School Advisory Council
As a school governed by Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) St Peter’s School is required to have a School Advisory Council (SAC). We will have a vacancy on our SAC for a three year term commencing in 2026.
The SAC supports the principal, parish priest and leadership team of the school. Meetings are held for 1 hour each term (a weeknight at 6pm), onsite at St Peter’s School.
While no particular expertise is required, the school seeks people with a range of diverse skill sets to best advise the principal, united by a desire to provide the best possible education for our students.
A balanced membership with parent voice on the School Advisory Council is well-placed to advise the principal about important matters, particularly those related to the school’s mission and students’ success.
The needs of the council will be given priority in terms of ensuring a balance of gender, cultural diversity and skill sets.
Therefore, we are calling on you to express your interest in being part of the School Advisory Council. If you wish to be part of this exciting opportunity please email your expression of interest to principal@spclayton.catholic.edu.au by Friday 14 November.
Please read the information below to help you in your discernment and if you would like to talk to current SAC members then Karen (Ethan Yr4), Shan (Andi Yr 6/Maya Yr 3), Kim (Selena (Yr 3) and Phat (Cecilia (Yr 5 /Theresa F) would be more than happy to share their experiences with you.
Purpose of the School Advisory Council
The MACS board has responsibility for the strategic direction and oversight of the operation and management of MACS schools, including St Peter’s. Clear lines of authority, reporting and delegation from the MACS board through the Executive Director delegate the day-to-day operational management of St Peter’s School to its principal.
In keeping with the objects of the MACS Constitution, which states ‘The good work of educating the young, undertaken in the light of the Gospel, is a co-responsible task undertaken by every member of the Catholic school community’ (p. 3), the School Advisory Council provides a crucial point of connection between the wider school community and school leaders.
While the School Advisory Council does not have governance responsibility or decision-making authority, it supports the principal and school leadership and provides an important connection to the parish.
The School Advisory Council’s role, as determined by the MACS board through this Terms of Reference, supports the overall governance of MACS schools as it ‘is to give consideration to, and advice on, important school matters in order to support the principal and the strategic interest of the school’ (Working Together in Mission p. 18).
Role of the School Advisory Council
Advisory in nature The School Advisory Council provides a forum for discussion and discernment, where parent voice and community perspective are available to inform and support the decisions made by the principal and parish priest as the custodian of mission for the good of school and parish where students’ wellbeing and outcomes are paramount.
It is important that School Advisory Council members understand that their primary role is to provide assistance and advice on school matters to support the principal in their leadership role.
School Advisory Councils do not have a legal identity and do not become involved in the day-to-day management of the school. The School Advisory Council must act within the parameters of this Terms of Reference.
The following are some examples of the many ways the School Advisory Council may support the school and the principal:
● articulating and enacting the school’s vision and mission
● promoting the school’s Catholic ethos and culture
● promoting faith formation and development
● supporting school policies as required
● giving advice to the principal on issues such as school improvement plans and enrolment trends
● engaging in discussion with the principal about the annual school budget and other financial matters
● giving advice to the principal about the school master plan
● providing capital resource planning and maintenance support to the principal.