Report for the year ended November 2004

The Board of Trustees met this month (9 November, 2004).

Mr Tim McCrindle, administrator of the Diocesan Schools is now based in the offices of the Catholic Schools Board in Melrose. The twelve Diocesan Schools will become separate institutions but Archbishop Buti Tlhagale has agreed to support them for the next five years while they make the transition from Diocesan Schools to autonomous, independent Catholic Schools. They will become individual members of the Catholic Schools Board.

The Trust, which aims to raise funds for development and major maintenance of the Diocesan Schools - not running costs - will have its work cut out to ensure that as the schools progress towards independence their buildings and facilities are adequate.

• The first step, improving security and roofing at the schools, has largely been achieved.
• The next step is improving computer facilities and getting connected.
  • Only three of the schools have an internet connection - monthly costs are prohibitive
  • only two schools do not have a computer.
  • The other ten not only have a PC for administration but also have computer rooms for learners.
• These facilities need to be improved and expanded especially in view of the Gauteng Department of Education's Gauteng-on-line project.

We would not like to see Learners at our Catholic schools being disadvantaged.

The costs of a mailing have been escalating and the returns shrinking or the Trust has not sent out a general mail appeal this year but we will be reporting back to our donors soon.