The school council is made up of elected parent and teacher representatives. Meetings are held each month as advertised, in the school staff room. Any member of the school community is welcome to attend.

From the School Council
Humpty Doo Primary School Council is a very dedicated council working together to the advancement of our school. The School Council is made up of elected parent and teacher representatives. We recognise that parents may have demands on their time, and we value the time that is given to the council.

Being on council provides the opportunity to gain a better understanding of school management issues. You are also able to have a say on issues you feel relevant to your own child/children’s education. As members, parents gain experience in meeting procedures and develop confidence in their own self and therefore are better able to contribute to all aspects of community life. Together we all contribute to make Humpty Doo Primary School the exciting learning place that it is today.

Council meetings, although run formally, are also an opportunity to catch up with staff and other parents. Meetings are held every month in the school staff room as advertised in weekly newsletters. Any member of the school community is welcome to attend.

Function of School Councils
The functions of school councils are contained in the Education Act. School staff are delegated by the Principal to assist the council in meeting its legal responsibilities. Under the Education Act the council has the responsibility to:

• Advise the Principal about educational needs of the community, eg. through the action plan for school improvement process
• Advise the Principal about building links between parents, community groups and the school
• Assess the physical needs of the school
• Determine the community use of school facilities
• Determine, through the budgeting process, how the school’s money will be spent
• Oversee work on building and grounds being carried out at the school
• Employ relief teachers and some non-teaching staff.

In addition:

• Determine broad directions for the school with the Principal and staff
• Liaise with Commonwealth and Territory funding bodies
• Encourage and welcome the participation and involvement of all parents and staff, and
• Share information about the council

Roles and Responsibilities
Everyone in the school community has a responsibility to encourage and promote parent involvement and participation.

Parents
Parents have the right to be involved in their children’s schooling and to participate in the development of educational policies at all levels of the education system. Parents have a responsibility to:

• Show an active interest in their children’s schooling
• Cooperate with school staff, other parents and children in the interests of their children’s education
• Keep staff informed of their children’s progress and significant events which may affect their children’s learning
• Raise concerns promptly and appropriately, and;
• Be supportive of agreed school policies.

Teachers and Support Staff
The teacher’s main role is the provision of the educational curriculum in the classrooms. Teachers have representatives on school councils and decision-making groups within schools. In relation to parents, teachers have a responsibility to:

• Build good relationships with parents and students
• Keep parents informed about children’s progress
• Listen to parents and address concerns
• Inform parents about the curriculum and school policies
• Provide balanced professional advice to parents
• Encourage parent participation and involvement, and;
• Support school policies.

Support Staff assist in the implementation of programs and the running of the school.

Principal
The Principal is the representative of the Chief Executive of the Department of Employment, Education and Training and as such is the Chief Executive Officer of the school. The Principal is responsible for educational leadership and sound management practice and is required to ensure the implementation of Departmental policy. She or he is responsible for staff allocation and supervision.
In relation to parents the Principal has a responsibility to:

• Consult with the school parents, staff, wider community and where appropriate, students, in the formulation of school directions
• Support the school council as a group which determines the broad directions of the school
• Support staff, parent and community councils as decision making groups
• Address parent concerns
• Serve on school council as an ex officio member (member who is there by virtue of office), and;
• Communicate with and distribute information to all members of the school community.