Section 4.1 School Council Code of Practice

Albion North Primary School Council acknowledges that it operates within the Education Act and Regulations.

The role and responsibilities of the Albion North School Council include the following:

• Preparation of the School Charter, the school Annual Report and self-assessment phase of the Triennial Review.
• Monitoring the implementation and achievement of the School Charter goals and priorities.
• Development of an adequate information base for the school annual reports and school review.
• Providing school policy development consistent with the school goals and priorities.
•  Establishment of communication links within the school community.
• Responding to the diversity of the school community.
• Management of confidentiality issues.

In meeting these responsibilities, Albion North Primary School Council will observe the following principles:

• The learning needs of the students will be the primary consideration in decision making.
• School community views will be canvassed and considered on major policy decisions.
• Diversity within the school community will be recognised and utilised.
• Discussions relating to employees will be strictly confidential.
• Disagreements will be resolved within the Council.
• Council will develop policy directions and observe the Principal’s right to implement policy in the most appropriate way.
• Members of the Council will be kept up to date regarding their responsibilities, current school practices and Department of Education and Training policies and directions by the Principal and will be given the opportunity to participate in appropriate training sessions.
• Public comment will the responsibility of the Principal, School Council President or their respective nominee.
• Progress in School Charter goals and priorities will be monitored regularly.
• School Council decisions will be publicly justifiable.
• School Councillors will declare conflict of interest where appropriate.

In implementing these principles, the following practices will apply:

• Council will meet at least eight times per year on a regular basis.
• Meeting procedures and decision making processes will operate as detailed in the School Council standing orders.
• Community members may attend School Council meetings but will not have voting rights.
• Clearly stated guidelines for elected office bearers will be provided.
• The following sub-committees of School Council will operate and report regularly to School Council

• Education
• Finance (including Fund Raising)
• Building & Grounds
• Marketing &Promotion

The Executive Officer (Principal) of the School Council will:

• Ensure that performance information on School Charter goals and priorities is provided regularly to School Council.
• Provide advice and guidance to the School Council on educational and other matters.
• Ensure that Council decisions are implemented in an efficient and timely manner.
• Ensure adequate support and resources are provided for the conduct of School Council meetings.