Saint Vincent's School Community Council

In 2008 the P&F and School Board held a number of meetings about the possibility of proceeding with the proposed amalgamation of these two groups to form a single ‘School Community Council'. This change, which has been adopted by numerous other catholic primary school's in Canberra, has been discussed at various levels over the last couple of years.

What is a School Community Council?

A school community council essentially combines the functionality of the P&F association and the School Board. The organization will be led by an elected council with the following representatives the Parish Priest, School Principal and staff, parents and friends. Working groups for activities such as fund raising, grounds management, canteen etc would then be established, as required, to undertake the day to day activities.

Why adopt a School Community Council?

The school community council allows a streamlining and an avoiding of duplication of activities that was undertaken by the two separate organizations. This change will also improve communication flow and permit more flexibility in managing activities.

What we have accomplished

2009 saw the first full year of operation of the school's community council. During the year the council constitution was developed and a series of working groups established which cover a range of functions including Infrastructure and the Environment, Marketing and Community Building and Fundraising.

Building, refurbishment and upgrade works at the school reached a peak this year thanks to the assistance of the Federal Government's stimulus packages and fund raising efforts of the community. Major works included refurbishment of the school hall and associated facilities, a new contemporary library which includes computing facilities, new flooring in the ‘green area', new drop-off and pick-up area at the entrance to the school, a new shade structure over the senior children's play area, roof insulation and the list goes on. The year also saw the completion of the roll-out of interactive white boards to all classrooms. This huge investment, coupled with the past two to three years capital works programs, places us in a great position with virtually new facilities right throughout the school.

The biennial fete held in early November was again a testament to the commitment of a core group of organisers led by Andrew Sage. The event was an enormous success enjoyed by the whole community, and gave the school a chance to show the broader population the spirit of a close knit school like St Vincent's.

The School Community Council of 2010:-

Chairperson:- Mr Chris Daly

Deputy Chairperson:- Mrs Lisa Ward

Secretary:- Ms Kimberly Perry

Treasurer:- Mrs Suzanne Taylor

Assistant Treasurer:- Mr Brendan Vernon

Fundraising Coordinator:- Mrs Genny Newton

Staff Representative:- Mr David Thiele

Parish Priest:- Fr Frank Fuchs

School Principal:- Mr John Vance