PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
By Natalie Walker
Welcome to the start of a very special year for P&C Federation. This year marks the 100th anniversary of P&C Federation’s founding in 1922, and we will celebrate this enormous milestone in any way we can. That P&C Federation has operated for this long is a huge testament to the committed involvement of parents in public education in NSW.
Honouring 100-year legacy
The contributions of parent volunteers to schools each year is enormous. P&C Associations often runservices like canteens, uniform shops, after-hours school care and band programs. They also hold countless fundraising events to pay for things schools need, such as classroom air conditioning, playground equipment or upgraded school libraries. The substantial value of these contributions from P&C Associations over 100 years has provided strong support for public education in NSW.
In the 2022 centenary celebrations, we will be honouring this legacy. I encourage everyone to check the P&C Federation website (www.pandc.org.au) for centenary events throughout the year and help us celebrate.
P&C Federation’s work over the past 100 years has been driven by teams of skilled and dedicated staff and Board members. I’ve been privileged in my six years on the Board to work with some of these committed and talented people, and I celebrate the contribution they have all made to supporting our P&C Associations and public education across NSW.
At the end of last year, we said farewell to our Project Officer Debbie Clifford, a valued staff member who had worked for P&C Federation for seven years. I thank Debbie for her contribution to P&C Federation operations and wish her all the best as she pursues early retirement.
Planning for the future
Honouring our 100-year legacy is not just about celebrating the past – it is also about planning for the future and laying the groundwork for the next 100 years. The P&C Federation Board last year adopted a strategic plan (www.pandc.org.au/strategic-plan/) which laid out the vision and goals which will underpin our operations for 2021-2024. We have undertaken a branding review and this year will present a new look for P&C Federation to mark our 100-year celebrations. We continue to work on expanding our engagement with members through initiatives such as the Learning Hub, our online training platform developed for P&C Association Office Bearers, the 2021 trial of online Live Chat with members and the expansion of our webinar program for parents, carers and P&C Association Office Bearers.
In the coming year, we will create a host of resources and training materials for new Office Bearers so that they will be empowered and equipped to run a P&C Association from the moment they step into their roles. We will also launch the online community for members this year.
Collaborative partnerships
Our strategic plan also commits us to creating collaborative partnerships with key stakeholders, community and corporate organisations. Ourregular contact with the NSW Department of Education has been invaluable in ensuring that we are able to provide critical, relevant and timely information for parents and carers. The webinars that we co-hosted with the Department in 2021 delivered crucial information to parents and carers during the COVID-19 outbreaks and the subsequent return to school. We have also collaborated with the Department on a range of important policies, including their Outcomes Framework for Students with Disabilities, Complaints Review, and Quality Time Action Plan which aims to simplify administrative practices in schools.
Join the celebration
Finally, a good way to start this year of celebration is with a special online event we have planned for P&C Day, on 2 March. We also encourage you all to celebrate P&C Day in your own schools and to recognise the contributions our P&C Associations make to public education and local school communities. Book the date in and join the celebration! We will be celebrating our centenary anniversary throughout the year with a series of events. Visit the P&C Federation website (www.pandc.org.au) and see p9 in this issue of Parent & Citizen for more details. And please share your stories and photos with us.
As the 2022 year starts, we know that a lot of parents have concerns about the return to school. P&C Federation will continue to communicate with the Department of Education about issues that parents and carers are finding, as they arise.
Best wishes for a successful year.
Natalie Walker President Federation of Parents and Citizens Associations of NSW
Natalie Walker P&C Federation President
STRIVING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
A message from Sarah Mitchell
NSW Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning to mark 100 years of P&C Federation
Across the state, P&C Associations have been working hard for 100 years to bring to life many of the ideas and events that enrich our students’ experiences while at school.
Parents and carers behind these associations are essential for our communities, volunteering their time to support our public schools, students, teachers and families.
Their significant contribution to volunteering collectively accounts for the largest number of volunteers in education in NSW. For the past 100 years, public school parents and carers in P&Cs have been actively enhancing student learning by supporting, advising and working collaboratively with the school in the best interests of our students.
While P&C Associations are well known for fundraising in schools, running canteens, uniform shops and Out of School Hours care, they also play an important role in education advocacy.
They work to be inclusive of all students and families, irrespective of culture, gender, academic ability and socio-economic status. This support has been so important in providing fulfilling experiences in thousands of schools acrossNSW.
