P&C associations are able to use a new, free, legal advice clinic. The clinic is designed for small business operators, providing 30 minute consultations to help with a legal problem or query. Council has confirmed with the clinic that P&Cs are eligible for this assistance. There is more information on the clinic and contact details.

Our Council office is still happy to help P&Cs with contracts and other compliance questions (but cannot provide legal advice). We are happy to discuss your issue with you prior to you attending a legal advice session so that you can make best use of the short free session.

The Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth (ARACY) is conducting research about partnerships between families and schools in the ACT. They are interested in hearing from parents of primary-school aged children and what they think makes for a good partnership with their child's school and the things they do to help their child learn.

They are conducting groups with parents in the next few weeks, discussing: How involved are you in your child’s learning? What difference do you think this makes? What role do schools have? If you would like to participate, please contact Barbara Barker.

The Education and Training Directorate has released its draft food and drink policy for public comment. We encourage parents to respond, especially those from ACT colleges where Council believes the ban on sales of sugary drinks will lead to canteen closures.

While Council fully supports efforts to remove sugary drinks from schools, we believe the ban needs to be more slowly phased-in for colleges. Council is concerned that enforcing the ban on older students will simply encourage them to purchase red and amber foods and drinks off-campus, defeating the purpose of the ban and jeopardising canteens. Council is calling for a two-year exemption to the ban so colleges have time to promote alternative drinks to older students, and proposes that college canteens are redeveloped into attractive cafe-style venues.

A series of Cyber Safety events for parents is being run next week by the Association of Parents and Friends of ACT Schools (APFACTS). Find out more or book online.

Parent workshops ($5 each)
September 16 (6:30 - 8:00pm): Nina Funnell, Sydney journalist and author tackles the myths and issues surrounding teens and digital technology. 
September 17 (6:30 - 8:00pm): Martine Oglethorpe, with a background in education and a Masters in counselling, wants parents to experience less stress and more joy when incorporating the digital world into their daily lives.

Community Forum (free)
September 18: Bringing together government, business, schools and school communities to have an ACT wide conversation on digital skills and safety for all students.

Learn how to manage your canteen efficiently and successfully with these workshops which are free for Council affiliates (that's your P&C if you are getting this bulletin!) on September 18 at the Centre for Teaching and Learning, 51 Fremantle Drive, Stirling. Details are here.
Workshop 1:  Canteen Managers - 4:00pm to 6:00pm 
Workshop 2:  P&C or School Management - 7:00pm to 9:00pm
RSVP by September 16: info@healthy-kids.com.au or 1300 724 850.

The implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in the ACT means that early intervention services will no longer be provided by the Education Directorate. There is an information sheet for parents, FAQs and pre-planning workshops (September and October) to help parents. This weekend there will be a free Early Intervention and Therapy Services Expo for anyone interested in finding out about the range of community and private providers of early intervention and therapy services and allied health supports. The expo includes children’s entertainment and a cafe.

Small grants are now available as a part of the Preschool Matters program. Preschools can apply for a grant of up to $500 to assist with projects which promote parent engagement and support collaborative partnerships with families. Applications close September 30.

Australian School Based Apprenticeships (ASBA’s) help practical-minded students start in their chosen career path whilst studying for a Year 12 certificate. After Year 12, the ASBA is converted into a full-time apprenticeship.  It is recommended that students do work experience with a potential employer, to ensure a good working relationship, prior to starting an ASBA.

Current Year 10 students considering undertaking an ASBA in construction in 2015 are required to hold an OH&S National White Card and have completed an Asbestos Awareness Training Course. It is advisable to complete these soon so that students can undertake work experience before considering an ASBA.

Choose your favourite phrase Shakespeare has made famous then take a photo of you acting it out or create a meme in this fun competition for under 13s run by ABC Splash (ABC's excellent education site).

The Embassy of France and Telopea Park School invite parents to an information evening (with Q&A) on September 15 to explore the myths and misconceptions, as well as the benefits and challenges, of raising a child in a bilingual environment. Details.