by Shane Kruger, Principal

School council elections take place in Term 1 of each year. The principal is responsible for conducting the election. Elections must be completed by 31 March. The principal may appoint a person to act on their behalf for one or more of the purposes detailed in the Ministerial Order 1280 (Constitution of Government School Councils) 2020, (Ministerial Order 1280) which came into operation on 1 January 2021.

Ministerial Order 1280 establishes the legal framework for conducting school council elections. This guide has been developed to assist principals to understand and conduct school council elections in accordance with Ministerial Order 1280.

The election process is set out in six stages. The section headed ’Requirements’ in each of the stages must be followed. Some stages have a ‘notes’ section and include examples of good practice. Forms and fact sheets are also included.

NOTICE OF ELECTION AND CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

SCHOOL COUNCIL ELECTION PROCESS AND TIMETABLE

SCHOOL COUNCIL ELECTIONS – INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

CODE OF CONDUCE FOR SCHOOL COUNCILLORS

SELF-NOMINATION FORM FOR PARENT MEMBER CATEGORY

SELF-NOMINATION FORM FOR COMMUNITY MEMBER CATEGORY

For further information about the school council elections see the Department’s School Council Elections webpage. For further advice contact the School Operations and Governance Unit, Schools and Regional Services via email, at [email protected] or call 03 7022 1343 or 03 7022 1345.

For more information about the new consolidated Ministerial Order 1280, see: the Department’s School Council Powers and Functions webpage.

It is important to note that Ministerial Order 1280 has not changed the role, operation or function of school councils. However, there are some changes to wording and terminology that differ from those previously used in the Department’s policies and resources relating to school council and conducting elections.