From the largest high school in the state, Sydney’s Cherrybrook Technology High School, to the virtual school Aurora College, and the remote School of the Air, P&C Associations strive to make a difference in the lives of students, no matter where they live.
Research shows that parental involvement in children’s education improves academic and wellbeing outcomes and, as partners in the education process, the role that parents and carers play is incredibly important. We have seen this in action every day across the state as P&C Associations feed, fundraise and find resources for their school communities.
As Education Minister, I am proud to work
NSW Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning
closely with P&C Federation and to listen to the voices of parents and carers. I would like to thank each and every volunteer for their hard work, for providing input and feedback on policy and procedures and ultimately, working to ensure students, teachers and families have the best school experience possible.
P&C FEDERATION: CELEBRATING100 YEARS
Sarah Mitchell
A MODEL FOR SCHOOL SUCCESS
By Simone Walker
As we return to a life of school pick-ups, drop-offs, coordinating lunches, and checking homework, I want to share some of the ways the School Success Model will be making an impact in our schools in 2022, and some of the ways it has already made an impact since its launch in December 2020.
Shared accountability
The School Success Model is designed to measure the improvement of every student, every teacher, every leader and every school – every year. The model is made up of policies and programs that improve the quality and availability of support resources designed for schools. Under the model there is a greater sense of shared accountability across the education system for the success of our students. That is why this year, we will continue to work with our schools to help them implement their four-year Strategic Improvement Plans.
You may be familiar with your school’s Strategic Improvement Plan, having seen it on your school’s website or even been consulted during its development. Tailored to the unique context of each school and recognising their varied educational, geographical and social characteristics, these plans include agreed targets to lift student achievement and show growth, covering the learning and wellbeing of our students.
Lifting our students
In 2022, we will continue to deliver new evidence-based resources for our schools based on what we know works best to lift student growth, achievement and wellbeing. This builds off the work we have already accomplished through 2021, which included designing new evidence-based resources and tools for our schools around lifting student reading and numeracy skills, and improving student attendance. Our schools havealso benefited from a new online hub which includes quality-assured and evidence-based literacy and numeracy resources for our teachers.
We are also going to continue to invest in student wellbeing by getting more specialist staff into our schools to support mental health and student behaviour in the classroom, and further support teachers in responding to their students’ needs by ensuring there is more specialist support for those who have learning or behavioural needs.
We will focus on supporting and preparing our students by creating and strengthening pathways into tertiary education, work, and vocational training. We will be working to lift HSC performance by making available more useful resources for HSC students and deepening the skills and practice of teachers of Year 12 students across NSW.
STUDENTS DEFY LOCKDOWN WITH HSC GLORY
Supplied by the NSW Department of Education
Students who endured the toughest lockdown restrictions during NSW’s COVID-19 lockdown last year have shone in the HSC.
Schools located in the Local Government Areas of concern that suffered the highest infection rates saw outstanding improvements in academic results despite students being unable to attend face-toface lessons for more than 16 weeks.
Prairiewood High climbed more than 100 rankings to 80th on the basis of 154 top results – almost double the number it achieved in 2019.
Canley Vale High in Fairfield had its best results in five years, jumping more than 100 places to 137th, as did Cumberland
High in Parramatta (110th), partially selective Blacktown BoysHigh (111th) and Bonnyrigg High in Fairfield (150th).
Deb Summerhayes, Executive Director of the Metropolitan South and West School Performance Directorate, said the success of these students was amazing news that should be celebrated.
“This is an amazing achievement from students who were significantly impacted by the lockdowns in the LGAs of concern. The outstanding results are testament to the commitment, hard work and resilience of students and dedication and relentless focus of their teachers and schools in ensuring continuity of learning and wellbeing support in an incredibly challenging 2021,” she said.
Simone Walker
Group Deputy Secretary School Improvement
NSW Department of Education
As a parent, I am confident in saying that we all want our kids to be prepared to face an increasingly complex and dynamic world. It doesn’t matter which pathway a school leaver will choose after school – we will support them with the right options early in school so that they can take advantage of all the opportunities available to them.
Adapting and supporting
For many, 2021 is understandably a difficult year to think back to but, despite it feeling like the world ground to a halt (again!), our schools, kids and school communities adapted and our system continued to support our learners in the best ways possible.
