|
|
|
|
Hello and thanks!
 To all our new P&C Office Bearers - as AGMs are completed - we say welcome and thanks for volunteering!
We have lots of online resources to help our member P&Cs:
Please remember that P&C Council is here to help you, so do sign up for our free member training (see below), or call (6241 5759) or email with any questions
|
|
Council Officer Bearers' form
Many thanks to the 31 P&Cs who have completed this year's form. It's crucial we know who's on your 2022 committee and how to contact them so that you don't miss out on next term's insurance reminders and other important information. Please complete the form online.
|
|
Reporting to Government
Each year, P&Cs must report to Government. This is a legal requirement.
The process is laid out on our website.
It is also important to check that your reporting is up to date and, if not, take steps to get your paperwork in order. Usually this will mean submitting any outstanding forms, including financial information. Be aware that you may be charged late fees.
You can check your current status online to make sure you are up to date:
(You can check whether your P&C is a registered charity on the ACNC website.)
If you are not sure where to start, or how to catch up, please contact us for assistance.
|
|
P&C training
There are still spots available at our online training sessions - created specifically for ACT Parent Associations. They cover everything you need to run your P&C brilliantly! They are FREE to our members. Come to one or come to all! Click through below for details. Register here.
Growing your P&C - making your association thrive. 3 May, 7-8pm
P&C Operations & Fundraising - meetings & events; raise & spend funds. 4 May, 7-8pm
Treasurers' & Insurance Workshop - the Treasurer's job & insurance package. 12 May, 7-9pm.
|
|
Democracy sausage?
 With a Federal election likely to be called for May, we know many P&Cs are keen to plan for a fundraising BBQ. Several weeks ago we asked the Education Directorate to seek advice on this and we are currently waiting for the ACT Chief Health Officer to review this and other school measures for Term 2. We understand that a decision isn't likely until week 1 of Term 2. Which we know doesn't give a lot of planning time to prepare.
We will monitor this closely and advise P&Cs as soon as we have an outcome.
|
|
Mark the date: 2023 preschool enrolments
 Enrolments for ACT public preschools open April 26. Apply online by June 3 to receive an offer by July 25. If submitted after June 3, applicants may wait until later in the year for confirmation – which can then make any bookings for before- or after-preschool care more challenging.
Completing online enrolments can be difficult for first time parents or relocated families, so we’re asking P&Cs to help get the message out about enrolling in preschool.
We've created a graphic you can use, or head to the ACT Education Directorate Enrolling in preschool.
|
|
New Council delegate?
We held a welcome and information session at our last meeting for our wonderful new Council delegates. Sorry if you missed it! But you'll find information on your important role on our website, along with the presentation from the info session and our Delegate Information Pack.
|
|
Setting your direction
What is your P&C for?
Right now is an excellent time to get everyone on board, reflect on what your P&C aims to achieve, and set some shared goals.
Check out this article for ideas!
|
|
At our last meeting
Many thanks to special guest Maree Wright (former North Ainslie Primary P&C President) who inspired us all with how they grew and re-invented their P&C. Don't worry if you missed it - look for the write up in our Term 2 ParentACTion magazine, or come along to our "Growing your P&C" training (see above).
Also at the March meeting was a new Delegates info session, an update on our RAP, and questions from P&Cs on COVID management in schools. Key questions included:
- When will parents be allowed back on school grounds?
- Will P&Cs be able to run election day fundraisers?
- Will cohorting continue?
- How will schools manage ventilation in cooler months? Are their options for air purifiers?
- Will RATs be provided in term 2?
We were able to take your experiences and questions straight to an Education Directorate briefing, and are waiting on their health advice and Term 2 arrangements. We have specifically asked that parents and carers be allowed on school sites in outdoor areas.
|
|
Listening: your priorities
At our February general meeting, we asked delegates about what P&Cs felt was important for P&Cs, schools, and school communities for the year ahead. Many of the identified topics fit in to Council's existing lobbying priorities, which shows that the same issues continue to impact P&Cs across Canberra.
We heard that modern and inspiring infrastructure for schools and attached facilities (including libraries, toilets, and ovals) still require attention. Road safety and traffic management issues continue to affect several schools. Parents want greater transparency in the planning processes of schools, including capacity planning and infrastructure modernisation plans. Communities are also looking to emerge from COVID-induced hibernation with a bang: they want support to attract and work with more volunteers, build or re-build connections with schools after 2 years off school sites, and further develop parental and family engagement.
We will be developing our lobbying strategies in response to these over the coming months.
|
|
Council's Early Learning Committee
The Committee's February meeting minutes summary is now available. We briefly reviewed last year's activities, this year's plans, and discussed feedback and concerns of parents and carers of young learners. Three P&C Early Learning Parent Reps talked about what they did with the funding they received to welcome new parents and families (see also this article).
The next meeting is May 5. Find out about how Parent Reps can nominate for funding to conduct small events with your early learning parent and carer communities, information on preschool and kindergarten, and valuable ways to engage with P-2 parents.
Register for the next ELC meeting, May 5, for 10.30am or 7.30pm.
Contact Marina, Council's Early Learning Officer with any questions or priorities topics for your preschool/kindy community.
|
|
Outcomes of canteen meeting
We also held a Canteen Subcommittee meeting recently, which was a great chance for some of our P&Cs who run canteens to share expertise and discuss issues. Pies and IT issues were among the hot topics! - see the meeting minutes.
The question in the spotlight for our Term 2 meeting is "What would support your canteen?"
|
|
Australia votes - education survey
With a Federal Election on its way, ACSSO (Council's Federal counterpart) is calling for your views. They are asking families and school communities across Australia to share what is of most concern to you and your family and what you see as priorities in education from our Federal Government. Simply complete their survey.
|
|
National Reconciliation Week
National Reconciliation Week 2022 kicks off on Friday 27 May with the theme: Be Brave. Make Change. Every year workplaces, schools, early learning services, community groups, reconciliation groups, and people right across the country host a whole range of events. You can register your event online, or check out others to get along to.
There are also National Reconciliation Week 2022 posters available to order.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
