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Governance Structure

Macarthur Anglican School is governed by an independent School Council comprising ten members who volunteer their time and skills. The School Council is constituted in accordance with an ordinance of the Synod of the Anglican Church of Australia, Sydney Diocese. The Macarthur Anglican School Ordinance (1982) provides the framework for governance.

Macarthur Anglican School is a truly independent school with no other overarching organisational structure and is not part of any school system.  The School is a member of the Independent Schools NSW (ISN) and the Headmaster is a member of the Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia (AHISA) and the Heads of Independent Co-educational Schools (HICES).  While the ultimate owner of the School is the Sydney Anglican Diocese, the Macarthur Anglican School Council operates it in trust.  As such, the School does not fit within any bureaucratic framework and relates directly with the Diocesan organisation, governments, Local, State and Federal, and their relevant agencies.

The School Council is a policy-setting and monitoring body and is not involved in the management of the School. The Headmaster is the School Council's Chief Executive Officer and is fully responsible for the day-to-day and strategic management of the School. The School Council therefore sets broad policy direction for the School and monitors its operations within the various legislative and regulatory frameworks.

The Archbishop of Sydney is the President of the School Council and may attend and Chair meetings from time to time. Ordinarily, the School Council elects a Chair from its members to oversee the Council's operations. The Council also elects an Honorary Secretary and has two standing committees: the Finance, Property and Marketing Committee and the Governance and Risk Committee.

Members of the School Council are elected by the Synod for a three-year term (six members in total, two elected each year), appointed by the Archbishop (two members, one an Anglican Clergy and one a lay member), or appointed by the School Council itself for a three year term (two members).

Members of the School Council

Chairman of the School Council
The Reverend D Barrie
BSc, BD(Hons)
Elected by Synod
A member of the School Council since 28 February 2017. Reverend Barrie worked as a Laser and Optics Engineer in the optical fibre industry before entering the Ministry. He was an Associate Minister before being appointed Rector of the local Parish. Reverend Barrie is a parent of the School. He also has considerable governance experience, serving on the executive of several not-for-profit organisations, including a child care centre and scripture boards.

Honorary Secretary
Mrs C Rich 
Chair of the Governance and Risk Committee
Elected by Synod
A member of the School Council since August 2009 and Chair of the Corporate Governance and Policy Monitoring Committee since February 2011.  Mrs Rich is the Registrar of the Diocese of Sydney responsible for the administration of the Parishes and staff across the Dioceses.

Members of Council
Ass Prof K Bosward
Grad Dip Vet Sc (Distinction); Grad Cert EdStud (Higher Education); BVSc; BSc (Vet) (Hons I); PhD.
Appointed by the Synod
A member of the School Council since 4 May 2026. Associate Professor Bosward is a senior academic and veterinary microbiologist at the University of Sydney. With over 20 years of experience, she specialises in admissions governance, curriculum oversight, and risk management. A committed member of Hope Anglican Church, she brings extensive expertise in educational leadership and stakeholder engagement.

Mr S Bywater
CertIVTAE, DipMar, BMin
Appointed by the Council
A member of the School Council since 28 February 2017. Mr Bywater is a former parent of the School who owns and operates a consultancy firm and people development business, specifically focused on leadership and coaching as well as sales strategy development. Mr Bywater is also a regular keynote speaker on coaching and mentoring programs. Additionally, he consults, designs and deploys learning programs for organisations. These organisations include both large corporate and not-for-profit organisations. Mr Bywater is also an ordained Minister and Pastor at a Baptist Church in Moorebank.

Mrs E Tippett
CertIVFinServ, CertChangeMgmt, GradCertExecLeadership
Elected by the Synod
A member of the School Council since 25 June 2024, Mrs Tippett is a parent of the School and a seasoned banking professional with 24 years of experience with the Westpac Group. Her career includes 17 years in the branch network and 7 years in Private Wealth, during which she has been involved in operations and change-integration teams. Her banking career has seen Mrs Tippett excel in people leadership roles, earning a reputation as a collaborative leader dedicated to business improvement and customer advocacy while adeptly managing risk.