In 2021, we created more than 1,300 new Curriculum Assistant Principal (AP) positions (one AP for every NSW public primary school) to drive a continuous focus on literacy and numeracy, and support implementation of the curriculum. We introduced a compulsory Phonics Screening Check for our Year1 students, which will help support them to develop foundational literacy skills. We also delivered more tutors on the ground for schools to support learning loss due to school closures during COVID-19 and invested in more dedicated specialist staff into our schools to support students and their families with a range of health, behavioural and wellbeing issues.
I am hopeful that we can all approach 2022 with a sense of optimism, knowing how well our schools and school communities worked together and provided support during what will be remembered as one of the most difficult years in our kids’ school lives.
Simone Walker
Group Deputy Secretary School Improvement
NSW Department of Education
NESA NEWS
By Paul Martin
The beginning of each new year brings with it an optimistic sense of renewal. It feels good to begin again and to start afresh and I think we all need to be optimistic about 2022.
Last year was a hard year, particularly for our children and young people who had to navigate remote schooling and, of course, the Higher School Certificate. It was an extraordinary year where, notwithstanding the difficulties we faced, NSW schools, parents and our magnificent teachers worked tirelessly together in the interests of the students of NSW. Underneath the story of the pandemic are a thousand narratives of commitment, support, kindness and hope.
New syllabuses
While on the topic of new beginnings, NESA is proud to point you to the revised K-2 English and maths syllabuses now being rolled out in primary schools across NSW. The new syllabuses, released last year on a new digital platform, reflect extensive consultation with teachers, education stakeholders and industry professionals and mark the achievement of the first milestone in the NSW Curriculum Reform program.
The syllabuses have been streamlined to remove ambiguity and come with explicit teaching advice, including a clearer focus on what’s essential. I am looking forward to watching the rollout and implementation of the new syllabuses and the positive impacts they are set to have on both students and teachers. These are good syllabuses that
will make a real difference in schools, and I encourage you to have a look at them. To find out more about the new syllabuses and explore the new platform, visit www. curriculum.nsw.edu.au
The HSC Class of 2021
While our youngest students have a new English and mathematics curriculum to look forward to, the HSC Class of 2021 completed their exams in December. Firstly, I want to thank the principals, teachers, school staff, exam supervisors, students and their families for keeping the 2021 HSC as safe as possible. In implementing and following strict COVID-safe protocols, exams were able to be conducted with minimal disruption. Congratulations to the Class of 2021, supported by the broader education community. You showed resilience, focus and determination and those attributes will hold you in good stead for many years to come.
World Teachers’ Day
On the topic of our outstanding NSW education community, World Teachers’ Day was celebrated on 29 October 2021 with schools across the state holding special events aimed at recognising the 160,000-plusprimary, secondary and early childhood teachers who work in NSW. A slew of well-known Aussie celebrities joined the community in celebrating teachers and shared all the ways that teachers make a difference. If you missed it, you can view the video on the NESA website: https://bit. ly/3AODKjA
Paul Martin, CEO NSW Education Standards Authority
WriteOn celebration
The last few months of 2021 also saw the celebration of WriteOn – an annual writing competition open to all NSW primary students in Years 1 to 6. We received close to 600 entries from 310 schools, making 2021 the most successful year to date. Congratulations to the 50 Gold, Silver and Bronze Award recipients whose exceptional writing has been published in The Best of WriteOn 2021 – we loved reading your work. You can purchase a copy on the NESA website: https://shop.nesa. nsw.edu.au/the-best-of-writeon-2021
Showcase season
Looking to the future, we’re excited to celebrate the 2021 HSC Showcase season: ArtExpress (Visual Arts), Encore (Music), Callback (Dance), InTech (Industrial Technology), OnSTAGE (Drama), Shape 2021 (Design and Technology, Industrial Technology, Textiles and Design), Texstyle (Textiles and Design) and WordeXpress – Young Writers Showcase (English Extension 2). These are special events that showcase exemplary works created by students from last year’s HSC. The talent, creativity and ingenuity displayed in the showcases is consistently inspiring and heartening. More information about the showcases, including dates, can be found at https://bit.ly/nesa-hsc-showcases
Finally, and with my deepest appreciation, I would like to wish everyone a safe, healthy and happy year as we enter Term 1.
Paul Martin Chief Executive Officer, NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA)
Congratulations to the HSC Class of 2021 who showed resilience, focus and determination during an extraordinary year. Photo: Dominic Lorrimer for the Sydney Morning Herald HSC Study Guide
#PANDC100YEARS: SO MUCH TO CELEBRATE
Let the celebrations begin! The Federation of Parents and Citizens Associations of NSW is 100 years young this year.
