All government schools in Victoria have a school council. They are legally formed bodies that are given powers to set the key directions of a school within centrally provided guidelines. In doing this, a School Council is able to directly influence the quality of education that the school provides for its students.
The School Council plays a key role in enhancing the educational opportunities for all students and strengthening community bonds.
School Council Responsibilities
- Finance – approving the annual budget and monitoring expenditure
- Strategic Planning – participating in the development and monitoring of the school strategic plan
- Policy Development and Review – developing, reviewing and updating policies that reflect the school’s values and supports the school’s broad direction outlined in its strategic plan
There are also a number of other governance functions that the School Council has responsibility for.
School Council Members 2026
Parent Members: Noriko Yamazaki (President), Lorne Franks (Treasurer), Yvonne Charasse-Berger, Rocio Corona, Lubna Meempatta, Laura Mirsch, Michael McManus, Bonnie Piyasena, Stephen Regan, Lelia Ursache
School Employee Members: Sarah Nightingale (Principal, Executive Officer), Shaun Andrews (Secretary), Tom Drummond, Ashlea Lockett, Sean Alston
Sub-Committees
All School Councils are encouraged to have a number of sub-committees to assist in their work. Sub-committees provide advice and make recommendations to School Council.
The sub-committees formed for North Melbourne Primary School are listed below with School Council membership:
Buildings and Grounds: Friday week before SC, 8am
- Convenor: Michael McManus
- Members: Noriko Yamazaki, Tom Drummond, Yvonne Charasse-Berger, Sarah Nightingale, Bonnie Piyasena
Finance: Thursday week before SC, 5pm
- Convenor: Lorne Franks
- Members: Tom Drummond, Sarah Nightingale, Laura Mirsch, Simon Wrigley (Business Manager)
Biz-E-Kidz: Monday week before SC, 8am
- Convenor: Stephen Regan
- Members: Yvonne Charasse-Berger, Sarah Nightingale, Lubna Meempatta, Rocio Corona
Education & Policies: Tuesday week before SC, 8am
- Convenor: Sean Alson
- Members: Bonnie Piyasena, Lelia Ursache, Shaun Andrews, Ashlea Lockett, Laura Mirsch
Parents and Friends Association
NMPS also has a Parents and Friends Association, which is accountable to the School Council.
P&F: Monthly (Mondays)
- Nominated School Council Representatives: Rocio Corona
We encourage non-school council members to join the Parents & Friends Association to continue to strengthen our community engagement. If you are interested in joining, please contact the school or reach out to Penny directly.