School Council

Upwey South Primary School Council comprises a group of dedicated staff and parent volunteers who are working together for the ‘big picture’ future of our school, and ultimately our students.

Councillors collaborate to ensure high quality governance of our school and monitor finance, facilities and school policies as well as seeking opportunities to engage with and represent the wider school community. School Council ensures that these integral areas of the school operations are compliant with regulations and reflect the overall strategic direction and values of our school. We are working together for the best possible learning environments and resources for the students of Upwey South.

The School Council welcomes feedback and opportunities to engage with the school community on any of these areas. If at any time you would like to offer suggestions or feedback or have any questions, please feel free to contact our School Council President at peta.cartwright2@education.vic.gov.au

The functions of subcommittees are to identify and investigate proposals for development in their area of responsibility, and to report and make recommendations to School Council on the implementation of these recommendations. School Council retains the responsibility for all decision making.

In 2020 the Subcommittees of School Council have been ratified as:

Finance & Facilities 

Convenor: Trudi Bons

Members: Trudi Bons, Peta Cartwright, Nick Orr, Damien Kitch, Janet Young

Functions: To oversee financial governance, aspects of financial management, improvement targets and aspects of the allocation of school resources, in line with strategic plans and budgets. To provide general oversight of buildings and grounds to ensure good condition and to make recommendations on replacement, extension and alterations in line with strategic plans and budgets.

Please contact peta.cartwright2@education.vic.gov.au for any queries regarding the Finance & Facilities committee.

Governance & Policy

Convenor: Nick Orr

Members: Nick Orr, Janet Young, Llewela Humphries

Functions: To oversee the review and development of polices which govern the practice of the school and the School Council and to consult with the school community where appropriate. To provide updates and recommendations to School Council based upon VRQA (Victorian Regulations and Qualifications Authority) and DET legal requirements.

Please contact peta.cartwright2@education.vic.gov.au for any queries regarding the Goverance & Policy committee.

Community Relations & Engagement

Convenor: Rachel Morrissey

Members: Rachel Morrissey, Julia Collins, Peta Cartwright, Lisa Dam

Functions: To collaborate with school administration to seek and review opportunities to positively promote the school within the wider community. To review and enhance platforms for positive and effective communication. To explore opportunities for meaningful and reciprocal engagement with the wider community.

Please contact peta.cartwright2@education.vic.gov.au for any queries regarding the Community Relations & Engagement committee.

Grants

Convenor: Belinda Stevens

Members: Belinda Stevens, Todd Pyrse, Janet Young

Functions: To collaborate to identify and progress applications for grant monies in order to support facility and educational needs and enhancements in line with the school’s strategic plan and budget.

Please contact peta.cartwright2@education.vic.gov.au with any queries regarding the Grants committee

Any parent or interested community member can become involved in the actions of a subcommittee. The time commitment can vary, dependent upon the time of year, or focus, of a subcommittee. In general terms, you may be asked to attend up to two meetings per term (either in person or via teleconference).

The formation of sub committees, membership, purpose and terms of reference are determined and ratified by School Council at the beginning of each year. The structure of a school’s subcommittees can vary from year to year, dependent upon the strategic goals of the school.

It is a Standing Order of the USPS School Council that all subcommittees:

• have a minimum of three members
• contain at least one School Council member
• contain at least one existing USPS staff member
• are open to members of the school community who do not hold a School Council position.

It is a Standing Order of School Council that all school councillors are to be a member of at least one subcommittee.

If you are interested in being a non-council member of any of the subcommittees, please contact peta.cartwright2@education.vic.gov.au for further information.

Each year, School Council ratifies an Annual Report, which provides information to the public on achievements for the preceding year.

To view the latest Annual Report click the link below:

Annual Report