News4Leaders Governance

My business is part of a large franchise network across Australia. I see the strength in a large member group working together, sharing ideas, resources and a common vision. I feel that this is why I have such an affinity in belonging to such a wonderful network of learning communities across South Australia, Northern Territory and Western Australia. For me there is the attraction of being part of something that is bigger than myself.

I see at times in our franchise network, questions about the value of what our franchisor does, what value they provide.  I have been fortunate to see firsthand both sides of the equation. Prior to my business partnership, I was state manager of the SA and NT franchise network. For me, the key thing that motivated me was to do everything we could as a team to provide the best support and resource for our franchisees.

As board chair of LESNW, I have the privilege of seeing our regional team go above and beyond to provide you with the support and resources you need to help you achieve your goals. Our aim is to ensure that Lutheran education not just survives but thrives over the coming years. And to achieve that, our aim and passion is to provide the best support and resource we can to our Learning Communities, identify opportunities to grow and expand our footprint throughout the region so we are capturing the growing population in areas where there may be gaps in our offering, and continually look at the how and why of what we do. What is our purpose? How do we provide first class education to our students in a Christ centred environment? How can we ensure that we are at the forefront of educational practices?

For me, this is where being part of a larger family is a massive benefit. We are better together.

As you would have seen over the past few months, from a board support point of view, Jane Mueller and the regional team have been building available resources for you to have access to. Please take the time to access these resources via the Chairs Portal. I would also encourage you to take the time to read Jane’s regular “On Board” newsletters.

I am constantly reminded that I don’t have the answers to everything. So, I have a choice. Either struggle through myself or seek the council of the wise (Prov 15:22). As a franchisee in my own business, I value not just my immediate business partners and fellow franchisees, but also the experience and resource of our franchisor, who have the benefit of the connection with the whole network. I pray that you utilise the vast and rich experience of our LESNW family.

And the constant for me through all and any of this is:

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

Yours in His service

Paul Bert
LESNW Board Chair