From the Principal

Dear families,

Keeping Our School Driveways Clear and Safe 

We have recently observed an increase in parents and carers parking in ‘Keep Clear’ school driveways and double parking during drop-off and pick-up times. We understand that these times can be busy and that families are often trying to move quickly; however, it is essential that all marked driveways and access points remain clear at all times.

These areas are designated emergency and access zones, and must be kept unobstructed to ensure safe entry for emergency services, contractors, deliveries, and school operations. When vehicles block these access points or double park, it creates safety risks for our students, families, and staff, and can delay urgent access if ever required.

We kindly ask all families to:

• Avoid parking in any ‘Keep Clear’ zones or school driveways
• Refrain from double parking, even for short periods
• Use designated parking areas and allow a little extra time during busy periods

The safety of our students is always our highest priority, and your cooperation plays a vital role in helping us maintain a safe environment for everyone. Thank you for your continued support and care for our school community. 

Reminders 

School Council Nominations

School Council Election

School councils play a key role in Victorian government schools. Participating as a school council member is a rewarding and challenging experience. The School Council supports the principal to provide the ​​best possible educational outcomes for students. 

Who is on the school council?

There are three possible categories of membership:

• A mandated elected parent category.

  More than one third of the elected members must be from this category.

• A mandated elected Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DE)

            Members of this category may make up no more than one third of the total                               membership of school council. The principal of the school is automatically one of                 these members.

• An optional community member category.

            These members are co-opted by the decision of the council because of their                            special skills, interests, or experiences. DET employees are not eligible to be                            community members. 

The term of office for members is two years. Normally half the members retire each year, and this creates vacancies for the annual school council elections. Retiring members are eligible for further terms and it is common for them to re-nominate. Our School Council is comprised of 7 parents, 5 staff (including the principal) and 3 community members, a total of fifteen. Typically, school council members complete their two-year term on school council and an annual election process commences to determine new membership if required.

This year the council has 3 parent vacancies available under the parent category and 2 community vacancies which will be appointed after the parent categories are filled. 

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 will be held in March this year if required.

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 school council
• encouraging another person to stand for election.

Do I need special experience to be on a school council?

No. What you 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.

Nomination forms are available from the school office.

Nominations close at 4pm Friday 27th February 2026.

For more information please visit: https://www.williamstownps.vic.edu.au/page/31/School-Council 

A big thank you to our outgoing members for the support and work over the last two years. Departing members also have the opportunity to renominate as well.

• Damien Wood  (Parent)
• Sally Winton  (Parent)
• Sarah Glasson  (Parent)
• Pande Jovanovski  (Parent/Community)
• Steven Puhar  (Staff)

Warm regards,

Mat Montebello