Governing Council

What does a school Governing Council Do?

The Department for Education has an excellent resource to explain the various roles and functions of School Governing Councils at https://www.education.sa.gov.au/sites-and-facilities/governing-councils

When does Governing Council Meet?

We meet twice each term on a Wednesdays night at 6:30pm (We aim to finish the meetings by 8:30).  The AGM is held usually in week 5 of the new school year.

Planned meeting dates of the main Governing Council for 2021 are as follows:

Sub committee meeting dates are determined at a time that suits members of the individual sub committee. These are more informal meetings, and can potentially be held as a phone hook up, off site, or immediately before the main Governing Council meetings.

Finance Subcommittee is historically the week prior to each main GC meeting. (1 hour duration from 5:30 to 6:30 pm)

What time commitment will be required?

The level of time you put into Governing Council matters is largely up to you , outside of normal meetings and occasional emailed matters that require feedback and/or approval of the committee. All members are encouraged to sit on at least one subcommittee.

The main council meetings generally run for 2 to 2.5 hours. The main council meetings primarily are to endorse and approve decisions at a sub committee level, and for the Principal, Staff and Student Representatives to give their reports.

Can I just join a subcommittee?

Definitely.  If you are just interested in one area, this is a good option.  Standard sub committees are:

• Uniform
• Canteen
• Facilities
• Finance

How do I nominate?

Please email governing.council@henleyhs.sa.edu.au to register your interest.  You are able to join GC at any time during the year if there are vacancies (We can have a maximum of 16  Parent reps on the committee based on our constitution) Otherwise, nominations are called prior to the AGM at the start of each year.  Nominations will also be accepted on the night of the AGM if there are fewer nominations than vacancies.

If there are more nominations than available positions, a vote will be held either by a community meeting, or postal ballot to the parent community. (Note, we have never had to vote before!)

For more information on the required makeup of the GC Committee, please refer to the GC Constitution 

Governing Council Constitution

Who can I contact for more information?

Please contact Jane Doyle who will be able to answer, or direct your question to one of the GC members. Ph 8355 7000, or email governing.council@henleyhs.sa.edu.au.