The Journal of the Federation of Parents & Citizens Associations of NSW
INCLUSIVE SCHOOL COMMUNITIES
5 KEY BUDGET ASKS OF THE NSW GOVERNMENT
YEARLY TERM CALENDAR
2025 Photo Comp winning photo from Wollongbar Public School P&C Association.
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SHARE YOUR STORY
We love to hear your stories. The Parent & Citizen Journal is published once a term and is a great way to showcase what your P&C Association and school community is up to. If your school, parents or P&C Association is doing something special this year, share your story and photos with us and fellow school communities. Scan the QR code to share.
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YOUR STORY
public educational fa cilities in our state's history, creating learning spaces that live up to the ambitions we have for
The past few months have been a powerful reminder that we are strongest when we are united as a community, and nowhere is this truth more evident than within our school
schools. I wish you and your family a joyful and inspiring
overlooked are heard. It is meaningful work, and important work, and I am committed to seeing it through the state.
Public education is, at its core, an inclusive system. It exists to serve all young people, across geography, culture, language, ability, and circumstance, and to support families from every part of our state. It is one of the greatest equalisers of opportunity that we have in Australia - creating pathways not just for individual students, but for entire communities. If that is the spirit of public education, then our P&C Associations should reflect that same generosity and openness. But just because we value it in principle, that doesn’t mean that inclusion will happen automatically. It requires intention. It requires reflection. And often, it requires us to ask uncomfortable questions of ourselves and our structures.
For P&C Associations this might mean asking - who isn’t at our meetings? Whose voices do we rarely hear? Or, what assumptions do we make about who will contribute, or can contribute, and in what way?
Sometimes inclusion looks like practical adjustments, providing interpreters at meetings, offering hybrid ways to participate, ensuring communication reaches parents who don’t engage in traditional ways, or structuring events so they are genuinely accessible. Sometimes it looks like cultural change, making space for diverse experiences, recognising that leadership and contribution can look different in different communities, and ensuring our P&Cs are welcoming spaces, not intimidating ones.
P&C Associations in doing this well, through resources, conversations, and advocacy that put inclusion at the centre of strong school communities. Our commitment remains to help you do the work you already do so well, with the resources and support to reach every family.
I look forward to engaging with many of you throughout 2026 and wish you a great start to the new year.A
BY GEMMA QUINN, CEO of The P&C Federation of NSW
Across generations, these stories show us that inclusion has no real barriers. It is about recognising, valuing and welcoming difference in every form, from culture to ability, experience and perspective, and creating spaces where people can engage fully, contribute confidently, and lead alongside one another. When schools and P&C Associations embrace this mindset, barriers that might once have seemed insurmountable are transformed into opportunities for connection, growth and belonging. Inclusion is not just a goal, it’s a practice that strengthens our school communities, enriches education and ensures that every child and family has the chance to flourish.
P&C Federation Awards 2025!
Thank You to all nominees and P&C communities across NSW! Your work strengthens public education and ensures families have a voice. We celebrate your dedication and the difference you make each year.
Principal of the Year
KIRSTY HAGGETT, HABERFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOL
This award recognises principals who demonstrate:
• Collaboration with their P&C Association
• Unity across the whole school community
• Exceptional leadership that drives positive change Kirsty has worked closely with her P&C to rebuild trust, improve transparency and ensure families have access to timely information about school decisions and funding. Her inclusive approach has brought parents, carers, staff and students together, strengthening engagement through working groups and open communication.
Volunteer of the Year
ALANA JONES, NARRANGA PUBLIC SCHOOL P&C
This award recognises volunteers who show:
• Commitment to serving their school community
• The ability to inspire others to get involved
• Exceptional effort in delivering positive change
Over seven years, Alana has served in multiple P&C roles including President and Vice President, building strong relationships and encouraging participation in her community. She initiated a hardship fund, developed a buddy program for high potential and gifted education students, and actively mentors new volunteers. Known as a “catalyst for community spirit," she has boosted engagement and represented parent voices beyond her school.
P&C Association of the Year
FAULCONBRIDGE PUBLIC SCHOOL P&C
This award recognises P&Cs that demonstrate:
• Collaboration across the school community
• Advocacy on behalf of parents and carers
• Exceptional initiatives that support student learning and wellbeing
Faulconbridge P&C has built a welcoming and inclusive culture, bringing families together through events like Twilight Markets and Family & Friends Day. Their contributions include the Kitchen Garden, Yarning Circle, funding for classroom sensory kits, over 100 Chromebooks for students, and successful advocacy for hall upgrades. Their work is thoughtful, impactful, and deeply community-focused.
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Advocacy Update
Government budgets tell us a lot about what it is concerned about and focused on. The Federation has recently advocated to the NSW Government to spend more money on some very important targeted initiatives to support public education right across NSW.
