The School Governance Board (SGB) is the governing body that is responsible for the strategic direction, and oversight of the school policy on operations, governance, financial management and performance. This includes:
- Reviewing the performance of the students
- Reviewing financial management of the school including approval of school fees; and any expenses (over $500)
- Approving an annual school budget
- Liasing with external stakeholders, parent and student communities, and create interest in the school within and across the broader community;
- Approving staff and curriculum changes as appropriate, and;
- Formulating appropriate governance policies and codes of conduct
School Board Composition:
Current Board Members
Dr. Nava Subramaniam (Board Chairperson)
Mrs. Jayshree Raghavan (MAC – Director Representative)
Mrs. Sindhu Anilkumar (MAC – National Coordinator)
Mrs. Sue Byrne (External Representative)
Mrs. Geeta Devi (External Representative)
Mrs. Sreela Maloor (Parent Representative)
Mrs. Raja Muneeswari (Kavitha) Manikanndan (School Principal)
Dr. Radhagayathri Udhayakumar (Teaching Staff Representative)
Board meetings will normally be held three times a year.
The School Principal
Is responsible for the School’s day-to-day operations including oversight of curriculum development, teaching staff, keeping student records in good order, managing social media and the day-to-day financial management of the School budget. The Principal will also conduct an annual parent-teacher meeting.
Will report to the School Board and directly communicate with the Chair of the board on all critical financial and operational matters and any imminent issues, particularly that affecting School curriculum changes, budget matters, parent-student issues, and student-staff wellbeing.
Teachers
Are responsible for developing class content and delivery, as well as design of assessment and record keeping of student performance in their individual classes.
All teachers including guest teachers must hold a working with children permit, particularly if taking face-to-face classes.
“At AAAS, the children have started learning Sanskrit and chanting. These are things that they don’t learn otherwise. The teachers are very friendly and approachable.” Parent of AAAS student.
TEACHING STAFF
Swami Atmananda Puri
Is a monastic disciple of Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi. He first met Amma in 1989 and has been living at Amma’s ashram in Kerala, India since 1993. He has been conducting meditation retreats and spiritual discourses in Singapore, Malaysia, Europe, Mauritius, Australia and New Zealand to guide individuals toward finding greater peace in their everyday lives. He is also a global Teacher of the IAM® Technique.
School Principal: Mrs. Raja Muneeswari Manikanndan
Currently a school teacher working in a Victorian school with a tertiary qualification in education. Has experience developing school curriculum and working with school children in Victoria and the coordinator of Balakendra classes since mid-2020.
Senior/Intern Cohort Teacher: Dr. Radhagayathri Udhayakumar
Has a doctorate in Science and is a university lecturer and has deep knowledge in Hindu scriptural text and Vedic mantra chanting. She has studied Hindu mythology and Sanskrit.
Pre-Junior/Junior Cohort Teacher: Ms. Padma Lee
Currently a school teacher working in a Victorian school. Has four years experience developing curriculum and working with primary school children. She is one of the bhajan group coordinator at Amma’s Ashram and the lead harmonium player and has classical dancing knowledge.
School Code Of Conduct
AASC is committed to providing all students with a learning environment that is inclusive, safe and dedicated to meeting their learning needs. The School’s Code of Conduct sets out acceptable behaviours for students, teachers and parents so as to foster sharing of knowledge, understanding of traditional culture and spiritual practices in an environment of mutual respect, care, and courtesy.
The School’s COC is premised on the following principles:
• All children have the right to be treated with respect and have their diversity valued
• All children are encouraged to be polite, courteous and well mannered
• All children have the right to be safe
• All children have the right to work and play in a secure environment without interference, intimidation, harassment, bullying or disruption
• All children have the right to be supported in their learning
The students are expected to:
• Show mutual respect to peers, teachers, parents and property
• Work to the best of their ability
• Support each other and honour team-work, integrity and discipline
• Respect the values, beliefs and feelings of their peers, and be polite at all times.
• To attend classes and workshops on a regular and timely basis.
The Teachers and Parents are committed to:
• Engendering a positive and a broad understanding of ancient spiritual knowledge and cultures.
• Encourage sharing, tolerance and compassion amongst all children.
• Develop respect, acknowledge differences and encourage self-reflection
• Promote an environment free from all harassment including: racism; sex-based; cultural and any discrimination related to disabilities and impairment.
• Support responsible behaviours and student learning
“AAAS has set a stage for our children to learn and grow according to Santana Dharma. It’s mesmerizing to see how quickly they are learning everything which is taught to them, whether it’s the Bhagavad Gita, Chants or Sanskrit classes.” – Parent of AAAS students.