School Council Elections 2023

An election is run every year in line with Department requirements. Every year there are four two-year positions to be filled in the Parent Member category and two two-year positions to be filled in the School Employee Member category.
Nomination forms are available from the front office.

The School Council at Fitzroy North Primary is made up of a group of parents and staff who give up their time to make a considerable contribution to the effective governance of our school.

At Fitzroy North Primary, the School Council has 8-10 meetings annually, and operates with a range of committees where much of the work is done. The committees are CAP (Curriculum & Policy), JSC (Junior School Council), BESI (Building, Environment, Sustainability and Infrastructure), Community Engagement, and Finance.

Of the eight elected members of Council from the parent cohort, there are four positions elected each year, for a two-year term. The Council is also made up of staff members, including the Principal, and co-opted community members, who bring additional skills to the Council. The School community is notified about nominations every year and we would encourage you to get involved in the School Council as an excellent way to make a contribution to the school community.

If Council is not for you, you can make a contribution in other ways, including through being a Grade Parent, volunteering as an in-class helper or helping with various fundraising activities throughout the year.

If you have any questions about our School Council or if you would like to be involved on one of the committees as a non-Council member, please fill in the form below to send an enquiry to our School Council President.

 

2023 FNPS School Council Members

President: Suzy Schmitz Principal: Tania Sorbello

Kelly Barrett
Sarah Boyd
Billy Browne
Melanie Johnson
Penny Jones
Melissa Lim
Joseph Norster (Vice President)
Rachel Walsh
Lincoln Grey

Tania Sorbello
Toby Russo
Jake Mutimer DET
Sarah Easton DET
Joseph Dykes DET

The role of school councils

School councils play a key role in Victorian government schools. The school council supports the principal to provide the best possible educational outcomes for students, and have three main responsibilities:

  1. Finance – overseeing the development of the school’s annual budget and ensuring proper records are kept of the school’s financial operation.

  2. Strategic Planning – participating in the development and monitoring of the school strategic plan.

  3. 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.

More information is available on School Councils generally here.