ISG training – information for host schools and frequently asked questions.

ISG training is FREE! There is no cost to schools or council members to host or participate. Training is fully funded by DE.

Training is offered throughout the school year, commencing in Term 1, and is available through to the end of Term 4 via face to face or virtual (live) sessions. Session dates and times are flexible and can be tailored to suit the needs of individual schools.  

Please click the Book to host an ISG training event button at the bottom of this page. Select the module(s) and format and indicate preferred date/s. You will be contacted to confirm details including the format, time and date. Upon confirmation of details a facilitator will be booked, the event will be published and an event flyer, including a registration link will be emailed to you.  

Each council member attending a training event must be registered. The online booking system allows for a representative (e.g., the Business Manager, principal or president) to register multiple council members. Alternatively, individual council members can register themselves via the event registration link or by logging into the online booking system. Please note, student members must be registered by the principal or an authorised member of staff. 

As per the Department guidelines, and to ensure the quality of each training session, a minimum of 8 registered participants is generally required for Governance, Strategic Planning and Finance sessions, President training requires a minimum number of 6 registered participants*. Sessions are capped at a maximum of 25 participants. 

*Synergistiq and the Department are committed to ensuring that ISG training is accessible to all school council members including those from regional and/or diverse school settings. Please email [email protected] or phone (03) 9946 6800 to discuss specific training needs for your school council. 

Face to face training events are open to council members from other schools unless a closed (host school members only) event is requested. Synergistiq publishes events on the ISG online booking page and upcoming sessions list. Council members in the host school’s LGA are actively invited to attend. Host schools are provided with a digital flyer to distribute amongst their networks.  

Virtual (live) training events are open to council members from all schools throughout Victoria unless a closed (host school members only) event is requested. Synergistiq publishes events on the ISG online booking page and upcoming sessions list. Council members in the host school’s LGA are actively invited to attend. Host schools are provided with a digital flyer to distribute amongst their networks.  

No, each training session focuses on 1 of the 4 modules (Governance, Strategic Planning, Finance, President) only. Student council member sessions are tailored for students.  

Sessions run for either 2.5 hours (face to face) or 2 hours and 15 minutes (virtual) training. Sessions are tightly scheduled and as such, must commence on time.  

For face to face training events, the facilitator will arrive approximately 30 minutes prior to the start time of the session, unless other arrangements have been made directly with the host school. Face to face events are scheduled in a 2.5-hour block, commencing with a 30 minute registration and refreshment period followed by 2 hours of training.  

Virtual (live) sessions are scheduled for 2 hours and 15 minutes, commencing with a 15 minute registration period followed by 2 hours of training. For virtual (live) training events, the facilitator will open the event approximately 15 minutes prior to the start time of the session. 

Upon confirmation that an event has been published, the host is asked to ensure registration of all participants from their school. It is also recommended that the host school council invites council members in their networks to attend by forwarding the digital event flyer.  

For face to face events the host school is asked to provide: 

• the name and mobile phone number of the person who will be the contact at the event. 
• details of the room/building where training will place. 
• a suitable/room space for the number of registered participants. 
• a chair and desk/table space for each attendee.  
• a laptop with internet access and large screen to project. 

We also ask that a staff member is assigned to open the building, disable the security system (if required), and make any other necessary access arrangements to enable facilitator to set up for the session.  Likewise, please ensure there is a staff member assigned to close and secure the building at the end of the session. 

No, the host school is welcome to provide tea, coffee and/or other refreshments, however, this is not a requirement. 

School council members wishing to attend a training session, whether a face to face or virtual (live) event, must register via the ISG online booking system. Attendees are required to provide a name, email address, school, and role on school council. 

2 days prior to virtual (live) training attendees will receive a confirmation email including links to the session, Check-in, and Feedback form. Access to the digital ISG Manual is also provided at this time, if possible, attendees are requested to download the manual and save it to their device for access during training. For effective facilitation and training for virtual (live) events, each participant should have their own laptop/tablet, allowing for effective online interaction and enabling the facilitator to easily identify and engage with each participant. 

2 days prior to a face to face event, attendees will receive a confirmation email including details (host school address, venue and time) for the session and links to the Check-in and Feedback form. Access to the digital ISG Manual is also provided at this time, attendees are requested to download the manual and save it to their device for access during training. For effective facilitation and training for face to face events, each participant should bring a laptop/tablet, note pad and pen. 

Questions prior to training can be emailed to [email protected]. Alternatively, questions are encouraged and welcomed by facilitators during training.  

2 days prior to a scheduled session, attendees will receive a confirmation email including access to the digital ISG Reference Guide.  

If your question has not been answered, please email [email protected] or phone (03) 9946 6800.