School Advisory Council

School Advisory Councils play a vital role in the governance and operation of Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Melbourne. They provide a platform for consultation and participation from both parish and school communities, fostering a collaborative decision-making environment.

These councils serve as a space for discussion and discernment, allowing parents and community members to share their perspectives. This input helps support decisions made by the principal and parish priest, ensuring that the well-being and outcomes of students are always prioritised.

Below are our School Advisory Council members for 2024. We look forward to introducing each member and sharing their photographs in upcoming newsletters.

In the meantime, we welcome a recount from one of our members, Karen DeCouto, who recently attended the SAC dinner at the Catholic Leadership Centre. Please read below to learn more about her experience: 

On Tuesday, June 5th, I was invited to represent the St Peter's School Advisory Council at the inaugural Melbourne Archdiocese of Catholic Schools (MACS) dinner, alongside chairmen and women from many other MACS schools across Melbourne. 

MACS is the largest school system in Melbourne, governing almost 300 Catholic primary and secondary schools in our state, as well as throughout Australia and the world.  

MACS believes that vital to Catholic education is the need for Parish Priests, parents, and school leaders to work together in Mission. Hence, the formation of School Advisory Councils, where members from both parish and school meet once a term to contribute to the school's strategic, educational, financial, and spiritual development.  

At the dinner, we were able to listen to keynote speakers from MACS and the Very Rev Mark Reynolds to gain an insight into the purpose and vision of MACS.  On a practical level, the successful transition from St Francis Xavier Box Hill to the MACS system was showcased through an interview with their parish priest, principal, and chairwoman of their School Advisory Council.  Their story was inspiring, and they attribute this success to their strong belief that the relationship between priest and principal is of utmost importance and needs to be one of respect and trust, as the stronger this bond is, the stronger the school will be.  

Also discussed was their new strategy, MACS2030, which we will be collaboratively working towards over the next six years. The purpose of MACS2030 is for our students to form lives of faith and love in the light of Jesus, with the vision that every student is inspired and able to flourish and enrich the world.  

If you have any topics you would like discussed at the next SAC meeting, which will take place on Thursday, August 22nd, please let one of the council members know.  

Karen DeCouto