Each year, the NSW Treasury accepts submissions about proposed priorities for the upcoming NSW state budget. In December 2025 we made a submission reflecting our broader advocacy priorities and feedback we have gathered from P&Cs including from our recent successful conference.
The Federation recognises the very significant and historic commitment to full and adequate funding that has been finally made to the government school sector. Along with other advocacy organisations we celebrated the historic Commonwealth and NSW Government March 2025 agreement to fund public schools in NSW to 100% of the School Resourcing Standard (SRS). The fact remains however, that these funding changes will take many years to be implemented.
OUR SUBMISSION:
• Asks for investment that goes beyond the Department of Education and Early Learning to include Health, Sport and Transport.
• Supports the delivery of Our Plan for NSW Public Education developed by the NSW Department of Education.
• Calls on findings and recommendations from: several NSW parliamentary inquiries; our engagement with members of the NSW Parliament and ongoing consultation with the Department of Education.
• Tackles a number of areas that have seen a large and growing financial impost on parents and the erosion of important elements of a well-rounded, education. These range from quality, sequential music education to school representative sports.
• Is modest, practical and very achievable.
The NSW Budget won’t be announced until late June.
GET INVOLVED!
P&Cs are encouraged to read our submission, work out which of the requests are the most important for the local school community and let the local Member of Parliament know that your P&C really wants to see investment and action.
including in other regional and remote areas currently out-of-scope
• Encourage more kids to be independent and active – supporting them to walk or ride safely to and from school:
o $5 million to employ 250 more School Crossing Supervisors (“lollipop people") who manage road crossings especially in regional and rural town centres
o $2 million in 2026/27 Get NSW Active grant program, open to local councils across NSW to deliver projects that enable walking or riding to primary schools (beyond the school gate into the urban environment)
• Invest $45 million to expand the public mobile dental program currently successfully operating in primary schools in eleven Local Health Districts
• Invest $1.75 million to ensure all NSW primary school students have access to high quality, sequential music education, essential for a well-rounded education
READ THE SUBMISSION
them to have an active role and voice within the schools but also gives them a sense of belonging and recognition for the critical work they do.
BETTER TOOLS, AND BETTER SUPPORT FOR SCHOOLS
New systems will give cleaners and principals the resources they need to handle cleaning requests and issues. Proper ongoing training requirements and an induction program for our cleaners will ensure our staff have the skills and confidence to deliver the cleaning service well. Clear guidelines will define their roles and protect them from unreasonable expectations and being treated unfairly.
All the new arrangements will meet strict workplace laws, health and safety requirements, and most importantly include modern slavery safeguards. These protections will recognise the hours cleaners work and value cleaning as the skilled and important work it is.
THE KEY BENEFITS FOR OUR SCHOOLS
When school cleaners are supported, trained, and valued, everyone benefits. Our children learn in healthier environments, and our teachers and staff work in cleaner, safer spaces. Young students also see first-hand that all workers deserve dignity and that everyone in a school community matters — a strong value that our Public Education system upholds and continues to champion.
"I work with the same cleaner every day. He has always been a part of our school community, and we have always valued his contributions to our school. I’m excited to formally welcome him as a member of staff.”
- Sue Maxworthy, Kotara Public School Principal
The rollout begins in January 2026, bringing recognition and support to people who help our children thrive in their school environments.
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Stories of Inclusion
Hear from your P&C Federation Board Members:
ALBURY HIGH SCHOOL P&C
At Albury High School, our P&C plays an important role in
NORTHMEAD CAPA & CASTLE HILL HIGH SCHOOL P&CS
As the Director of North West Sydney, I am fortunate to be part of two Hills District high school P&Cs where my teenagers attend, giving me a firsthand view of how inclusive communities are built.
At Northmead CAPA High School, the P&C promotes inclusion through termly events such as the Twilight Market and other whole-school activities. These provide relaxed, welcoming spaces where students, families, staff and the wider community can connect, share experiences and celebrate student creativity.
WELLINGTON PUBLIC SCHOOL P&C
In a regional community like Wellington, access to before and after school care is not just a convenience, it's essential for inclusion. In 2021, a group of dedicated P&C volunteers established a P&C-run before and after school care service, designed around what local families needed. From the beginning, the service has actively included parent and children’s voices, shaping the activities on offer and creating a program that feels welcoming, safe and fun for every child who attends.
A few years on, Wellington BASC is thriving. It supports families who travel for work or study, helping children stay connected to their friends, routines and local school community rather than having to leave. The work reflects what strong P&Cs do best: removing barriers, building belonging, and making public schools work for the families they serve.
by Katrina Gersbach - Director, Far West
HUSKISSON PUBLIC SCHOOL P&C
Leading with inclusion at the centre of everything Huskisson Public School P&C does, and it shows in the way the school community comes together. Throughout the school community there is a culture where families feel seen, supported and genuinely welcomed, not only when things are easy, but when life gets messy and people need each other most.
