2026 Bell PS School Council Members

School councils play a key role in Victorian government schools and, as a team, support the principal to enhance the educational outcomes of all students. Other objectives of a school council are specified and include:

to assist in the efficient governance of the school.
to ensure that decisions affecting students of the school are made having regard, as a primary consideration, to the best interest of the students.
to ensure the school and the council complies with any requirements of the Act, the Regulations, a Ministerial Order or a direction, guideline of policy issued under the Act.

Parent/carer representatives:

Charles Beaton Ciannon Cazaly Paul Hopkins

(President) (Vice President) (Treasurer)

Caitlin Le Feuvre Vaia Smirneos Harriet Lonnborn Andrew Selby

Community representatives:

Ceinwen Jones Trish Perlen

(Secretary)

DET representatives:

Emma Heywood Ivy Callander Milica Stefanovic Paul Nicholson

(Executive Officer)

2026 Bell PS Sub Committees & Working Parties

Finance Sub Committee	The Finance Subcommittee provide oversight, guidance, and recommendations regarding the financial management of the school, supporting the School Council and leadership to ensure financial sustainability, transparency, and accountability. Its objectives include monitoring the school’s financial position and performance, reviewing and providing input into annual budgets and financial plans, and ensuring that financial decisions align with the school’s strategic priorities and goals. The subcommittee oversees financial reporting to ensure accuracy, compliance, and transparency, advises on resource allocation, financial risk management, and the cost-effectiveness of initiatives, and ensures adherence to Department of Education (DET) and other regulatory requirements related to school finances.
Education Sub Committee	The Education Subcommittee will work in partnership with the school community to promote a shared language of learning across key areas, including literacy, numeracy, inquiry, and wellbeing. This approach aims to strengthen connections within the learning community, enabling parents and carers to develop a deeper understanding of learning approaches and fostering a positive home–school partnership. The scope of the committee’s work will be guided by the school’s vision and values, as well as the goals and key strategies outlined in the Annual Implementation Plan.
Engagement & FUNdraising Sub Committee	The committee aims to promote and lead community engagement within the school and the broader community, while also raising funds to support specific, identified needs of the school. By fostering strong connections and collaboration, it helps ensure that community contributions are meaningful, targeted, and aligned with the school’s priorities.
Infrastructure & Sustainability Sub Committee	The Infrastructure and Sustainability Subcommittee is established to provide oversight, guidance, and recommendations regarding the planning, maintenance, development, and sustainable management of Bell Primary School’s buildings, grounds, and resources. The Subcommittee supports the importance placed on sustainability and promotes environmentally responsible practices across the school. It seeks to ensure that infrastructure planning, maintenance, and development align with the school’s vision, values, strategic priorities, and commitment to environmental stewardship.
Diversity and Inclusion Sub Committee	Diversity and inclusion is fundamentally about the wellbeing, psychological safety and sense of belonging of all members of the Bell Primary School Community. The Diversity, inclusion and belonging sub-committee aims to contribute to an environment where all people feel that they belong, they are valued as they are, their contributions are welcome and they have full and equal opportunity to participate, regardless of sex, gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, age, ability, religion, health or socioeconomic status.

Communication Strategy Working Party	The Communication Strategy Working Party will develop clear, consistent, and inclusive communication aligned with the school’s vision and values. It will work to enhance the responsiveness, accessibility and timeliness of communication with parents/carers, and staff and the broader community where applicable. The strategy will promote a shared understanding of key school priorities, initiatives, and student learning, while also supporting clear and timely communication about current issues in a way that reflects the school’s values and is informed by Department guidelines. It will identify and implement effective communication channels and practices that are responsive to the diverse needs of the school community, strengthening engagement, trust, and connection.
Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) Subcommittee	The Out of School Hours Care Subcommittee will support School Council by providing oversight, advice, and recommendations relating to the quality, operation, and continuous improvement of the school’s before/afterschool care and vacation care program. The Subcommittee will: Monitor attendance, participation, and relevant program data. Review National Quality Assessment (NQA) ratings and support continuous quality improvement initiatives. Celebrate and acknowledge positive achievements and outcomes. Consider operational issues, trends, and community concerns, excluding matters relating to individual students, children, families, or staff. Support and promote community activities, events, and partnerships. Review communications, stakeholder feedback, and engagement opportunities. Provide recommendations to School Council on matters within its scope.
Policy Working Group	Collaboratively review and update policies at Bell Primary School to ensure they remain current, relevant, and effective. Provide oversight of local school policies, supporting the timely revision of existing documents and the development of new policies as required. Ensure the school maintains compliance with minimum standards and mandatory policies set by DET and VRQA, and communicate regular updates on policy changes and developments to the School Council and broader school community.
Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Working Party	The Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Working Party is established to lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of strategies that embed Indigenous perspectives, promote respectful relationships, and advance reconciliation across the school community. It will promote respectful relationships and partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, raise awareness and understanding of Indigenous histories, cultures, and contributions, and identify initiatives, events, and programs that support reconciliation and cultural learning. The working party will also monitor, evaluate, and report on the implementation and effectiveness of RAP initiatives to ensure continuous improvement and alignment with school priorities.