School Council Report

School Council met once again on Tuesday night. We started with the Principal’s report, a fantastic round up of the wonderful things happening around the school. It included a wrap up of the events held so far this term, some more detailed NAPLAN data and comparative results, updates on staffing and Foundation offers all sent out for 2026.

We went through all our sub committee reports. First up was the Finance committee report, we heard about the recent audit and all the work Shikha put in to prepare for it and supply the auditors with everything they need. There was some budget shuffling to reflect spending needs and accommodate new needs.

Kate gave us an update from the Buildings and Grounds committee who are busy with keeping abreast of some upgrades needed to infrastructure as well as the B Block renovations. They planned the upcoming working bee which will focus on some maintenance of the gardens. It was disappointing to hear that students had put rocks in the learning world toilets causing a significant repair bill. Turns out we need to teach our kids what not to put in toilets!

The OSCH committee report gave us a glimpse into the hectic world of the out of school hours care problem and as always Council members commented on what a fantastic job Jill and Bede do to deliver such a great program.

The Parents and Friends Association are busy as always organizing and supporting events with a busy calendar to round out the year, the read-a-thon, the parent social night Comedy Gala is just around the corner, PFA is supporting the World’s Greatest Shave event, the Art Show, Peter Combe concert, the third annual Fete de la Primavera. And if that isn’t enough the Newlands 75th anniversary event at the end of November.

The Education, Wellbeing and Policy committee has had a significant change in its membership so have mostly been catching up and learning about the changes prompted by the parent opinion survey from last year. Don’t forget to complete this years parent opinion survey to have your say on what matters to you at school.

The Spanish committee hosted the first very successful evening Salsa class for parents and we hear there will be more to come. The Spanish club is going really well with a small but engaged group each Monday afternoon.

We heard an update on the rebranding project with a design company being chosen who will soon begin community engagement. Keep an eye out for how you can have your say on the rebrand.

Tuesday morning saw some VIP guests at school with Premier Jacinta Allen accompanied by local MPs Nathan Lambert and Anthony Cianflone who tried out their basketball skills with some of our students who play in the Coburg and Darebin leagues.

Claire Moore

School Council President