All government schools in Victoria have a School Council.  They are legally formed bodies that are given the authority to set the key directions of a school within centrally provided guidelines.  In doing this, a School Council is able to directly influence the quality of education that the school/college provides for its students.

Who is on the Council?

The term of office for members is two years.  Half the members are required to retire each year and this creates vacancies for the annual College Council elections.

There are four categories of membership:

• Parent category

More than one third of the total members must be from this category.  The Parent category of the school includes each parent of a student of the school, except those who are DE employees engaged in work at, and for, the school. A parent of a student at the school, who is a DE employee but does not work at or for the school is included in the Parent electorate. These parents are classified on council as ‘DE parents’.

‘Parent’ includes a guardian or person who is liable to maintain or has the actual custody of a student of the school.

If a DE employee is elected to the Parent category (DE parent) of the school where their child is enrolled but where they do not work, they are counted in the DE employee category for school council meeting quorum requirements.

• Student category

All government schools with a Year 7 cohort and above are required to have two Student members on council.

The Student electorate of the school includes all students enrolled in Year 7 and above, at the school. Student members of school council have the same role and responsibilities as other council members including full voting rights. However student members are not eligible to hold any office bearer position.

• DET employee category

Members of this category may make up no more than one third of the total membership of the College Council.  The Principal of the College is one of these members, along with four other staff members.

• Community member category

Persons are co-opted by a decision of the Council because of their special skills, interests or experiences.  DET employees are not eligible to be community members.

When does College Council Meet?

The College Council generally meets on the second or third Tuesday of each month between 6:00pm and 8:00pm in the College’s administration building.  Council members also attend sub-committee meetings.

Why is parent membership so important?

Parents elected to the Mount Ridley P–12 college Council provide important viewpoints and may have valuable skills that can help shape the direction of the College.  Parents need an interest in their child’s education and the desire to work in partnership with others to help shape the College’s future.

Why is student membership so important?

Students have a unique perspective on learning, teaching and schooling and having Student members on school council allows students to have a say in the future direction of their school and ensures student input into decision making.

Student representation on secondary school councils will assist in the development of students’ skills, including leadership skills and communication skills.

Current Office bearers

Our College Council Office bearers for 2024 are:

Mary-Anne Schmidt (President), Deborah Townsend (Vice President), Jacqui Russell (Treasurer) and Oksan Akdag (Assistant Treasurer).