Darebin Education Network

a classroom of people in soft focus

The Darebin Education Network was first established to provide guidance in the development of the Darebin Education Inquiry during 2012—2013.

Purpose

The purpose of this Committee is to provide advice and recommendations to Council in relation to:

  • Promoting equitable and quality learning and education for all students across Darebin primary and secondary schools;
  • Providing information and advice to Darebin City Council on priorities for equity in education, especially for students who experience educational disadvantage; and in student wellbeing;
  • Creating opportunities for exchange and collaboration between primary and secondary schools across all sectors – public, Catholic and independent, on mutual priority areas of teaching and learning, and on student wellbeing;
  • Creating opportunities for exchange, collaboration and initiatives between Darebin schools and Darebin City Council on priorities of teaching and learning, and on student wellbeing;
  • Supporting student voice and action in schools and in school communities on student and community priorities;
  • Facilitating active engagement between Darebin City Council and Darebin’s school leaders and educators;
  • Providing advice and engagement for Darebin City Council on ongoing development and review of policies, strategies and plans, especially those that directly and indirectly impact on schools and provision of equitable education and student wellbeing;
  • Sustaining a forum for evidence-based and innovative practice in learning and education and student wellbeing;
  • Advocating to relevant external authorities for equitable, quality and diversity of education and wellbeing programs for students and schools, with attention to schools where there is significant educational disadvantage.

The Committee shall have regard to and act in accordance with Council’s strategic objectives and priorities. Specifically, the Committee will have regard to the following strategies, plans, frameworks, policies and plans:

  • Community Vision
  • Council Plan 2021-2025
  • Towards Equality: Equity, Inclusion and Human Rights Framework 2019—2029
  • Statement of Commitment to Traditional Owners and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People
  • Darebin Youth Services Strategy 2019—2021
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Strategy and Action Plan 2017—2027.

Terms of reference

Composition and membership

This Committee comprises of Councillor(s) appointed by Council annually and a Council Officer nominated by the Chief Executive Officer (both non-voting) and any other persons, and representatives of organisations as determined by resolution of Council and as specified in Appendix A of terms of Reference.

Specified members of Committees (excluding Councillors) shall be appointed to this Committee. Membership of the Education Network includes a nominated Councillor, Council management and staff, Darebin school principals and other relevant school representatives and representatives of community based organisations committed to strengthening education provision in Darebin.

All appointments will be for an initial period of 2 years with the option for a further maximum period through to the 30 June in the year following each General Election upon re- application.

A Councillor shall be the Chairperson of the Committee.

Presently, Committee comprises of the following Councillors/members:

Nominated Councillors

  • Cr. Trent McCarthy (Chair)
  • Cr. Emily Dimitriadis (Proxy)
  • Cr. Gaetano Greco

Members

This Committee comprises of the following members:

(The Darebin Education Network comprises representatives of Educational Institutions across Darebin who generally nominate their Principal as their representative)

Primary schools

  • Holy Name PS: Carolina Galea, Principal; No proxy
  • Preston South PS: Leon Leonidas, Principal; No proxy
  • Kingsbury PS: TBC Term IV 2021; Proxy – Wayne Bolton, Assistant Principal
  • Maharishi School: Steve Charisis, Principal; Proxy – Samantha Russell
  • Reservoir East PS: James Cumming, Principal; Proxy - Linda Lavelle, Wellbeing Coordinator
  • St Joseph, Northcote: Principal, Mary Kearney; No proxy
  • Westgarth PS: Jo Wheeler, Principal; No proxy
  • Thornbury PS: Assistant Principal, Megan Noy; No proxy
  • Preston North East PS: John-mark Good, Assistant Principal; No proxy

P - 12

  • Charles La Trobe College: Andrew Robertson, Principal; Proxy: Nathan Moore, Principal PS
  • East Preston Islamic College: Coryn Bretag, Principal PS; Proxy - Majida Ali, Head of Curriculum

Secondary schools

  • Thornbury High: Michael Keenan, Principal; Proxy: Ryan Millar, Assistant Principal
  • Northcote High: TBC for Term IV, 2021; Proxy: Katie Archibald, Assistant Principal
  • The Pavilion School: Michael Scicluna, Principal; Proxy: Melanie Henry, Instructional leader
  • William Ruthven Secondary College: Andrew Elborough, Principal; No proxy
  • Reservoir High: Andrew McNeil, Principal; No proxy

Department of Education and Training, North Eastern Melbourne Area of North Western Victoria Region

  • Graham Stevenson, Senior Education Improvement Leader
  • Sonya Hunt, Koorie Education Support Officer

Meetings

Meetings of this committee will be held quarterly unless determined by the Committee Chair and Council Officer in order to allow for the timely consideration and provision of advice to Council on particular, time-sensitive matters from time to time.

Committees may, with the approval of the relevant General Manager, meet more frequently on a limited and specific basis (if required).

The meetings will be closed to the public.

More Information

Community Development Officer
Phone: 03 8470 8219
Email: Community.Wellbeing@darebin.vic.gov.au

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