Parent Information Booklet

School Council and Fundraising

School Council

School Council

School councils play a key role in Victorian government schools. Participating as a school council member is a rewarding and challenging experience. The school council supports our principal to provide the best possible educational outcomes for students.

 

The school council operates under a legislative framework within the Victorian government school system, which includes the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 and the Education and Training Reform Regulations 2007. Each school council is established by an Order of the Minister for Education. 

 

School Council is made up of elected representatives of both staff and parents, as well as our Principal. All members play a pivotal role in the operation of our school. School Council liaises with staff and the community to assist the school in achieving excellence in education. Regular monthly meetings are conducted at least 8 times per year. 

 

Main Functions of School Council

School Council has four main responsibilities:

  • Finance – overseeing the development of the school’s annual budget and ensuring proper records are kept of the school’s financial operation.
  • Building & Grounds – maintaining the school’s grounds and facilities
  • Strategic Planning – participating in the development and monitoring of the school strategic plan.
  • Policy Development and Review – developing, reviewing and updating policies that reflect a school’s values and support the school’s broad direction outlined in its strategic plan.

Other key functions of school councils include:

  • raising funds for school-related purposes
  • maintaining school grounds and facilities
  • entering into contracts
  • reporting annually to the school community and the Department
  • representing and taking the views of the community into account
  • regulating and facilitating after-hours use of school premises and grounds
  • operating a children’s service at the school.

Sub Committees

Parents are also welcome to join our Sub Committee Group. Please email the school if you wish to join a sub committee.

 

Sub committees include -

  • Student Learning and Wellbeing make recommendations on overall policy matters relating to the school’s curriculum.
  • Finance make recommendations to Council on school financial matters, including the school budget.
  • Events, Fundraising and Marketing promote the welfare of, and provide support to the school and its community, to make recommendations to Council on publicity and marketing strategies for the school.
  • Policy Review and Development make recommendations to Council on school policies, and to maintain oversight of the policy review timelines.
  • Buildings and Grounds make recommendations to Council on matters relating to school buildings, grounds, landscaping, gardens and play areas.

Joining a Sub Committee is an excellent opportunity to be a proactive member of our school community. We are very grateful for the variety of skills our parents are able to offer to help us with the many projects that happen within our school - landscape gardeners, builders, architects, chefs, graphic designers, interior designers, accountants, teachers professional sports players plus more!

 

If you are a parent (or guardian) of a child at the school, we encourage you to nominate for vacant positions on council or become actively involved with any of the sub-committees. It is important to have a range of skills and talents on School Council, and your input would be greatly appreciated. 

Fundraising

We are proud of our vibrant parent community at Toorak Primary school who collectively help to organise and run a number of fundraising events throughout the year. Events include -

  • Welcome Picnic
  • Mother's Day lunch
  • Mother's Day Stall
  • The Fathering Project
  • Trivia night
  • Father's Day Breakfast
  • Parent Movie Night
  • Kid's Disco
  • Art Show
  • Xmas Raffles
  • Cake Lotto
  • Election cake and sausage sizzle stall
  • Community Coffee Cart Mornings

We encourage parents to volunteer as it is a great way to meet new friends, support your child with their learning journey and raise funds for our school. We very much appreciate parental involvement, small or large.