School Council

Clarence Valley Anglican School Council Inc (hereafter referred to as ‘School Council’) is the governing body of the School.

School Council is a Body Corporate under the Anglican Church of Australia (Bodies Corporate) Act 1938 (as amended from time to time) and is accountable to the Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Grafton and Bishop-in-Council for the governance and stewardship of the School. 

School Council comprises at least 7 (although the number may temporarily fall below this from time to time) and no more than 11 members (up to 2 appointed by the Bishop and up to 9 nominated by School Council and approved by Bishop-in-Council) and currently comprises the following persons:

Bishop-in-Council Appointments

Mr Phillip Bonser (Chair)

  • BA (Hons); Dip. Ed; BEd - Secondary (Distinction).
  • Appointed December 2022
  • Experience in teaching and school leadership in State and independent schools, in organisational governance and development and in educational policy development at a national level. 

Desmond Schroder BRuralSc, MPubPol

  • appointed 25 November 2021
  • experience in local government, executive and strategic management, community relations

Vishal Sharma BCom (Hons), Exec MBA, ACA

  • appointed 5 April 2022
  • experience in finance, operations, strategy & corporate governance

Stephen Timms BURP, M Env & LG Law

  • appointed July 2020
  • experience in urban management, crisis management, agriculture & local government

Margaret White BA, DipEd, GradDipStudWel, MEd

  • appointed October 2021
  • experience in teaching and leadership in state and independent schools


Serving on School Council

School Council meets monthly (usually during term-time) at least four times each year to consider and determine strategies and policies, and review and approve educational and financial activities in accordance with its corporate governance responsibilities.

School Council does not get involved in operational matters, delegating responsibility for these to the Principal. School Council is formally informed of operational matters by the Principal and the Business Manager both of whom attend School Council meetings.

Expressions of interest in serving on School Council are welcome and should be directed to the Chair of the School Council via email (chair.schoolcouncil@cvas.nsw.edu.au) or telephone (02 6642 8205).