School councils to drive major change in education system |20 August 2010

The Minister for Education, Employment and Human Resources was speaking at the first meeting of the new school councils’ chairpersons committee, which took place at the University of Seychelles’ School of Education, Mont Fleuri.

She was addressing – apart from the chairpersons – senior education management officials, members of the education reform committee and headteachers.

The gathering was a chance to introduce the council chairpersons and present them with their appointment letters and terms of reference, as well as explain the role of the councils.

Setting up the school councils will bring a new model of school management and give greater independence to schools, the meeting heard.

Apart from decentralising decision-making in the education system, the councils will improve the efficiency and boost the relevance of education, as well as improve students’ performance.

Every school will have a council of between seven and 10 members depending on its size.

Other than the chairperson nominated by the minister, each council will be made up of the headteacher, the district administrator, two elected members of staff and two elected members of the Parents Teachers Association.

Other members whose opinions contribute positively to the development of the school may be appointed by the minister.

Each council will work in collaboration with the school management – in particular with the headteacher and the Department of Education – to carry out national policies in relation to the school curriculum, achieving attainment targets, pastoral care including students’ behaviour, the school environment, special educational needs, school resources and students’ performance.

Mrs Mondon thanked all those who have accepted the challenge to be a school council member and reminded them that the expected overall result is an improvement in students’ performance.
It is only through a strong partnership between schools and the community that further educational growth and students’ development can be achieved, she added.

She also guaranteed the full support of the Education Department to ensure the councils are properly run.