Mrs A Johnstone
LLB(Hons), Acc.Spec.(Business Law), B.SocSci
Elected by Synod
A member of the School Council since 27 August 2019. Mrs Johnstone is a parent of the School and works as General Counsel in the retail industry. In the course of her career, Mrs Johnstone has worked in a wide variety of legal roles, including as an academic in tertiary education teaching commercial law, for the Government on major projects, and as a Partner in a local Macarthur-based law firm. Mrs Johnstone holds tertiary qualifications in Law and Social Science.

Mr M Judge
BBus(Dist), MBA, FFin, MAICD
Chair of the Finance, Property and Marketing Committee
Elected by Synod
A member of the School Council since 27 February 2018. Mr Judge retired in 2014 from the position of Chief Operating Officer, Corporate Banking Solutions at the Commonwealth Bank. Before that, Mr Judge held a range of general management roles at the bank. Mr Judge’s governance experience includes chair and other director roles in banking, educational and mission organisations. He also serves on the council of an inner-city Anglican independent school and as a founding panel member of a national governance accreditation program for Christian organisations.

The Reverend Scott Lovell
BASc(Physiotherapy), BDiv(Hons)
Appointed by the Archbishop
A member of the School Council since 11 September 2023. Mr Lovell has been in full-time parish ministry since 2011 and Senior Minister at The Oaks Anglican Church since 2019. Before this, he worked as an allied health professional in hospitals and private practice around Sydney. He is a parent of the School who has served on several boards, including another independent school, where he also served as Chairman for some time and a preschool.

Ms A Watson OAM
DipPhy, CFRM, FFIA, MEdPlus, CFRE(1999-2016), OAM
Appointed by the Archbishop
A member of the School Council since 1 March 2008. Ms Watson is the owner and Managing Director of a consultancy firm. The company provides consultancy services in fundraising, public relations, volunteer management, and the development of governing bodies. She has served as follows: Member of the Anglicare Council from 1990 to 2008; South Sydney Regional Council Member 1996 to present; Chairman of FIA NSW and a Member of the FIA National Board 2010-2014; St Catherine’s Anglican School Council 2006 – 2008; Synod Representative for St Mark’s Darling Point 1982 to present; Warden, Parish Councillor and Parish Nominator at St Mark’s over various times.

In attendance as Headmaster
Dr D P Nockles
BA, DipEd, MEd(Hons), EdD, MACE, MACEL, AFAIM, HFTGA, MAICD
Dr Nockles commenced as Headmaster in January 2009, having served as Deputy Headmaster for the previous 7 years, commencing at Macarthur in 2002. He currently serves on several Boards, including the New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA) Board, following his appointment by the NSW Minister for Education May 2026. For the past four years, he has served as the Chair of the NSW/ACT Branch of the Association of Independent Schools Australia (AHISA). He serves on AHISA's National Board, holding the position of Chair of the Finance and Investment Committee and Treasurer. In the past, Dr Nockles has been a Company Director of Denbigh International, a Board Member of The Salvation Army Macarthur Area Advisory Board, a Board Member of NSW Independent Schools Centre for Excellence (ISCE), a Board Member of NSW Independent Schools Teacher Accrediting Authority (ISTAA), an Elected Member of the Standing Committee of the Sydney Diocese of the Anglican Church Synod for 13 years and the  Archbishop of Sydney’s delegate to Anglican Schools Australia.

A Message from Rev. David Barrie – Chairman of Council

The Power of Community and Transformation

2025 has been another deeply encouraging year for our School. As I reflect on the flourishing state of Macarthur, I find myself thinking back to my fifteen years working in youth ministry. While those were fun times, the most rewarding aspect was witnessing the profound transformation that occurs as children and adolescents navigate the critical years of development to form their adult selves.

The Journey from Disruptor to Contributor

In those years, I often saw a Year 8 boy who desperately wanted the respect of his peers but lacked the roadmap to earn it. The "easy" path is often to become a disruptor—the class clown or the boundary-pusher. It grants a shallow, fleeting respect.

However, when you place that same young man in the right environment, he finds his confidence. He learns he has something positive to offer, and he takes the much riskier, far more rewarding step of becoming a contributor.

Similarly, we see the Year 9 girl focused on peer acceptance—a natural desire that can lead to a loss of identity in exchange for the "safety" of conformity. In a supportive community, she begins to rediscover her voice. She emerges as a thoughtful individual who owns her values, knowing that genuine friends will accept her as she truly is.

