School councils play a key role in Victorian government schools. Participating as a school council member is a rewarding and challenging experience. The school council supports the principal to provide the best possible educational outcomes for students.

All school councils in Victoria operate under the Education and Training Reform Act 2006.

School councils have three main responsibilities:

• finance: overseeing the development of the school’s annual budget and ensuring proper records are kept of the school’s financial operation
• strategic planning: participating in the development and monitoring of the school strategic plan
• policy development and review: developing, reviewing and updating policies that reflect a school’s values and support the school’s broad direction outlined in its strategic plan.

Other key functions of school councils include:

• raising funds for school related purposes
• maintaining school grounds and facilities
• entering into contracts
• 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
• operating a children’s service at the school.

The school council is comprised of parents, teachers, the Principal and community representatives. School councillors nominate for the various sub-committees, which report back to council. The three sub-committees are Finance, Education (formerly Engagement and Wellbeing) and Buildings and Grounds.

The term of office for school councillors is two years with elections held each February/March. The School Council and Finance sub-committee usually meet monthly, with the other sub-committees meeting each term. All parents are encouraged to consider nominating for Council vacancies, or attending sub-committee meetings.

2024 School Council President: Matt Hall

Parent Electorate:
Kate Ashdown

Vrandesh Bandikatti
Siska Frederick

James Goode

Matthew Hall

Grace Kelly

Deepti Wagle

Jackie Chen

Raylene Wu (Community Member - Parents Group)

Dept of Education Electorate:

Jo Braden

Kathy Verbi

Natalie Kiriati

Executive Officer: Principal - Kim Dray

Standing Orders for Laburnum Primary School Council