Community

SCHOOL COUNCIL 

What is a School Council?
All government schools in Victoria have a School Council. They are legally formed bodies that are given powers to set the key directions of a school within centrally provided guidelines. A School Council is able to directly influence the quality of education that the school provides for its students. School council sets the vision, determines priorities and ensures the school is responsive to the needs of the local community. 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. A mandated elected Department of Education employee category. No more than one third of the total membership must be from this category. An optional member category. A member can be co-opted by a decision of School Council because of their special skills, interests or experiences. The term of office of members is two years. Half the members must retire each year and this creates vacancies for the annual School Council elections. There must be at least 8 meetings during the year.


Why is parent membership so important?
Parents on school councils can provide important viewpoints and have valuable skills that can shape the direction of the school. Those parents who become active on a school council find their involvement satisfying in itself and may also find that their children feel a greater sense of belonging. You do not need special experience to be on school council, only an interest in your child’s school and the desire to work in partnership with others to help shape the school’s future.

 

School Council Committees
There are opportunities for school councillors to belong to a committee.
At Warranwood Primary School we have the following Committees:

  • Sustainability/Buildings and Grounds
  • Education
  • Finance (including Canteen)
  • Parents Association (including Spring Fair)
  • Promotions

The school looks forward to welcoming new and interested parents to School Council and would be pleased to answer any queries parents may have in relation to School Council.


Our School Council also has responsibility for endorsing the School Strategic Plan which outlines areas for improvement in school practices. The latest plan can be found here


Feel free to contact the Principal Steve Albon for further information.

 

 

 

HELPING OUT AT SCHOOL

There are lots of ways of helping at Warranwood Primary School. Programs are enhanced by the participation of parents and other community members.

 

Classroom Help
This is the most important way you can support the school and your children. Classroom helpers assist teachers by supervising small groups of students, enabling the teacher to focus on explicit instruction of other students, or listening to students read etc. This not only supports the teacher but enables parents to develop relationships with other students in your child's class. Your child will appreciate having you around, and thus feel more connected with school. Great home/school partnership! 

  

Interschool Sport 
Warranwood Primary School participates in the Ringwood District Sports Association inter-school competition. Students are encouraged to learn skills of major games and co-operate in a team when representing the school in the Summer and Winter teams competition. Sports include netball, football, soccer, cricket, basketball, softball, bat-tennis and volleyball. Successful teams in their division have the opportunity to extend themselves in the wider metropolitan finals that determine the State Champions. Parent support is vital to this program. if you are interested in assisting as a team coach, manager or umpire please let the school office know.

 

School Camps

Students attend camps from Years 3 - 6. This great opportunity for students is also a great opportunity for parents. We invite a small group of parents to join the teaching staff on each camp. These parents work the same long hours as the teachers, gaining an insight into the commitment and relationship building that each camp requires. 

 

Excursions

There are usually places for a few parents on most excursions students attend. Parents provide support to teachers and students, often enablling smaller groups at some venues and gaining an insight into their own child's learning as well. it is unfortunately not possible to allow pre-school children to attend with a parent, due to safetly and liability issues. 


Working Bees

We usually have at least one working bee per term. There are lots of jobs that need doing around the shcool, from maintenance to special projects.