School Council News

A focus upon driving continuous school improvement

Acknowledgement of our Staff and Parent Association

As the 2025 school year draws to a close, the School Council would like to publicly express their heartfelt thanks and gratitude for staff and parent/carer volunteers who keep our school progressing in a positive direction.

Whilst some of your work may occur in the background, and you undertake your tasks without fanfare, we acknowledge the unwavering commitment you demonstrate to support our students and wider community. You are seen, you are heard, and you are highly valued by all members of School Council.

15th December 2025

Dear USPS Teaching and Support Staff,

As we come to the close of 2025, the entire School Council wishes to extend its sincere and heartfelt thanks to every member of our Upwey South Primary School staff team. There is so much to say in recognition of this year, and yet none of it feels quite enough to capture the care, professionalism, and commitment you bring to our school community every single day.

It is evident that this year has been marked by a strong and deliberate balance between student wellbeing and high-quality learning. Your collective efforts have ensured that students are not only supported and safe, but also challenged, inspired, and encouraged to achieve their best. The recent Gold accreditation for School-Wide Positive Behaviour for Learning is a significant achievement and a clear reflection of the consistency, care, and shared expectations that underpin daily practice across the school.

Equally, the ongoing focus on your own professional growth through commitment to internal and external professional learning, the effective coordination of Professional Learning Communities, and data-informed decision making, has strengthened both teaching practice and collective efficacy. This has been complemented by thoughtful engagement with outreach and specialist services to support students with additional and complex learning needs, ensuring inclusivity remains central to our work. Seeing students who benefit, we will be forever thankful for your dedication in this area.

The impact of this commitment is clearly reflected in the outcomes achieved by our students, both academically and socially, and in the confidence shown by our community. The Parent Opinion Survey provides particularly affirming feedback, with consistently strong results across key areas, including student wellbeing and support structures, the promotion of positive behaviour, and overall school pride and confidence. Families have expressed high levels of trust in the standard of education provided, the expectations held for students, the enthusiasm of teachers, and the sense of safety and belonging experienced by their children. These results are a direct reflection of your daily efforts and professionalism.

The School Council also acknowledges the openness and goodwill shown by staff in engaging with important work around succession planning and future-proofing our school. Your willingness to contribute to change, support one another, and invest in the long-term sustainability of high-quality education at USPS speaks strongly to the shared values that define this community as we look ahead to 2026 and beyond.

On behalf of the entire School Council, thank you for your extraordinary dedication, care, and leadership. You make a profound difference in the lives of our children and their families, and we are deeply grateful.

We wish you and your loved ones a safe and restful break, a joyful festive season, and thank you once again for your continued care and leadership of our children.

With warm regards and sincere appreciation,

Robert Shepherd
President – School Council
Cameron Glover
Vice President – School Council
Upwey South Primary School

15th December 2025

Dear Members of the USPS Parents’ Association,

On behalf of the entire Upwey South Primary School Council, we write to express our sincere and heartfelt thanks for the extraordinary contribution you have made to our school community throughout the year.

While the list of achievements alone is impressive, what stands out most is that your work extends far beyond the successful delivery of events or the funds raised. At its core, the Parents’ Association has been a powerful builder of community, connection, and belonging - qualities that define the spirit of Upwey South Primary School.

The coordination of more than 90 inducted volunteers is no small undertaking. It reflects remarkable organisation, commitment, and generosity of time. Through this collective effort, you have created opportunities for students and families to come together in meaningful ways, whether through Mothers’ and Fathers’ Day stalls, term special lunch days, or the Paint ‘n’ Sip evening that brought parents together in a relaxed and joyful setting. These events do more than provide a service, they strengthen relationships and reinforce the sense that our school is a shared endeavour.

Your stewardship of the second-hand uniform shop continues to provide both practical support and inclusivity for families, while also modelling sustainability and care for our environment - values we seek to instil in our students.

The fundraising and engagement initiatives you have led this year have been equally impactful. From the Breast Cancer Network Australia fundraiser to the Easter and Christmas raffles, and the refreshments at the Christmas Concert, each event has demonstrated how purpose, generosity, and fun can coexist. These initiatives not only raise vital funds, but also bring energy and connection to the life of the school.

