WHAT IS A SCHOOL COUNCIL?
All government schools in Victoria have a School Council. They are legally formed bodies that are given powers to set
the key directions of a school within centrally provided guidelines. A School Council is able to directly influence the
quality of education that the school provides for its students.
School council sets the vision, determines priorities and ensures the school is responsive to the needs of the local
community.
There are three possible categories of membership.

A mandated elected parent category. More than one third of the total members must be from this category.

A mandated elected Department of Education employee category. No more than one third of the total membership must
be from this category.

An optional member category. A member can be co-opted by a decision of School Council because of their special
skills, interests or experiences.
The term of office of members is two years. Half the members must retire each year and this creates vacancies for the
annual School Council elections.
There must be at least 8 meetings during the year.


Why is parent membership so important?
Parents on school councils can provide important viewpoints and have valuable skills that can shape the direction of the
school.
Those parents who become active on a school council find their involvement satisfying in itself and may also find that
their children feel a greater sense of belonging.
You do not need special experience to be on school council, only an interest in your child’s school and the desire to work
in partnership with others to help shape the school’s future.


SCHOOL COUNCIL COMMITTEES
There are opportunities for school councillors to belong to a committee.
At Carrington Primary School we have the following Committees:


- Buildings and Grounds
- Education
- Canteen
- Finance
- Out of School Hours Care
- Marketing

The School looks forward to welcoming new and interested parents to School Council and would be pleased to answer
any queries parents may have in relation to School Council.


Feel free to contact the Principal for further information.