Governing Council

Governance in schools and preschools is the responsibility of the governing council whose role is directed by the constitution and code of practice. In this model of governance:

The cooperative role of governing council and school staff is emphasised. 

Management and governance are clearly separated.  The focus is on improving student learning outcomes. The broad directions are set and monitored by the governing council.  The site leader and staff are responsible for reporting. Joint ares of accountability are minimised.

Governing Councils:

Set Broad Direction (In conjunction with the site leader)
The governing council identifies and incorporates, where possible, student, parent and community input and values into the broad direction of the school. The principal/preschool director brings the staff perspective to these undertakings. The broad direction may include a future vision, a statement of purpose and a set of values that clearly focus on improving student learning.  

 Develop Broad Directional Policy
The governing council develops broad policy statements that facilitate the achievement of the school vision and broad direction. 

 Initiate and Approve Recommendations and Strategies
All recommendations must conform with government policy, industrial agreements, DECS policy and direction and site decision making structures.

Principals work with parents, staff and students to develop recommendations and strategies to achieve the broad site directions jointly set with the governing council. These strategies will include but are not restricted to: 

 A Site Learning Plan that is developed in consultation with the staff and community through the sub committee structures. This plan must incorporate state and federal requirements as well as local priorities that will achieve the broad direction set by the governing council.

The allocation of resources to best achieve the objectives of the Site Learning Plan. Resource allocation must take into account risk management, sustainability and industrial and accountability requirements. The budget recommendation will be developed with the Finance Advisory Committee (FAC) and staff and must be directed towards the Site Learning Plan.  Draft budgets and the final recommendation will be presented to the governing council by the Treasurer. The governing council has final responsibility for budget approval.

Through decision making structures and groups within the school, principals and directors will engage the staff and parents in the development of the Site Learning Plan. Similarly groups such as the Personnel Advisory Committee (PAC) and the Finance Advisory Committee (FAC) are involved in the recommended allocation of resources that make up the annual budget and resource planning strategies. These plans are presented to the governing council for comment and approval.

Monitor Progress
The governing council monitors the site budget and progress towards the broad directions set and the targets of the Site Learning Plan. This is done at each governing council meeting where the principal and treasurer provide information and data as a part of their reports against the plans, priorities and budget. A summary of these forms the basis of the Annual Report.

Report Progress

Management and Leadership

Site management and educational leadership is the responsibility of the principal and staff. It is not a part of the governance role involving the governing council and wider community.

If individual community members have an issue with a staff member they should attempt to resolve the matter directly with the staff member at an early stage. If this is not successful then the matter should be referred to the principal.

If individual community members are concerned with management decisions or have an issue with the principal they must discuss these with the principal and if not satisfied with the result then refer the matter to the District Director.