If you have questions or concerns about what is taught in ACT schools, make sure you come along to our next General Meeting. Josephine Anderson, the Education Directorate's Senior Manager, Curriculum, will be there to update us on ACT schools' curriculum and answer questions.

The meeting is on next Tuesday, August 23, 6:45-9:30pm at the Centre for Teaching and Learning in Stirling.  Also on the agenda is an update on Council's election lobbying activities and a discussion about how the limit of two 'red food' days a term is being applied. Everyone is welcome and time is allocated for P&C delegates to raise issues from their schools.

Council has several internal Working Groups which focus on making improvements and sharing expertise on specific topics, including canteens, uniform shops, before and after school care and community partnerships. We are now taking nominations to join these working groups. Some meet regularly, others communicate via email.
We also share stories from P&Cs to help inspire you and your committe in a regular series of articles 'At our P&C...'

Council is busy preparing for the ACT Election in October to ensure the best outcome for schools. We will be grading the major parties against our priority areas on an 'Education Report Card' to help guide voters (this one is a draft, awaiting grades!).

Will you help us distribute this to parents?  Let us know how many you need to send home with students or handout on election day (or simply an electronic copy for your newsletter or Facebook page), on this form and we'll get them to you (complete with grades!) in time for the election.

Council is holding an Election Forum on September 1 - a Q&A-style event where you get to quiz ACT candidates from the major parties on their schools policies. All parents are welcome. Download the poster for details or to share with your school community (in your newsletter, via email, Facebook or whatever you prefer!).

The term 3 edition of Council's ParentACTion magazine is out now for your reading pleasure!
Find out what Council has been busy doing - preparing for the ACT election, running a forum about welcoming migrant parents, and more. We also hear about a fabulous event and fundraiser at Lyneham Primary - a whole-school bike ride - as part of our 'At our P&C' series.

The Federal Government has announced $10 million funding to extend the CSIRO's Scientist and Mathematicians in Schools program. The program links teachers and students with scientists, mathematicians and ICT professionals (STEM professionals) in their classroom. Together the partners share enthusiasm, expertise, and knowledge to enhance science, maths and ICT learning. Schools can register to be part of this program.

To implement the recommendations of the report on Students with Complex Needs and Challenging Behaviour, the Education Directorate has begun a three year program of cultural change and policy reform to reach an evidence based ‘whatever it takes’ student-centred vision in our schools. To keep parents up to date with progress, the Directorate will hold Parent Forums once a term. The Term 3 forum is on Thursday September 15, repeated at two venues: 9:30-10:30am at UC High School Kaleen's Library, Baldwin Drive, and  5:50-6:30pm at the Centre for Teaching and Learning, Fremantle Drive, Stirling.

 
Companion House works with adults and children who have fled persecution, torture and war related trauma. They are running free training on the following topics:

RSVP to Glenn Flanagan is essential.

• General Meeting, August 23, 6:45 for 7pm start. Ends 9:30pm. 51 Fremantle Drive, Stirling. All welcome.
• Election Forum! Q&A for ACT candidates (see above). September 1, 6:45 for 7pm start. 51 Fremantle Drive, Stirling. All welcome.