It’s a time to look back at our achievements and plan for our future as the valued voice of public school parents in one of the world’s largest education systems.
We are the largest volunteer group in NSW education, with 8,000 office bearers and more than 1,800 member P&C Associations in remote, regional and metropolitan areas of the state.
The Federation of Parents and Citizens Associations of NSW was officially formed in May 1922 as the peak body for public school parents, but P&C Associations were being formed from the turn of the 20th century, often called school progress associations or parents and citizens unions.
By 1913 a central council of P&C Associations had been established and two years later a Constitution was gazetted, which included objectives to “promote the cause of education” and “to unite the voices of P&C Associations to be heard more effectively”.
Today thisadvocacy – from curriculum to student wellbeing and emergency COVID-19 procedures – is an important part of the Federation’s work.
In 100 years, enormouschanges have occurred in society and particularly in education. In 1922 there was only a handful of public high schools and most
students finished their education after the primary years. Today, there are more than 1,600 public primary schools in NSW and 400 secondary schools, with post-school destinations into further study, training or employment.
Share your stories
Sharing stories of our achievements, our volunteers, students and events is a wonderful way to celebrate our centenary, using the hashtag #PandC100years. P&C Federation is expanding its social media coverage and we can share your stories, photos and videos on Facebook, and capture them in storiesfor our E-Bulletin and the Parent & Citizen journal.
P&C Federation will run a series of events this year to mark the centenary, including more of our popular webinars, an expanded P&C Association Volunteer of the Year Awards and a conference at the end of the year. Last year we held webinars on a diverse range of topics, from COVID-19 measures and learning from home, to how to successfully apply for grants.
Celebrate P&C Day
Each year, on the first Wednesday in March, we celebrate P&C Day as a time when school communities officially recognise and celebrate the contribution made by their P&C Association.
This year, P&C Federation will host a special celebratory event online on 2 March (P&C Day) that will be open to all P&C Association and public school community members to attend online and listen to guest speakers.
SAVE THE DATES
2 March: P&C Day Celebration event (online)
March: Nominations open for the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards
16-22 May: National Volunteer Week
1-5 August: NSW Education Week
October/November: P&C Federation Conference (date to be confirmed)
Visit P&C Federation’s website for more information.
We’ll provide more details in our E-Bulletins and on our website as arrangements are confirmed.
You can sign up at www.pandc.org.au/ebulletins/ to receive the E-Bulletin, and access the ‘Celebrate Our Centenary’ page on P&C Federation’s website at www.pandc.org. au/100-years-of-pc-federation/
P&C Associations can celebrate P&C Day, perhaps with a centenary theme, in many different ways. Here’s a few suggestions:
• hold a special school assembly
• ask school staff to host a morning tea
• recognise caring and committed parents
• start a membership drive
• organise a dinner, trivia night or other event
• invite a speaker and host an online meeting for your P&C Association members and community.
And remember to share yourstories and photos! Post a photo of your school on Facebook and tagit #PandC100 years
Value-adding
P&C Associations provide services and expertise to schools and students that valueadd to education. The role of P&C Federation is to provide support to all our member associations across NSW.
We are committed to a free, public education system inclusive of all students and families, irrespective of culture, gender, academic ability and socio-economic status.
Parents as partners in the education process have a right and a responsibility to play an active role in the education of their children. The future is bright for our students, thanks to the dedication of all our members.
For more information: www.pandc.org. au/100-years-of-pc-federation/
Promoting education: P&C Federation has been the valued voice of public school parents for 100 years. Photo: P&C Federation archives
SHARING YOUR STORIES FOR OUR CENTENARY
P&C Associations can be found in nearly every part of the state, from the remote School of the Air to the largest school in NSW, Cherrybrook Technology High School. In our centenary year, P&C Federation will share many stories of P&C people power, starting with this selection by Linda Doherty.
MEMORIES ARE MADE FROM FUN TIMES
Nothing puts a smile on the face of School of the Air P&C Association members more than seeing their kids catch up, socialise and play sport together.
Such is the geographic isolation experienced by students at the distance education Broken Hill School of the Air that these gatherings are treasured for the memories they create and the friendships they nurture – for students and their families.
P&C Association President Suzanah Palmer said the association “goes above and beyond” to connect their children and support socialisation.
“We make the very most of any opportunity we have to get our kids together,” she said.
