College Council

What is a School Council and what does it do?

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 Departmental provided guidelines. In doing this, a School Council is able to directly influence the quality of education that the School provides for its students.

At MSC, Council comprises six parent members, four DET members, 2 student members, four community members and the Principal.

There are four School Council sub-committees which meet each month prior to Council to work on Policy, Facilities, Finance and Community Engagement.

Council elections are held at the start of each year and sub-committee meetings are open to all members of the college community.

Why is Parent membership so important?

Parents on School Councils provide important viewpoints and have valuable skills that can help 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.

How can you become involved?

The most obvious way is to vote in the elections, which are held in Term 1 each year. However, ballots are only held if more people nominate as candidates than there are positions vacant. In view of this, you might seriously consider:

• Standing for election as a Member of the School Council.
• Encouraging another person to stand for election.

Do I need special experience to be on School Council?

No. what you do need is an interest in your child’s school and the desire to work in partnership with others to help shape the School’s future.

What do you need to do to stand for election?

The Principal will issue a notice and call for nominations following the commencement of Term 1 each year. All School Council elections must be completed by the end of March. If you decide to stand for election, you can arrange for someone to nominate you as a candidate or you can nominate yourself in the Parent Category. Once the nomination form is completed, return it to the Principal within the timeframe stated on the Notice of Election Schedule. You will receive a Nomination Form Receipt following the receipt of your completed nomination. If there are more nominations received than there are vacancies on Council, a ballot will be conducted during the two weeks after the call for nominations has closed.

Remember

Ask for help if you would like to stand for election and are not sure what to do.

Consider standing for election to Council. Be sure to vote in the elections.

Contact the College for more information.

Council Members