Frequently Asked Questions

School Body is the collective term used for School Council, Independent Public School Board or a Joint School Body.
An School Body enables parents, communities and schools to work together and make decisions for the school to achieve the best outcomes for their children.

The Education Act 2015 (NT) requires that a School Body must consist of the following members:
•    Parents of students enrolled at the school must make up at least 50% of the total membership
•    Teacher/s (other than the Principal) who teach at the school
•    The Principal
The Education Act 2015 (NT) states that a School Body may include additional members:
•    Student Members (if the school is a secondary education provider
•    Invited Members (when invited by the School Body).

The School Body's Constitution outlines the number and composition of Members required. When a School Body is establishing they must choose their total number of Members, which must number between the minimum of 5 and maximum of 19 Members.

Voting is by simple majority. Each elected Member has one vote including the Chair, Principal and elected Invited Members.

To effectively support the school, it is preferred that a meeting is held once a month during the school year. Members must meet at least eight times in a calendar year, including the AGM. The AGM needs to take place by 15 March.

Parents represent the interests and needs of families, students and the school’s community. They bring important perspectives, knowledge and a range of skills that can support the school, its students and their education outcomes. 
At least half the Members of a School Council or Board must be parents of students enrolled at the school. The Members elected should reflect the breadth, diversity and needs of students enrolled, to ensure the best outcomes for them and the community.

If you believe in ensuring children get a quality education through appropriate equipment, support, programs and infrastructure, then you can meet the needs of your School Body. School Bodies need passionate and committed parents who can bring their unique skills and experiences to the team. Speak to your Principal to access further information.

The importance of parents and communities in the governance of Government schools is valued and recognised in the Education Act 2015 (NT), the Education Regulations 2015 (NT) and the Policy and Guidelines of the Department.
To ensure a Parent voice, the Chair must be an elected Parent Member, and cannot be a Principal or teacher of any Government school. The Secretary and Treasurer roles should also be Parent Members (where possible).

A Member will usually have to attend 2 meetings a term, and where possible assist with activities and events.

If you have a child enrolled at the school or preschool, you can be elected by other school parents. This usually happens at the Annual General Meeting (AGM), however vacancies may also arise throughout the year. Speak to your Principal or Chair about becoming a Member.

Yes. All School Body Members and Committee Members will have to apply for a Working with Children (Ochre) Card from SAFE NT. In many instances the School Body will pay for your application as a volunteer, however you should seek advice from your Principal and SAFE NT.

A School Body may establish Committees to assist them undertake specific areas of responsibility, such as Finance, Grounds, Policy, or Canteen Committees. Committees support the work of the School Body and make recommendations to the Members for consideration and ratification (approval). Committee membership must be open to the whole community.