We have a dynamic and passionate group of parent and staff school councilors who are committed to developing the feeling of community within our school. This proactive approach has seen council direct its focus for the year around beautifying our school grounds. Policy reviews and updates will also be a major focus.
School council representatives join for various reasons, but all unanimously want the best outcomes for our children, and want to contribute to shaping the vision and direction of the school. Being actively involved in the life of the school (even if this is for the most part only at monthly meetings), is a great way to take an interest in your children's education.
Objectives, functions and powers of school councils
The Education and Training Reform Act 2006 defines the objectives and functions of school councils:
Objectives
A school council’s objectives are to:
• assist in the efficient governance of the school
• ensure that its decisions affecting students of the school are made having regard,
as a primary consideration, to the best interests of the students
• enhance the educational opportunities of the students of the school
• ensure the school and the council comply with any requirements of this Act, the
regulations, a Ministerial Order or a direction, guideline or policy issued under
this Act.
Functions
A school council’s functions include:
• establishing the broad direction and vision of the school
• developing, reviewing and updating the policies of the school
• arranging for the supply of goods, services, facilities, materials and equipment
that are required for the conduct of the school, including the provision of
preschool programs
• raising funds for school related purposes
• regulating and facilitating the after-hours use of school premises and grounds
• exercising a general oversight of the buildings and grounds and ensuring that
they are kept in good order and condition
• providing for cleaning and sanitary services necessary for the school
• providing meals and refreshments for staff and students and charging for this
• ensuring all money coming into the hands of the council is properly expended for
purposes related to the school
• informing itself of, and taking into account, any views of the school community for
the purpose of making decisions in regard to the school and its students
• ensuring that an annual report relating to financial activities and the school’s
strategic plan is published and made available to the school community
• stimulating interest in the school in the wider community
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/Documents/school/principals/profdev/makepartnershipswork.pdf