After years of hard work, Council's School Canteen Improvement Project is set to be rolled-out in the new year. The project aims to increase revenue, streamline ordering and decrease costs for school canteens. It is not too late for your school to be involved! Contact us as soon as possible to get on board!

Council is planning a ‘Week of School Community’ for May 19 to 24, 2014. This is a chance to demonstrate the role of your school community and show community members how much they are valued. For the event to be a success, we are encouraging all P&Cs to put on one or two events during the week that celebrate your school community. There are many event suggestions on our website. Please contact us to register your event.

ACT students can apply for a NSW Senior Secondary Student Concession Card during the school holidays. Applications can be made by email or post and need to be supported by proof of identity, age, and the name of your school.

Last week was a big one for the schools funding debate in federal politics. If you are confused about what went on, there is an excellent summary here. Council issued this media release. And the ABC's FactCheck website is currently featuring two articles on the topic.

The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) test results were released last week, showing a further decline in the skills of our 15-year-olds. In 2000, Australia was ranked second in both reading and maths. Now we are ranked 10th in reading and 17th in maths. Worryingly, 42% of our 15-year-olds failed to meet minimum standards in maths and 36% in reading. 

Inequity was also highlighted, with an equivalent of two-and-a-half years of schooling separating the results of students in the highest socioeconomic quartile from the results of students in the lowest quartile. While ACT students topped the nation, inequity here is a real issue, with only the Northern Territory showing a greater link between socioeconomic status and performance.

In an Australian first, Disney's stage show The Lion King has been adapted to suit people on the autism spectrum and their families. The one-off performance on Saturday 14 June, 2014 is selling out quickly. More information and booking is via Autism Awareness Australia.

Council was delighted to attend the Year 10 Excellence Awards last week, which showcase and recognise the achievements of outstanding year 10 students across ACT public schools. The talents on display were impressive.