2023 School Council Call For Nominations
An election is to be conducted for members of the school council of AVONDALE PRIMARY SCHOOL. Nomination forms may be obtained from the school and must be lodged by 4.00pm on FRIDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2023.
Following the closing of nominations, a list of the nominations received will be posted at the school.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.The ballot will close at 4.00pm on TUESDAY 14 MARCH 2023 (if required).The terms of office, membership categories and number of positions in each membership category open for election are as follows:Membership category: Parent memberTerm of officeFrom the day after the date of the declaration of the poll in 2023 to and inclusive of the date of the declaration of the poll in 2025Number of positions: 4Membership category School employee memberTerm of officeFrom the day after the date of the declaration of the poll in 2023 to and inclusive of the date of the declaration of the poll in 2025Number of positions: 1
SCHOOL COUNCIL 2023
Newly elected members will join School Council, which meets twice per term. The Principal will preside at the first meeting of the new School council on Tuesday, March 28 at 7pm, to elect office bearers. I would like to extend my appreciation and gratitude to those School Council members whose two year term is ending/up for re-election, for their valued contributions to Avondale Primary School:
• Isabelle Sawtell
• Dina Carranza
I also extend my appreciation and gratitude to Scott Cameron for filling the casual vacancy. Additional information about the 2023 School Council elections will be posted on Compass next week. The timeline below provides specific details for our community.
School council election process and timetable
Name of the school: Avondale Primary School
Letter
Event
DATE
a)
Notice of election and call for nominations
Friday, 17 February 2023
b)
Closing date for nominations
Friday, 24 February 2023
c)
Date by which the list of candidates and nominators will be posted
Tuesday, 28 February 2023
d)
Date by which ballot papers will be prepared and distributed
Tuesday, 7 March 2023
e)
Close of ballot
Tuesday, 14 March 2023
f)
Vote count
Thursday, 16 March 2023
g)
Declaration of poll
Friday, 17 March 2023
h & i)
First council meeting to elect office bearers (the principal will preside). The co-opting of school council community members to be held at a later date.
Tuesday, 28 March 2023
School councils play a key role in Victorian government schools. Participating as a school council member at Avondale Primary School is a rewarding experience. Our 2023 council consists of 8 parents, 1 community member and 3 school staff members.
The school council supports the principal to provide the best possible educational outcomes for all of our students.
Current Membership
President - Isabelle SawtellVice President – Annerley Juhlin- BeeckTreasurer – Lance FergusonSecretary – Joe Scarfo
Anthony Baldwin (Community Member)
Annerley Juhlin-Beeck
Jill Benham (DET)
Scott Cameron
Dina Carranza
Carli Chamberlain
Lance Ferguson
Kerry Gribbin (DET)
Trevor Harrison
Isabelle Sawtell
Joe Scarfo (DET)
Brian Tyrrell
School Council News 2022
SCHOOL COUNCIL PRESIDENT’S REPORT- NOVEMBER 2022
We held our last Council meeting of 2022 on Tuesday 22 November.
The Council approved the following:
• Curriculum Days for 2023
• SunSmart Policy
• The Draft 2023 Indicative Budget Summary Report
• $75 refund/credit to parents for the Grades 3/4 Bendigo Camp
• 2023 Parent Payment Letter
• Team Kids school holiday Program will be accessible by current Grade 6 students and also students who will be commencing Foundation in 2023.
School Council discussed the following:
• The Interrelate Tricky Talks received very positive feedback and Council support the return of these in 2023.
• The School Council is keen to support future school activities (including Fundraising) and the discussed the possibility that all members could undertake the required training to obtain the Food Handling Certificate.
• The lawn mowing was also a key area of discussion with numerous factors including the significant rain fall and a change in mowing provider affecting the school grounds. Peter Gagliardi is investigating different solutions to address this.
• The water leak under the new building is still causing issues around the building and outside the school grounds. Jill is working closely with the VSBA (Victorian Schools Building Authority) to ensure this is rectified and is an ongoing investigation.
