From the Principal
SCHOOL COUNCIL ELECTIONS
Nominations open today for a two year position on the Oakleigh Primary School and Kindergarten School Council. There are currently 3 vacancies for the Parent Member category and 1 vacancy for the DET (Dept Education and Training) category. There will also be a Casual Vacancy for a parent member due to the resignation of Jimmy Mastrandonakis who is unable to continue as his son completed Year 6 last year. I would like to publicly thank Jimmy and Jim Apokis for their contributions to the Council.
Who is on the School Council?
There are three possible categories of membership:
A mandated elected parent category. More than one third of the total members must be from this category. DET (Dept Education and Training) employees can be parent members at their child’s school as long as they are not employed at the school.
A mandated elected DET employee category. Members of this category may make up no more than one third of the total membership of School Council. The Principal of the school is automatically one of these members.
Two optional community members category. Its members are appointed by a decision of the Council because of their special skills, interests or experiences. DET employees are not eligible to be Community members. One of the Community members will be a representative of the kindergarten. The term of office is two years. Half the members must retire each year thus creating vacancies for the Annual School Council elections.
2018 Parent Member Election details
| Membership Category | Term of Office | Number of Positions |
| Parent Member | From the day after the declaration of the poll in 2020 to and inclusive of the date of the declaration of the poll in 2021 | Three |
| Casual Vacancy | This person will be elected by council at the School Council meeting in March. The term of office will be for one year. | One |
Nomination forms may be obtained from the school from today, Tuesday, 18th February and must be lodged by Tuesday, 25th February 2020.
If the number of nominations exceed the number of vacancies a ballot is required for that membership category. The ballot will open on 3rd March.
If the number of nominations is less than the number of vacancies, a notice to that effect and calling for further nominations will be posted in a prominent position at the school.
What is a School Council and what does it do?
All Government schools in Victoria have a School Council. They are legally constituted bodies that are given powers to set the key directions of a school within centrally provided guidelines. In doing this, a School Council is able to directly influence the quality of education that the school provides for its students.
Why is Parent membership so important?
Parents on School Councils provide important viewpoints and have valuable skills that can shape the future direction of the school.
Should parents wish to further discuss their involvement in the School Council please do not hesitate to contact me.
Office Relocation
The Administration Area is now working from the main building in the refurbished original area.
I would like to thank Jane, Susan, Bron and Moira who spent many hours relocating everything in the area to our new spaces. Whilst still a work in progress we are very pleased with our new work areas, which are proving to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Getting to Know You Interviews
Yesterday you received notification about the Getting To Know You Interviews for this year, taking place in the week beginning Monday, 24th February. These meetings are held to assist your child’s teacher in understanding your child more thoroughly. They are not designed to discuss progress – these meetings are held mid-year or at any other time pre-arranged between you and the teacher. Instead, it is an opportunity for you to let us know about your child – their routines, habits, likes/dislikes etc. and any other issues from home that you feel might impact on their education. It is also a chance for you to get to know your child’s teacher.
Bookings are made online, using an online booking program. If you do not have internet access please speak to your child’s teacher or someone in the office and we can make a booking for you.
Air Conditioners
Thanks to our fundraising event – The Walk-a-thon and donations to the School Building Fund we installed three air conditioners in January. Two are located in the new classroom area and one in the staffroom. We are also installing a new one in the Library, as the older one is no longer working.
WELCOME BATTLE OF THE BANDS DANCE
On Thursday, 19th March we will be holding our first community get together –BATTLE OF THE BANDS.
Community events are an enjoyable way to welcome new members to our school community and rekindle old friendships.
The event will commence at 6.30pm with a family picnic (BYO food and drink) and entertainment beginning shortly after.
Families are encouraged to wear rock ‘n roll clothing.
Each student will learn a rock ‘n roll dance in class and will perform them on the night.
The night will finish at approximately 8pm with a final dance involving the whole community.
Michele Nolan
Principal
nolan.michele.m@edumail.vic.gov.au