An Environment for Growth

This kind of transformation is life-changing, but it is also difficult. It requires an environment that is safe enough for relational risks and rich with role models. At Macarthur, we provide this through:

  • Peer Support: Older students who provide a roadmap for those following behind.
    A Spirited Alumni: Graduates who return to inspire the next generation.

  • The "Mature Heads": Staff whose wisdom, competence, and composure anchor our school culture.

While Macarthur is a school and not a church, the work of helping young people grow into confident, mature adults lies at the heart of our community.

Academic Excellence and Beyond

Make no mistake, academic success does not take a back seat. The Macarthur experience provides a first-class education delivered by an outstanding teaching staff. However, we believe the "whole person" must grow. This year, that growth was facilitated through a vibrant array of programming:

  • Seminars, camps, and international exchanges.

  • Sporting competitions and Arts festivals.

  • Mission trips and worship services.

  • Hands-on opportunities in design, agriculture, and nature.

These activities don't happen by accident. They are the result of Macarthur staff going above and beyond, driven by a genuine love for their students. On behalf of the Council, I thank the staff for their remarkable contribution.

Honouring Our Legacy

This year, we farewell four pillars of our community. Mr and Mrs Cartwright have completed their distinguished service, and Mr Hordern and Mr Wales are concluding their tenures. Each has left a deep, enduring imprint on our School. While they will be missed, the "Macarthur bench" is deep, and we are confident in the leaders stepping forward to fill these gaps.

Leadership and Vision

The positive culture of our school is modelled from the top. I wish to thank the School Council for their dedication; their diverse skills have been vital in navigating our rapid growth over the last decade.

Finally, the most significant force behind our continued success is the leadership of Dr Nockles. He is an innovative, visionary leader at the top of his field. Unflappable under pressure, or as I recently described him, "durable", he leads with a strength anchored in the humble service of others. He embodies the love of Christ in his interactions with the entire community.

As we look toward 2026, we remain committed to being an environment where every student is equipped to grow into a strong, resilient, and grounded adult.

The Reverend David Barrie
Chair of Council

At a Glance

Macarthur Anglican School is governed by an independent School Council, ensuring strong, values-driven leadership that supports our mission to equip students for a life that honours God and serves others. Visit our homepage.

What Is the Role of the School Council?

The School Council provides strategic oversight and policy direction for Macarthur Anglican School. It operates in trust under the authority of the Sydney Anglican Diocese and is not involved in day-to-day management. The Council monitors the school’s operations within legislative and regulatory frameworks.

The Headmaster serves as the Chief Executive Officer, responsible for the school’s daily and strategic management. Learn more about the School Council.

How Is the School Council Structured?

The Macarthur Anglican School Council comprises ten volunteer members:

  • Six members elected by the Synod for a three-year term (two elected each year).
  • Two members appointed by the Archbishop: one Anglican clergy and one lay member.
  • Two members appointed by the School Council for a three-year term.

The Council elects a Chair, an Honorary Secretary, and operates through two standing committees:

  • Finance, Property and Marketing Committee
  • Governance and Risk Committee

Who Are the Current Members of the School Council?Chairman of the School Council

The Reverend D Barrie
BSc, BD(Hons)
Elected by Synod
Member since 28 February 2017

Reverend Barrie brings experience from engineering and ministry, having served as an Associate Minister and Rector of the local Parish. He is also a parent of the school and has governance experience with several not-for-profit organisations.

Honorary Secretary

Mrs C Rich
Chair of the Governance and Risk Committee
Elected by Synod
Member since August 2009

Mrs Rich serves as the Deputy Registrar of the Diocese of Sydney, responsible for the administration of parishes and staff. She has chaired the Corporate Governance and Policy Monitoring Committee since February 2011.

How Does the School Council Support Macarthur Anglican School?

The School Council plays a crucial role in:

  • Setting and monitoring school policies
  • Ensuring compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements
  • Providing strategic guidance to the Headmaster
  • Safeguarding the school’s Christian mission and values

Through its governance, the Council helps maintain Macarthur Anglican School’s reputation as a leading independent Christian school in the Macarthur region of NSW.

Learn More About Macarthur Anglican School