School Council members are excited to have the opportunity to attend the Grade 6 graduation to support our students progressing to high school in 2023. The end of year celebration on Thursday 8 December promises to be a highlight of 2022. The excitement is building in the community with some incredible raffle prizes to be won and live performances from each grade. We look forward to seeing the school community all together in a fun and relaxed setting to celebrate Avondale Primary!
Please support the fundraising sausage sizzle this Saturday 26 November held at the school for the Federal State Election. Helpers are still welcome even if you can only spare an hour! If not, just come and enjoy a sausage or 2!
SCHOOL COUNCIL PRESIDENT’S REPORT- SEPTEMBER 2022
We held our meeting on Tuesday 13 September (this week) and Council members were provided with Child Safety training in accordance with the new Child Safe Standards.
The following are highlights from our discussions based on the reports tabled at the meeting:
Excitement is building with Team Kids who are preparing to commence the OHSC next term.
Although not instigated by School Council, safety is a responsibility which falls under our remit. So, we are very pleased to see the introduction of the School Drop-Off zone this week in Wood Street, another positive way to help keep our children safe.
The Fundraising Team had a successful Father’s Day Stall and Sports Day lunch. They will be seeking volunteers for the State Election BBQ on Saturday 26 November 2022.
The Facilities Subcommittee have replaced the sand in the sandpit with a new cover and shade sails will soon be installed beside the Futsal Court. There are a number of improvements/ projects in the making including a bike shed and extension of the PA system.
The Canteen is undergoing some menu changes…keep an eye on Compass for more details.
The Education Subcommittee is currently reviewing the Homework Policy and will discuss this at the next meeting.
The Council endorsed the new Statement of Values and School Philosophy which can now be shared with our community.
SCHOOL COUNCIL PRESIDENT’S REPORT- AUGUST 2022
Our last meeting was held on Tuesday 16 August in which we welcomed our new member, Scott Cameron who has filled a vacant position on the Council.
Daniel from TeamKids, our newly appointed OSHC provider, shared an informative presentation followed by a Q & A session. The Council are very pleased to welcome TeamKids to our Avondale community to provide new and exciting opportunities for our children. An information webinar has been scheduled in Week 10.
The Child Safety Code of Conduct was endorsed by the Council and consultation with related Child Safe policies has occurred.
Some highlights from our School Council Subcommittee meetings are:
Canteen: We require additional volunteers! Please contact avondale.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au if you would like to be involved
Keep an eye out on Compass for some specials on the Canteen Menu in the next few months
Education: What is the most effective way to communicate regular information and share our teaching and learning with families?
Fundraising: Exciting activities planned include a Father’s Day Stall and a State Election Day BBQ. Further details to be released soon.
SCHOOL COUNCIL PRESIDENT’S REPORT- MAY 2022
Our last meeting was held on Tuesday 17th May 2022. The Council ratified the following:
The Council discussed the role of subcommittees and proposing meetings for them for the duration of the year. Participation in subcommittees is a fantastic way to be involved in the school and we welcome anyone who is interested. The subcommittees are:
The dates for these monthly meetings will be shared through Compass this If you would like to be involved, please email the school avondale.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au
We also discussed ideas for some whole school events (including some possibilities for the Fundraising Subcommittee) for students and families and would love some input from the Student Representative Council (SRC) to see what the students think.
SCHOOL COUNCIL PRESIDENT’S REPORT- MARCH 2022
On Tuesday we held our School Council AGM and meeting. It was great to all meet and acknowledge our retiring members, Dannie Sophoulis, Andrew Barker and Ajay Bhargava, and welcomed our new members, Trevor Harrison, Annerley Juhlin-Beeck, Brian Tyrrell and Lance Ferguson.
School Council Subcommittees
We are seeking expressions of interest for parent involvement in our subcommittees. These are a great way to learn more about the school and contribute your ideas/skills/ expertise. The subcommittees do not require any former experience, just an interest and enthusiasm to be involved.
Your canteen needs you!!!!
Di is seeking volunteers for next term. If you are able to volunteer to assist in the canteen on a Monday, Thursday or Friday, even if it is just for half a day, please contact the school office. You can make some amazing friends working here, it’s a great way to get experience and your children will love having you there!
Please contact avondale.ps@education.vic.gov.au to express your interest in joining a subcommittee or volunteering in the canteen.
