From the School Council
Student Services | Parents and Friends Association | 2023 Council |
Council Member Profiles
Already, we are three weeks into the new term!
While the SRC gets ready to put last term’s plans into action, we thought now would be a good time to reflect on the impact student voice can have around the school.
This time two years ago, ties had to be worn at school. Now, thanks to students bringing it up through the SRC, ties are no longer compulsory. School beanies were also introduced at the suggestion of students and, just last year, a uniform forum was held where students clearly pointed out that the uniform had to be warmer. As a result, we are getting a new puffer jacket that will be available in early June, so not too far away.
Students have also been behind initiatives and opportunities that are now available to us, such as new camps. None of this could be possible without the support and approval of the School Council, which I was fortunate enough to join this year.
Both Hassan and I are student representatives to the School Council and our job is to act as messengers between the SRC and Council, so we can most effectively inject student opinion and advocacy into the Council’s agenda. Now, one of our projects is to rework the House System at Cheltenham so it becomes more relevant and exciting. To do this, we are working from suggestions that were brought up by SRC in last term’s planning day and will continue to develop more ideas on this throughout the year.
In the meantime, if any students have suggestions for the SRC to discuss at their meetings, please email the School Captains so they can add your ideas to our agenda.
Campbell Hall
School Council Student Representative, Middle School Captain and SRC Member
Parents and Friends Association
We continue to seek interested parents and friends to join the Cheltenham Secondary College Parents and Friends Association (PFA). We are not looking for you to single-handedly run all sorts of complex meetings or events. We simply want the PFA to have a large group of individuals willing to help at any fundraising or school events. We want it to be a fun group of people rather than a burden and grind for those involved.
If you are interested in being added to our mailing list, please complete the PFA Expression of Interest survey. To find out more contact Sharon: pfcheltsec@gmail.com
About Chelt.Sec School Council
Every government school has a council. Council’s role is governance and oversight. Council assists to develop and monitor strategic priorities, plans, policies and budgets, working with school staff leadership. School Council members are drawn from students, parents, Department of Education staff and the community.
2023 School Council
Susannah Bowen-Wheatley: President
Rory Hall: Vice President
Bridget Geers: Treasurer
Parent members: Ester Yefet, Andrew Hall
Student members: Campbell Hall, Hassan El-Manea
DET members: Karl Russell, Brooke Matthews, Emily Nicholls, Peter Allen
Council Members profiles
Emily Nicholls - Assistant Principal, Performance and Development
My role supports Teaching and Learning by using and analysing data to inform practice with a focus on Literacy/Numeracy and Data Literacy. Part of this includes managing the collection of data (NAPLAN, PAT and On-Demand Testing) and supporting staff to use this data to better understand and support the learning needs of their students. I have a strong belief that every student can learn and promote a positive mindset amongst my students.
I have a background in research but found my way into teaching nine years ago and have loved the career change. I am a math/science/biology trained teacher and spent a number of years teaching at McKinnon Secondary College before coming to Cheltenham. This is my fourth year at Cheltenham, but my second in the Assistant Principal position.
Rory Hall - School Council Vice President
Rory Hall joined the school council in 2020 and is now Vice-Oresident. Rory lives in Noble Park with a son in Year 11 at CheltSec. Having spent the past 20 years leading young people in overseas expeditions, Rory's passion is for all CheltSec students to develop into broadminded global citizens, particularly through experiences beyond the classroom.
To find out more or get involved in School Council, contact Susannah (President):
Join the family community on Facebook for swapping information, textbook and uniform secondhand sales: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cheltsecfamily