Council Communicator: December 6, 2017

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December 6, 2017

Thank you

This is the last Council Communicator for the year so we want to say a huge THANK YOU for your time, efforts, ideas and enthusiasm as a volunteer for your P&C. Our P&Cs make a huge difference in ACT public schools - we estimate P&Cs add around $2 million a year to ACT school budgets, and then there is the massive social capital that P&Cs create which is much harder to measure but so beneficial to our school communities.

Recruiting new P&C members

Wondering how your P&C is going to fill all of its positions next year?
Here are some tips for recruiting volunteers:

let everyone know the benefits of volunteering - the socialising, developing new skills, being involved in something worthwhile, making stronger connections with the school and staff, the way the school and kids benefit. The idea is to move away from 'we need your help' to a message of 'be part of something great!'
be specific about the volunteer roles available - what is involved in the job, the skills needed and the time it usually takes to do it
break down larger jobs into smaller roles
make it possible for people to share larger tasks
get out and be personal - encourage everyone on your committee to approach at least two other parents and tell them about what the P&C does, how it has been personally rewarding and what roles are available which might suit them
check out our Information Sheet on recruiting and our brochure template which you can tailor for your P&C to let people know what you do.

Have you seen this magazine?

We're just checking up on the distribution system for our ParentACTion magazine which should be delivered to schools each Term in a packet of 5 for P&C presidents to share with the committee/members.

We'd really appreciate you clicking to let us know:
Have you seen (in hardcopy) this term's issue (pictured)?

 Yes
 No (but I usually do see the magazine)
 No (and I haven't seen ParentACTion for ages)

Technology to help keep your P&C organised

The school break can be a great time to catch up on back-ground tasks like filing (what fun!) and keeping your P&C organised. We've compiled some notes and tips on using technology to help, including some important pointers about storing your documents 'in the cloud'.

New Council Executive

Introducing our new Executive committee who were voted in at our AGM last Tuesday:
President -           Kirsty McGovern-Hooley
Vice President - Andrew Bidwell, John Haydon
Secretary -           Cecilia Shlegel
Treasurer -           Vacant
Committee -        Crystal Cox, Sharon Ding, Jackie Floro, Vivienne Pearce, Jayne Trustum,
                               Bonnie Rappola
Welcome to Council and thanks for joining us!

School transitions

We'd like to instigate some positive media around schools with great transition programs (eg school visits, social days etc for students starting preschool, starting high school or even great programs to get kids ready for the new year and new teachers). If your school does this well and your kids have felt well supported, and you are willing to be interviewed by the media in late January, please email Janelle (our Communications Officer).

Contacting Council over the break

Our office closes on Friday December 15 at 2:30pm and re-opens at 9:30am on January 29. If you have a question or query during this time do send us an email or leave a phone message (6241 5759). We will attend to messages once or twice a week (except for the last week of December). We will endeavour to get back to you within a week and do appreciate your patience!

Marketing food in your canteen

All the information and tips canteen managers need to create their own marketing plan to promote the canteen's food and drink is now available in a new guide - Marketing food at school: use the 5Ps.

Health Promotion Grants

Have you got a great school project in mind for next year but need funding to help out? Apply now for funding through the Health Promotion Innovation Fund, which is open for applications for a limited time only! If you have a project in mind that supports the Fresh Tastes activity in your school, you can apply for a grant worth up to $15,000. Visit the Health Promotion Grants Program website for more information.

School holiday cooking programs

The ACT Nutrition Support Service is running school holiday programs to inspire your child to try healthy foods and increase their confidence in the kitchen.

Canteen manager positions vacant

Two schools are currently looking for part-time Canteen Managers and/or Canteen Assistant for 2018. See the selection criteria and how to apply for Farrer Primary Canteen and Arawang Primary Canteen. Please pass this on to anyone you know who would be interested in these great employment opportunities.

Up-coming Council events

Council Christmas party (all Delegates and Presidents invited) followed by Executive Meeting (observers welcome). From 6:30pm, Tuesday December 12, 100 Maitland Street, Hackett. Please RSVP.

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Copyright © 2016 ACT Council of Parents & Citizens Associations. All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
ACT P&C Council
Maitland House
100 Maitland Street
HACKETT ACT 2602
Australia

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