What is a School Council and what does it do?

​

The School Council works in partnership with the Principal to support the effective governance and strategic direction of the school. All government schools in Victoria are required to have a School Council. These councils are legally established bodies with the authority to set the school’s key directions within Departmental guidelines.

Through this role, School Councils have a direct impact on the quality of education provided to students.

The responsibilities of the School Council include:

​

• Setting the broad direction and vision for the school within its community

• Reviewing and updating school policies

• Overseeing Parents Club fundraising and social activities

• Approving the annual budget and monitoring expenditure

• Maintaining school grounds and facilities

• Encouraging parent participation in the school

 

The School Council does not manage the day-to-day operations of the school. Matters such as employing staff, allocating students to classes, or resolving individual issues involving teachers, students, or parents are management responsibilities of the Principal.

 

School Councillors do not represent specific interest groups or promote personal agendas. All decisions made by the School Council of Yarragon Primary School and Early Learning Centre are guided by the best interests of students and support the school’s core purpose - teaching, learning and student wellbeing.

​

Who is on the School Council?

​

There are three categories of School Council membership:

​

1. Parent Members (elected)
Parents must make up more than one third of the total membership. Employees of the Department of Education may nominate as parent members at their child’s school.

 

2. Department of Education Employee Members (elected)
These members may comprise no more than one third of the total council membership. The Principal is automatically a member in this category.

 

3. Community Members (co-opted)

Community members are appointed by the council because of their specific skills, interests or experience. Department of Education employees are not eligible to serve as community members.

 

Members serve a two-year term. Each year, half of the members retire, creating vacancies for the annual School Council elections.

​

Why is parent membership important?

​

Parent members bring valuable perspectives, skills and insights that help shape the school’s direction.

Parents who actively participate in School Council often find the experience rewarding. In addition, their involvement can help foster a stronger sense of belonging for their children within the school community.

 

Meeting Schedule

​

The Yarragon Primary School and Early Learning Centre School Council generally meets once a month on Wednesday evenings.  Approximately two to three times per term. Meetings run for around 90 minutes.

​

School Council is the governing body of government schools and oversees financial, curriculum and policy matters.

 

Participation provides parents with valuable insight into how the school operates and offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to decisions that impact their child’s education.

​

How can you get involved?

​

The most common way to become involved is by participating in the annual School Council elections, held in February or March. A ballot is only required if the number of nominations exceeds the number of available positions.

 

You may wish to consider:

​

• Standing for election to School Council

• Encouraging another parent to nominate

 

Do I need special experience?

​

No special experience is required. What matters most is an interest in your child’s education and a willingness to work collaboratively to support the school’s future.

 

How do I stand for election?

 

Following the start of Term 1 each year, the Principal will call for nominations. All School Council elections must be completed by the end of March. For parents, nomination information will be shared via the school Newsletter or Compass.

 

To nominate, complete the appropriate nomination form (Parent or Department Employee category) and return it to the Principal by the specified deadline.

 

If nominations exceed the number of available positions, a ballot will be conducted in the week following the close of nominations

​

​​​​​​2025 School Council Members

 

Executive Officer: Melissa Rock 

President: Jacinta Saxton

Department of Education and Training Representatives: 
Lee Sheehan 
Sharon Caia

Kalinda Young  

Members: 
Peter Court 

Colleen McNeil

Lisa McStay 

Lisa Harvey

Daniel Hamilton 

Alene Auchettl

​

​

Annual Report

Attached below is the Annual Report for the 2024 school year at Yarragon Primary School.

​

​

 

​

School Strategic Plan

Attached below is the Strategic Plan for Yarragon Primary School 2022 - 2025. 

​

​

 

 

Annual Implementation Plan

Attached below is the Annual Implementation Plan for Yarragon Primary School.

​

​