Students will get more say in shaping the direction of their school, with student members to be included on all government secondary school councils starting next year.
Minister for Education James Merlino announced students would soon be on every government secondary school council with full voting rights.
Consultation with students, parents, principals, teachers and support staff is about to start to finalise the details of this initiative, ahead of its rollout in 2018.
This consultation will lay the foundation for the changes and will discuss details for a common sense approach to what matters are not appropriate for students to participate in, such as staffing matters.
Students elected to school councils will get training to help build their leadership capacity, so they can become better leaders both at their school and in the broader community.
School councils play a key role in Victorian government schools, supporting the principal to provide the best possible education for students.
A school council’s three main responsibilities are overseeing their school’s annual budgets, strategic plans and its policies.
They can also be involved in raising funds for school-related purposes, maintaining school grounds and facilities, reporting annually to the school community, and representing and taking the views of the community into account.
The Andrews Labor Government is building the Education State, where every student in every community will get the support they need for a great education.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino
"This has been an issue that students have repeatedly raised with me in my time as Minister and I am very proud to say we will be taking action.”
"Young people should have a say in the future direction of their school. We want our kids to be future leaders in our communities and developing these skills is a crucial step in making that happen.”
"These student members will have full voting rights on the council and it is our expectation will play a key role in deciding the future direction of the school."
Reviewed 19 August 2020