The Cheltonian

School Council News

Welcome to 2023!

 

I’d like to send a particular welcome to families new to Chelt.Sec...Hello new students! Hello new parents and guardians! I hope you're excited to start this new chapter in your education. I'm sure you'll find many opportunities to learn, grow, and make new friends here. If you need anything or have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out for support. Best of luck in your school journey!

 

Whether your child is in Year 7 or 12 or somewhere in between, getting involved in the school is a great way for them to make the most of your educational experience. Chat to your child about how they can get involved, including:

  1. Join a club or lunchtime activity that aligns with their interests or passions
  2. Participate in one of the school's sports teams, music or performing arts, develop their skills and enjoy
  3. Run for a leadership position in the SRC (student leadership) and help shape school policies and initiatives
  4. Give back to the community by participating in volunteer opportunities organised by the school or local organisations.
  5. Attend school events and activities to connect with peers and have fun.

Chelt.Sec students have the chance to meet new people, develop new skills, and make lasting memories. So support your child to step out of their comfort zone and try something new!

 

About Chelt.Sec School Council

Every government school has a council. Council’s role is governance and oversight. Council assists to develop and monitor strategic priorities, plans, policies and budgets, working with school staff leadership. School Council members are drawn from students, parents, Department of Education staff and the community. 

 

At Chelt.Sec, Council operates a number of sub-committees to take deep dives into key areas of school activities including Student Services, Education Policy, Building and Grounds, Finance, Engagement and Communication including Parents & Friends Association. 

 

This year our focus will include;

  • Culture, wellbeing and diversity: at Chelt.Sec, we value wellbeing and embrace diversity in all its forms. Our goal is to create a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where all students can thrive and reach their full potential. To support this, we celebrate and respect the unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of all students, and work to create an atmosphere where everyone feels valued and respected. We opened 2023 with a Smoking Ceremony for the Year 7s and 12s performed by Daniel Hume from the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation to heal and cleanse. We welcome our new Director of Wellbeing , Kerri Haworth and look forward to a year of deepening support programs and resources for students and staff. 
     
  • Progress on grounds and planned works: staff worked hard through the summer to get the school facilities in great shape for the new year. Looking into 2023 and beyond, we are very excited to have a funding promise of $7.3 million to improve the Year 7 classrooms and create a master plan for the school. We will be working closely with the school building authorities to get plans in place. 

 

Upcoming Council elections

Parent engagement plays a critical role in creating a strong and effective school community. School Council elections occur in March. This is a fantastic opportunity to get involved and have a voice in the decisions that impact your child’s education:

  1. Provide input and feedback on important issues and initiatives
  2. Help shape school policies and decision-making
  3. Connect with other parents and build a supportive network
  4. Foster a sense of community and belonging.

Nomination forms have been distributed via Compass and I urge you to read about the Council's role and responsibilities, current issues and initiatives. If you or someone you know would make a great council member, consider running for a position. And please spread the word; encourage other parents to get involved by running for a position or voting in the election. This helps your voice be heard.

 

Your current Council members are:

 

L-R standing: Andrew Hall - parent member, Bridget Geers - Treasurer and parent member, Ester Yefet - parent member, Susannah Bowen-Wheatley - President and parent member, Rory Hall - Vice-President and parent member, Emily Nicholls - DET member,  Peter Allen - DET member  

 

L-R lower: Hassan Al Manea - student member, Tobias Swales - student member.

 

Not shown: Brooke Matthews - DET member, Karl Russell - DET member

 

To find out more or get involved in School Council, contact Susannah (President): cheltpresident@gmail.com

 

Parents & Friends Association

Chelt.Sec’s Parents & Friends Association (P&F) gives you the chance to connect with other parents and families, share information, support your child's education, and make a difference in the school community. P&F raises funds for school initiatives, which can directly benefit your child's education. Plus you can keep informed and make friends! 

 

To find out more or get involved in the Parents and Friends Association, contact Sharon: pfcheltsec@gmail.com

 

Finally, join the family community on Facebook for swapping information, textbook and uniform secondhand sales: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cheltsecfamily

 

We’ve got a busy start to the year with Year 7 Camp, Year 12 Formal and NAPLAN just a few weeks away. All best wishes for getting settled in. 

 

Susannah Bowen-Wheatley

School Council President