It is easy to point to the big moments, like rallying during bushfires or backing school wellbeing programs, and the P&C is a part of that work too. It is often the small helping hands that reveal the true strength of a community. When my fridge broke unexpectedly, the P&C sprang into action. Our P&C volunteers made room in the canteen freezers for us so we could store our food and still cook dinner that night. While it might seem small, it meant a lot to us to be part of a community that supports each other. Inclusion isn't a one-off, it takes an ongoing investment in culture to bring everyone together.
by Aresha Quaass - Director, South Coast
Puzzles & Games
The Objects of a P&C Association:
Insurance for your P&C
How We Can Help
by Andrews Insurance Services
INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES ARE BUILT WHEN EVERYONE FEELS SAFE, VALUED AND SUPPORTED.
One of the quiet but powerful ways this happens is through Insurance. It helps protect people and organisations when things don’t go to plan.
Insurance isn’t something most of us think about until the time comes when we need it. But when the unexpected happens, it provides peace of mind and practical support allowing your P&C to focus on what matters most, your school community.
At Andrews Insurance Services we’re proud to support all P&Cs across NSW no matter how big or small. Every school community is made up of people from all walks of life, parents’ carers, teachers, and volunteers who bring different skills, backgrounds, and experiences. An inclusive community is one where everyone feels they belong and can participate safely and confidently.
Part of creating that sense of safety is knowing that if something does go wrong, your P&C and its members are protected. That’s where Insurance plays a vital role. Insurance gives everyone the confidence to take part, whether it’s cooking a BBQ, helping at the fete, or managing funds that are raised. It ensures no one is unfairly burdened if an accident or loss occurs.
As the appointed broker to the Federation of Parents & Citizens Associations of NSW our role is to ensure every P&C has access to the same quality protection and expert advice. We help you focus on building community and supporting your school while we take care of the risk.
Inclusive communities aren’t built overnight, they grow through everyday actions that make people feel safe, valued and welcome. Insurance might not be the most exciting part of your P&C’s work but its one of the most important was we make sure everyone can take part with confidence.
INSURANCE COVER FOR YOUR P&C’S
We can assist your P&C with a range of insurance products designed to protect your people, property, and activities.
• Public Liability Insurance
• Voluntary Workers Personal Accident Insurance
• Property Insurance
• Association Liability
• Student Injury Insurance
• Event Cancellation Insurance
P&C’s work tirelessly to support their schools and communities. Here are a few real-life examples of when insurance provided vital support when things didn’t go as planned.
VOLUNTARY WORKERS PERSONAL ACCIDENT
INSURANCE
A canteen volunteer tripped over the steps at school while carrying groceries and required physiotherapy. Their claim under the Voluntary Workers policy covered these costs helping them recover and return to volunteering sooner.
PROPERTY INSURANCE
After a long weekend, a P&C run canteen discovered that a storm had caused a power outage. Their fridge was also damaged from the power surge causing it to stop working. All refrigerated stock was spoiled. Thanks to the Business Pack policy being in place, the costs to repair the fridge were covered under the Machinery Breakdown section and the lost stock was reimbursed (up to the policy limit). This allowed the canteen to restock the food, repair the fridge and return to a fully functioning canteen service very quickly and without financial strain.
ASSOCIATION LIABILITY
A P&C that managed the school canteen faced a wrongful dismissal claim from a former canteen manager after employment was terminated. The claim was lodged with the insurer who investigated and defended the matter on behalf of the P&C. The insurer managed the negotiations, leading to a satisfactory resolution for all parties involved.
STUDENT INJURY INSURANCE
Whilst walking down the stairs at school a student fell and sustained damage to their teeth. The insurer was able to pay costs up to the policy limit for dental benefits.
PUBLIC LIABILITY
At a school fete, a P&C set up a table with an urn to serve tea & coffee. The table collapsed spilling boiling water onto two nearby children. The insurer investigated and following thorough medical consultation reached a settlement with the families to cover immediate and ongoing medical expenses for treatment and rehabilitation. At another event a sign erected by the P&C was blown over by strong winds damaging a parked vehicle. The insurer covered he repair costs for the property damage on behalf of the P&C.
Conference Edition
In case you missed it, at the end of last year we released a huge, digital only conference edition of the Parent & Citizen journal. Scan the QR code to read about our amazing conference speakers, sponsors, and attendees.
The Conference Edition captures the energy, ideas and conversations that filled the room in Parramatta, bringing the theme Participate & Communicate to life on every page. From powerful keynote addresses and practical workshops to moments of connection, creativity and celebration, this edition is a snapshot of P&C life at its most vibrant.
There are also stories of success from P&Cs across NSW, thoughtful explorations of inclusion, well-being and AI in education, and plenty of ideas to take back to your own school community.
The Conference Edition is a chance to revisit the conversations that shape our work and to feel connected to a state wide community of parents and carers who are making public education stronger, together.
