School Council
July 26 School Council Meeting
School Council met on Wednesday 26 of July.
Camp Australia sent a letter confirming its service will continue for the rest of this year. Council also noted that there have been fewer cancellations of the before school or after school service in recent weeks.
Peter stated that the student population continues to fluctuate. There have been 158 students so far this year (including students who have departed) and this number is fast approaching our 2020 and 2021 totals. There are 10 confirmed enrolments for Prep in 2024, however the interest from the community indicates we need to consider returning to our normal two class Prep structure in 2024. The fluctuation/increase in enrolments is directly related to the increase of international families returning to the area on short term and long-term arrangements.
Peter also presented the results of the ‘student attitude to school’ survey. All students in Year 4-6 are asked about issues such as teaching, sense of belonging, bullying and expected standards. School Council consider the results as very positive and noted significant improvements since last year in the areas of ‘respect for diversity’, ‘sense of inclusion’, ‘self-regulation and goal setting’, and ‘student-teacher’ relations.
The Finance Sub-Committee reported the Department of Education has sent through some additional student welfare funding that will go into the provision of education support staff. Council approved a $350 fee for school camp this year for Year 3-6.
Only 40% of parents have paid voluntary contributions so far this year. The front office has sent out reminders. If you are unable to pay the full amount, please talk to the office if you would like to contribute via a payment plan.
Electricity costs have risen substantially, and the school is working on energy saving plans, especially with the introduction of new facilities.
Council heard from the Community Engagement Sub-Committee that the uniform survey generated 52 responses. The results will be presented to the school community along with some general information about the school uniform policy and the uniform shop. The new policy will be put to council next month. It will include minor changes such as introducing pinafores (sleeveless winter dresses to be worn over a navy or yellow skivvy or polo-shirt).
The Community Engagement Sub-Committee will create a petition asking City of Stonnington to review parking restrictions around the school. In particular, delaying parking restrictions until 9.30am on the mornings when street cleaners come through and adding two more 15-minute spots at the driveway on The Avenue.
The Buildings & Grounds Sub-Committee has confirmed that the Victorian School Building Authority will still upgrade the grounds at The Avenue end of the school. The logs that school has stored for over a year will be used for the eco-playground.
The school has applied for several grants, and we are waiting for a response from the respective providers. We recently received a grant from Variety for sensory activities. Please let the office know if you have experience securing grants and have time to help with any of our applications.
Lucy Battersby
School Council Vice-President / Convenor Community Engagement Sub-Committee