School Council Update

School Council Update for Term 2

We’ve started the year off well and will continue working together to make Gisborne Secondary College the best it can be for our students and community.

Who we are

Our current members are listed below and on the school website, and we encourage anyone interested in joining to get in touch.

We have three active sub-committees, with newly expanded roles:

·        Finance

·        Fundraising and Community

·        Education and Policy

We’re always keen to see fresh faces and you are welcome to join a sub-committee without joining the full School Council.  If you’d like to get involved, please let us know your area of interest - we value your contribution. 

Please feel free to contact the School Council, by emailing: gisborne.sc@education.vic.gov.au Attn: School Council President.

The Fundraising and Community Subcommittee is chaired by one of our School Council members Leonie Williams.  This group, made up of council members, school staff members and the Principal meets ahead of each School Council meeting to approve fundraising applications and work on community and fundraising ideas.  The subcommittee’s responsibilities include:

Community Engagement

• Foster positive relationships between the College, students, families, alumni and the broader community through inclusive activities and initiatives that build connection and school pride. 
• Encourage participation and collaboration by supporting volunteers, welcoming new families, facilitating communication, and promoting parent and community engagement opportunities. 
• Develop and strengthen partnerships with community organisations, alumni and other stakeholders to enhance opportunities for the College and its students. 

• Promote opportunities for students to contribute positively to their local and broader communities and provide recommendations to School Council on community engagement initiatives.

   

Fundraising

• Develop and implement fundraising activities aligned with school priorities, ensuring transparency, inclusivity and compliance with relevant Department of Education policies and legislation. 
• Provide oversight of fundraising initiatives, including monitoring outcomes, evaluating effectiveness and reporting to School Council through the Finance Sub-Committee. 
• Develop and review guidelines for the equitable allocation of funds raised, with consideration given to supporting a balanced range of school programs and activities, including arts, music, sport and academic initiatives. 

Meet our Councillors

In this edition we’d also like to introduce Leonie Williams. Leonie is the chair of our Fundraising and Community sub-committee and also sits on the Finance sub-committee with Darren and Allan. Leonie spent over 30 years in large organisations as a Business Manager who has now shifted to dedicate herself to volunteering, supporting the local community through local projects or events and working with people with disabilities. Leonie brings a wealth of business, fundraising and community experience to the role.

Leonie has served on the School Council for two years. She has 2 children, both at GSC, in year 9 and year 11. 

Leonie loves making a difference and is passionate about helping people achieve what they set out to do. Whether its coaching and mentoring or rolling up her sleeves to support others, she believes the best outcomes occur when everyone works together to create win-win-win solutions.

Leonie values strong school communities and believes that when students, families and schools work in partnership, young people are best placed to thrive and achieve their potential.

Feel free to get in touch with Leonie by emailing: gisborne.sc@education.vic.gov.au 

Attn: School Council – Leonie Williams.