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Welcome back
As the beginning of Term 1 approaches, we'd like to welcome back all the wonderful volunteers across ACT public school parent associations. We know it's not just back to school for the kids!
If your time at the P&C is ending and you no longer wish to receive this bulletin, please use the unsubscribe link at the end of this email - and a big 'thanks' from us for the contributions you have made.
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We're here to help
First term is a busy time for P&Cs, with some important things to do. Most P&Cs will need to hold an AGM and report to government on their activities over the past year. Our To Do List is a great place to start, or see our resources and templates for meetings. If you have any questions, please do contact our office and we will be happy to help!
It's also an obvious time to reflect a little on what your P&C wants to achieve and what is important to your community - that will help you plan and prioritise your activities this year.
Also, keep an eye out at the Front Office/P&C in-tray/pigeon hole for our first mail out of the year with all the information you'll need to get the year off to a great start.
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Attracting an AGM crowd
Some P&Cs have been struggling for numbers to form a committee. Making your AGM easier - and more fun - to attend might be a place to start. Some ideas:
- Choose the date/timing carefully - perhaps when parents will already be at the school for example for the school's beginning year information or 'getting to know you' session.
- Could your P&C add more to the event, such as a community picnic, BBQ or coffee stall? That way, you can chat to parents and carers (about the great things the P&C does) in a relaxed setting before you ask for nominations for president!
- Offer a lucky door prize! This could be as simple as a 'free pass' to leave the meeting early or for the uniform shop or canteen. We heard of one enterprising P&C offering glasses which make it look like you are awake even when snoozing!
- Discuss a topic which is important to your community (the car park? homework?) perhaps with an invited speaker.
- Make sure the AGM is well advertised using all possible communications channels - road-side sign, email, social media, newsletter, and don't forget word of mouth.
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P&C training sessions
As usual, we will be offering a range of FREE training sessions to help you with your role on the P&C. You can find all the details on our website.
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Grants
We have updated our listing of grants for which P&Cs may be eligible to apply.
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Food Safety Supervisor Course for school canteens
Registration is now open for Nutrition Australia's Food Safety Supervisor course which prepares Food Safety Supervisors to supervise and oversee day to day operations and to prevent and recognise food safety hazards. The one day at face-to-face training session is on 26 February in Chifley and costs $275.00.
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Re-thinking your school canteen?
There are a number of options in the ACT you could consider. These include using an external canteen provider, an onsite business, a hub service from another school or a local food business. ACT Health’s Fresh Tastes team can provide your school with more information to help decide. Contact them to talk through the options on 02 5124 9516 or via email.
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Our activities
We have only just reopened for the school year, but we are already getting out and about.
Preschool educators have been invited to a professional learning event organised by the ACT Education Directorate: Transforming early childhood practice in ACT public Preschools. Two sessions are offered; Wednesday 30 or Thursday 31 January with an estimated 300 participants and over 20 exhibitors attending including Council’s Early Learning Officer.
Presented by Catharine Hydon, the interactive workshop will lead preschool teachers and educators through an exploration of reflective practice, play-based pedagogy, co-constructed learning, and other big ideas within the Early Years Learning Framework.
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Upcoming events
- Executive Meeting, Tuesday 12 February, 7pm start
- Join us for our first General Meeting of 2019, including a presentation on student mental health and the role of school psychologists. 26 February, 6:45 for 7pm start.
Ends 9:30pm. 51 Fremantle Drive, Stirling. All welcome
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You might be interested...
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Calming back to school nerves
ABC has recently produced a podcast series - 'Mindfully' - which might be of interest to parents, featuring tips and tricks from mindfulness experts for a calmer life - including back at school!
There are also excellent starting school guides by KidsMatter and the Education Directorate.
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Walking and riding to school
Now is a great time for families to create a morning or afternoon routine which incorporates some walking or riding to school. It may only be a day or two a week or cover part of the journey, but the mental health, physical and environmental benefits are real. It's also a great way to avoid school traffic!
Check out this Family Challenge to get started or our tips for active travel.
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Getting through the lunchbox grind
The start of a new school year can be a busy time. The Fresh Tastes website has some fantastic ideas to give you a hand with what to pack straight into your kid’s lunchbox with little or no prep (and to make sure it doesn’t end up in the bin!). While you’re on the website, watch the little experts videos to see what kids have to say about packing their lunchboxes.
We also love this grab and go lunch box shopping list!
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Sustainability prize
Six Global High Schools were recognised as the 2019 winners of the Zayed Sustainability Prize last week including one Victorian school.
The prize recognises High Schools that demonstrate innovative, impactful and inspirational solutions in the areas of sustainable health, energy, water and food. Entries for 2020 will open soon. Contact the Melbourne based Oceania Outreach Partners for more information or assistance in preparing your project for consideration.
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