Parent Partnerships

Parent School Partnership

St Mary’s recognises Parents as the greatest educators of their children and recognise the privileged partnership we have with families. It is within this partnership that we live, learn and grow as a community. We encourage our families to be actively involved in all aspects of school life.  At St Mary’s we do not enroll a child, we walk a journey with a family. 

There are many ways to be involved in St Mary’s from joining us on Learning Walks, to supporting events such as the Production and the Fete, volunteering to assist on sporting days to reading a prayer at Mass.  

A Community of Parents and Friends

St Mary’s Community of Parents and Friends consists of parent volunteers and representatives from our community. St Mary’s recognises that many parents would welcome the opportunity to be involved in raising the social and financial capital of our school. Our community offers a variety of opportunities and events where parents can commit to a group or team annually. The small community groups work collaboratively to organise events, fundraisers, social gatherings and celebrations for all in our community. 

Meetings for the Community of Parents and Friends are held as needed and in alignment with event preparation and celebrations. The small working groups meet as needed to prepare events and celebrations and are advertised and promoted via the school newsletter. 

St Mary’s School Advisory Council (SAC) 

St. Mary’s School Advisory Council  is an important element in the governance of our school. It recognises the opinions, ideas and advocacy of a diverse group of community members and encourages their participation in many aspects of school life. The primary purpose of the School Advisory Council is to establish, monitor and implement the school improvement plan.  

St Mary’s membership on the School Advisory Council requires no special skills or knowledge of education. A member simply needs a willingness and desire to be part of our school community in a real and practical way, to add your voice to making our school grow and function to the best of its ability.   

The School Advisory Council consists of: 

  • A School Advisory Chair 
  • The Principal 
  • The Parish Priest 
  • A member of the Leadership Team  
  • Six elected Parent members  

St Mary’s aspires to have nine members on the School Advisory Council. It welcomes new parents annually and welcomes diversity and difference. St. Mary’s invites those interested to take an active part in the development and progression of our school. 

Volunteering:

Engagement of Volunteers

At St Mary’s Primary School, Echuca, the safety and wellbeing of our students is our highest priority. We are committed to maintaining a strong child-safe culture, and all volunteers must meet strict safeguarding requirements before working in our school. 

All volunteers are required to: 

  • Complete the CESL School Volunteer Induction (online). 
  • Read and acknowledge the Child Safe Code of Conduct, Staff & Students Professional Boundaries Policy, and Photography and Video Policy and Procedures. 

Once approved, volunteers will receive an email with access to the required training.
(Please note: This replaces the previous onsite induction interview.) 

Volunteers must update their details annually and notify the school of any changes to their circumstances or WWCC. All safeguarding requirements must be completed each year, including by existing volunteers. 

By meeting these requirements, volunteers help ensure our school remains a safe, respectful, and protective environment for every child. All information is managed in line with the CESL Privacy Policy. To begin the process, please scan the QR code below. 

School age volunteers are also welcome to apply, but will use this link instead: Volunteer Induction Form    

All information received regarding volunteering and providing referee details will be maintained in line with CESL Privacy Policy.

Please scan the QR code below to begin our volunteers process.