Importantly, the tangible outcomes of your work can be seen in the improvements to our learning and play environments. Contributions towards synthetic turf extensions, the replacement of the junior sandpit and play area, and the future investment in expanded play fields along Riley Road will benefit students for years to come. These are lasting legacies, all visible reminders of what can be achieved when a community works together for its children. You are the community and we are incredibly grateful.

Please know that your efforts are deeply valued and genuinely appreciated by the School Council, staff, students, and families alike. The time, care, and leadership you provide enrich our school in ways that cannot be measured solely in dollars raised or events delivered. You help make Upwey South Primary School a place where people feel connected, supported, and proud to belong.

As the year draws to a close, we wish each of you and your families a joyful Christmas and a safe, restful holiday season. May the break offer time to recharge, reflect, and enjoy precious moments together. We look forward to continuing this wonderful partnership with you in the year ahead.

With sincere gratitude and warm wishes,

Robert Shepherd
President – School Council
Cameron Glover
Vice President – School Council
Upwey South Primary School

School Council Membership- 2026

From 2026, parents, carers and community members who would like to join the School Council need a working with children (WWC) clearance to nominate.

If you are considering nominating for School Council, and don’t already have a WWCC, I encourage you to apply for a volunteer WWC check as soon as possible. This will allow for processing times, which are estimated to be from 3 to 12 weeks.

Please note that if you do not hold a WWC clearance, you will not be able to nominate for School Council, so it is vital that you prepare in advance. Obtaining a WWC clearance is free for volunteers, and you can apply online at Service Victoria.

When applying for your volunteer WWC check, please nominate the Department of Education as the organisation you are working for.

If you already hold an employee WWC clearance, you do not need to obtain a volunteer WWC clearance to nominate for school council.

Victorian Institute of Teaching-registered teachers and school students who are interested in joining school council are not required to obtain a WWC clearance.

Current parents and community members of school council do not need to apply for a WWC check immediately. Current members only need a WWC clearance if their term ends and they wish to nominate or be co-opted again.

For more information, refer to Ministerial Order 1280 (Constitution of Government School Councils) 2020.

Seeking Input into School Council Subcommittees

In 2026, we are seeking additional parent/carer involvement in helping to shape the future direction of our school. You can become involved in this exciting opportunity by joining a subcommittee.

What is a subcommittee?

Joining a subcommittee is a great way to help support your child’s school. Subcommittees assist council in the work that needs to be done annually, and report regularly at school council meetings. They provide advice and make recommendations to school council, which has the final responsibility for making decisions.

The decision-making responsibilities of the council should not be compromised by the work of any sub-committee. The membership, purpose and terms of reference of subcommittees are determined by the council. Members of a subcommittee may be school council and non-school council members. Sub-committees must have at least three members including at least one school council member. Sub-committees should have procedures for agendas, minutes and reporting to the council.

What subcommittees are available to join in 2026?

Community Engagement Sub-Committee:

Oversee the promotion of school to the wider community, with the aim of aligning joint practices and directions to promote community engagement; overseeing fundraising initiatives; coordinating Parents Association (PA) dates with wider school calendar dates; communicating opportunities for students, families and staff to engage with the wider community. This committee will also present PA Minutes to School Council, and act as the conduit between the PA and the School Council. Source grant opportunities for the school.

In 2026, this subcommittee will action parent information evenings which are aligned with the curriculum directions of our school, with evenings to scheduled cover curriculum areas such as Auslan, Cybersafety, and Respectful Relationships.

A detailed ‘Terms of Reference’ document is available for the above subcommittee.

Governance Sub-Committee:

Oversee the governance aspects of school management, improvement targets and aspects of the strategic direction of school. Oversee the policy documents written by school to provide approval recommendations to School Council.

If you are interested in becoming involved in one of the above subcommittees, please email;

Upwey.south.ps@education.vic.gov.au

School Council Membership 2025

Following our recent call for nominations, we can now announce the following membership for School Council:

Parent Members:

Rob Shepherd (2025-2027) - School Council President
Lonia Mitchell (2025-2027)
Clare Stewart (2025- 2027)
Emily Rainey (2025-2027) - School Council Treasurer
Damien Capocchi (2024-2026)
Jessica Arnall (2024-2026)
Cameron Glover (2024-2026) - School Council Vice President

Staff Members:

Llewela Humphries (2025-2027) - School Council Secretary
Melinda Rowe (2025-2026)
Stacey Bowles (2024-2026)

Executive Officer:

Damien Kitch (ongoing)