School Council Report

School Council – September 2024

The School Council met at the end of term three.

Firstly, echoing Paul’s comments from the last newsletter, a huge thank you to all our parent volunteers who help us run amazing events. At the council meeting, we discussed the successes of the Trivia Night and ART FOR ALL.

We also covered some planning items for 2025, including curriculum days, camps, and our OSHC provider, TeamKids.

From a building and grounds perspective, FPS is very close to being gas-free, and the ResourceSmart Schools waste and litter reduction annual plan was approved. We should hopefully have an update from the VSBA (Victorian School Building Authority) regarding our yard redevelopment plans at the next school council meeting. Three school policies were also reviewed and approved:

• Student Wellbeing and Engagement Policy
• Bullying Prevention Policy
• Anaphylaxis Policy

As this is a short update, I thought I’d jot down a few things that I like about being on the school council, as I’m often asked by parents and friends.

• Community Contribution: It’s a wonderful way to contribute to our school community. It allows parents and community members to be actively involved in the decision-making processes that affect our children’s education and the school environment.
• Building Stronger Connections: It helps build a stronger community by fostering communication between parents, teachers, and school leadership.
• Advocacy: It provides a platform to advocate for the needs and interests of all students.
• Personal Growth: Serving on the council offers an opportunity for personal growth. With my background in education as a former school teacher and Deputy Head, it also allows me to stay connected and provide insights from my own experiences.
• Positive Impact: It gives a great opportunity to make a positive impact on the school’s policies, programs, and overall environment, contributing to a better educational experience for all our students.

If there are vacancies on the council in 2025, I encourage you to consider throwing your hat in the ring!

~ Hayden Gyles, FPS School Council Parent Representative