College Council

The College Council provides an opportunity for parents and other members of the community to be involved in setting the educational policy of the school. The Berwick College Council consists of the Principal, six parent representatives, three teacher representatives, three co-opted community members and two student members.

The College Council is the governing body of the school. It is responsible for developing and maintaining policies that assist and direct the operations of the school. This includes all financial matters and capital works expenditure. The school is always looking for enthusiastic parents who want to help improve the learning outcomes of all students in the school community.

Parents are invited to contact either their parent representatives, or the College Principal about College Council matters (03) 8768 1000.

Introducing our 2024 College Council Members:

School Employee Members:

  • Ms Rebecca Hann (Term End March 2026)
  • Mr Matthew Blanch (Term End March 2026)

Parent Members:

  • Mr Simon Hall – Vice President (Term End March 2025)
  • Ms Narelle Lowe – Treasurer (Term End March 2025)
  • Mr Tim Shambrook (Term End March 2025)
  • Ms Kerrie Russell (Term End March 2026)
  • Ms Sharron Pitchford (Term End March 2025)
  • Mr Sebastian Borutta (Term End March 2026)

Community Members:

  • Mr Phil Wightman – President (Term End March 2026)
  • Mrs Lesley Brennan (Term End March 2026)
  • Vacancy

Student Members:

  • Hayley Brown
  • Teaghan Glassenbury

College Council elections are held annually. The election process can begin anytime in Term 1 and concludes by the end of March each year. Meetings are normally held in the evenings at the school on the third Tuesday of each month. There are sub-committees that manage Finance, Facilities, OHS, Wellbeing Support and Policy and Planning. The Council may establish additional working parties as required.

2024 Meetings: 

  • February 20th 
  • March 19th (AGM)
  • May 21st 
  • June 18th (Public Meeting 6:00 – 7:00pm)
  • August 20th 
  • October 22nd 
  • November 19th
  • December 17th 

The Annual Report 2023 articulates and demonstrates Berwick College’s commitment to improving student learning outcomes.

Questions about Council?

What is the function of school council?

  • Establish the broad direction of the school within the school community.
  • Participate in the development and monitoring of the school strategic plan.
  • Develop, review and monitor the Student Engagement and Wellbeing Policy and the Student Dress Code.
  • Raise funds for school-related purposes.
  • Approve the annual budget and monitor expenditure.
  • Maintain the school’s grounds and facilities.
  • Enter into contracts (e.g. cleaning, construction work).
  • Report annually to the school community and to the Department of Education.
  • Generally stimulate interest in the school in the wider community.

Do I have what it takes and why would I want to be on school council?

  • You need to be keen, but you don’t need to be an expert.
  • You need to like people and be able to work in a team.
  • You do need to be prepared to commit the time needed to ensure the work of council gets done.
  • It’s a great way to get involved and have a real say in what your school is doing for its students.
  • It’s a very good way to help present and future students of the school.

Where can I find out more?