School Council Update

It’s been a productive month for the School Council! We’ve been busy reviewing the school’s financial reports from the past few months to ensure everything is tracking well and aligned with our policies around transparency and accountability. 

We’ve also begun discussions around the annual report, which will soon be available to the school community. Looking ahead, the council has started conversations about refining the school’s vision, mission, and objectives to guide us leading in to the coming years and the 2026 School Rev. In addition, we’re reviewing the latest policy updates to make sure we remain compliant with current regulations and best practices.

A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to making the Election BBQ such a wonderful event! It was a great success, and we’re especially grateful to our team of volunteers—most notably Hatice and Andrew, whose hard work and dedication made it all possible.

We received the recording of Brigitte Duclos (ABC Radio Melbourne) on Monday morning. Here is the link if you are interested in listening to a listener raving about our Election BBQ.  Jump to 3 min 30 secs: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/melbourne-afternoons/afternoons/105240182 

Kerith made a quick transcript of the conversation for us to share.

Brigitte Duclos (ABC Melbourne): I have a theory that there are two types of people, people who queue and people who don't. I'm interested to know from you today, what do you queue for? Nigel is in Moonee Ponds. Hello, there Nigel.

Nigel: Hello, I saw the most amazing queue up I've ever come across at the Essendon Primary School. People weren't queuing up for the (poling booths) oh, they were queued up for a little while there, but it was pretty good. But the hamburgers, the sausages, the sweets stall. People were coming all around Essendon and Moonee Ponds, and other booths where (stalls) weren't set up. The most organised parents' association I've ever come across. The sweets were like world class, you know, and all the candidates were there, the winner, actually, Jo (Briskey) was there. I saw her. She had two hamburgers and a few sweets.

BD: She was celebrating before the result. Goodness me.

N: Oh no, this is right at the end of the day. I think she she hadn't eaten all day, she was working too hard. All the other candidates were there. It was the most lovely, friendly setup I've ever come across, ever. Very great Australian atmosphere. 

BD: That's lovely. Nigel, so you are somebody that is willing to queue if the end is worth it, yeah.

N: Oh, the quality is worth it. It was just absolutely sheer quality. The pleasantness of the queue there at Essendon Primary School. Just lovely people. No matter what side of politics you're on. It was just a pleasure to be there, beautiful people.

BD: Oh, that is so great. Nigel, thank you. Congratulations to Essendon Primary School telling us that the democracy sausage is alive and well, and people were willing to queue.

Kind regards,

Maria Kendel

Communication and Publicity Leader

Essendon Primary School School Council