School councils play a vital role in Victorian government schools and are established and operate under the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic), the Education and Training Reform Regulations 2017 (Vic) and a constituting Order.

School council is a team of volunteers comprised of parents, the principal, staff and in some cases community representatives. School council decisions influence the educational opportunities and outcomes of all students at school.

Objectives of school council

• 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 interest of the students
• enhance the educational opportunities of students at the school
• ensure the school and the council complies with relevant regulatory requirements.

These school council objectives must be taken into account by school council members when exercising any of their powers, duties or functions.

Key functions of school council

The four key functions of school council include:

• Establishing the broad direction and vision of the school within the school's community (not management of the school’s day-to-day operations – that is the job of the principal)
• Financial oversight - ensure school funds are expended for proper purposes relating to the school, this includes approving the school’s annual budget and ensuring proper records are kept of the school’s financial activities
• Participating in the development of the school Strategic Plan and reviewing the Annual Implementation Plan
• Developing, reviewing and updating school local policies that reflect the school’s values and meet regulatory requirements.

Other important functions of school council include:

• Raising funds for school related purposes
• Maintaining school grounds and facilities
• Entering into contracts (e.g. cleaning contracts, equipment lease etc.)
• Reporting annually to the school community and the Department
• Creating interest in the school in the wider community
• Representing and taking the views of the community into account
• Regulating and facilitating after-hours use of school premises and grounds
• Establishing and operating of any Outside School Hours Care service at the school.
• Determining the dates for the school’s student-free days in accordance with department requirements

School Council Elections

School council membership is determined by an election process conducted annually and completed by 31^st March. The term of each position is generally two years.

If you would like to nominate yourself, or someone else, for a school council position, please complete and return the appropriate form below by the nomination close date.

School Council Nomination Forms

Nomination Form for Parent Member
Self Nomination Form for Parent Member