with a smile and make our library program a joy for the students. They read to the children, help them select books and assist with book loans.
Jess Wilson MP, Member for Kew
Our local member Jess Wilson is a strong supporter of our school. She makes regular visits and includes our students in special events provided by her office.
Trinity Grammar School, Xavier College and Ruyton Girls’ School
A highlight of the school calendar is Andale-Xavier program. Year 11 Xavier College students participate in range 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 and help us maintain our facilities. We appreciate Xavier College’s ongoing commitment to supporting our school in this way.
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 special invitations for Andale students to attend their school productions.
Trinity Grammar School provides the lunch order program on Fridays. It is a very special treat for everyone to have a delicious lunch to look forward to on the final day of each week. Trinity staff hand deliver our lunch orders which is a valued part of this generous partnership.
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 2024-2025
Executive:
Glen Draper – President
Anna Crozier – Vice President
Till Bonhoefer – Treasurer
Anne Nelson – Secretary
General Members:
Alex Evans
Bruce McPhate
Therese Morgante
Murray Nicol
Greg Wilkinson
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.