“COVID was really tough. I mean isolation is our thing, but it was a real ‘ah-ha’ moment to see how much the kids missed hanging out with their friends.”
The Broken Hill School of the Air was established in 1956. Lessons were originally conducted over radio airwaves but today it uses telephone, internet and satellite technology, with online lessons from teachers based in Broken Hill.
Student numbers have grown in recent years from preschool to Year 6 and there are now 140 students, who live and learn mainly on farms and stations in remote and outback NSW. A small but growing number of students are travelling with their families.
Twice a year the students have a one-week ‘Classroom’ at Broken Hill where they go to school face-to-face, with the P&C Association
funding accommodation sleepovers and food costs, putting on entertainment and bringing in sports coaches. There are also ‘Mini Schools’ where the families meet up a few times a year, usually on a remote station or at a campsite.
“We have an amazing fundraising committee, we always have had,” Suzanah said.
Pizza drives, Hump Day Lotto and raffles fund literacy resources for the school and subsidise excursions. The P&C Association is fitting out a catering trailer so members can cook barbecues at school gatherings. There is always a huge Christmas party “where the kids go berserk”.
Suzanah, a mum of three daughters, lives on a sheep station between Wilcannia and Ivanhoe. Her eldest daughter will start a Year 7 distance education program this year and then, like many School of the Air graduates, will go to boarding school.
LISTENING EARS FOR STUDENT VOICE
Mia Dacey has been involved in P&C Associations since she was in primary school, attending meetings with her parents, Justin and Michelle, and helping out with fundraisers.
Now in Year 12 at Windsor High School, Mia is a seasoned P&C Association student member, having joined up when she started Year 8. When her Dad was asked to join the high school P&Cand was off to his first meeting, Mia asked: “Can I come, too?”
Since then she has been a regular at P&C Association meetings, bringing a student voice to school decision-making, volunteering for
barbecues at Bunnings and for working bees, such as painting the bus shelter.
Her membership of the P&C Association provides a grassroots view of what students want and need from their school of 600 students in the historic town of Windsor, north-west of Sydney.
P&C Association office bearers often ask for Mia’s opinion at meetings. “They always take into consideration what we might want, always asking what the students would like, or would it be good for the school?” Mia said.
is known as a caring and supportive student who is actively involved in school activities. She has been a member of the Student Representative Council since Year 9 and is a Year 12 prefect for 2022.
“Being on the P&C makes me happy and it makes me feel good about the school, putting my effort and work into the school to help it become bigger and better and have an exciting future,” she said.
Mia, 17, has been a dancer for 13 years and hopes to study physiotherapy or health and exercise science at university when she finishes school.
GARDEN LEGACY ADDS TO HISTORY
When Five Dock Public School P&C Association started in 1906, there were up to 70 studentsin a classroom and students wrote on slates they wiped clean with cloths –or their shirts!
Today, class sizes in NSW public primary schools are around 30 students and children
Mia
School of the Air P&C Association
President Suzanah Palmer and her husband Luke with their children (L-R, Clare, Emily and Chloe) on the family’s sheep station,located between Wilcannia and Ivanhoe in NSW.
Photo supplied by the Palmer family
Mia Dacey, 17, has been involved in her schools’ P&C Associations since primary school.
Photo supplied by the Dacey family
have access to the latest in technology such as iPads and interactive whiteboards and, thanks to COVID-19, enhanced hygiene procedures.
Five Dock Public School P&C is believed to be the oldest P&C Association in Australia. The public school, in Sydney’s inner-west, dates to 1876 and is today a thriving multicultural school of 370 students.
The P&C Association runs an OOSH (Outside of School Hours Care) and uniform shop and has a strategic focus on fundraising to improve school facilities and infrastructure, including air-conditioning classrooms, renovating the oval, establishing new gardens and funding interactive whiteboards. Movie nights, discos and stalls also pay for sporting equipment, literacy and numeracy resources and Fair Trade polo shirts to be introduced in 2022.
President Heather Hilton joined the P&C Association when her two children started school, after volunteering as the OOSH Secretary. As a working mum she joined the P&C as a way of meeting parents and being more involved in the school “as I can’t always
do school drop-offs and pick-ups”.
She said the P&C Association tapped into parents’ skills and expertise, such as the mum who is a landscape architect who designeda new playground and gardens. The beautification program has included revamping a playground, which used to be called ‘the dustbowl’, with gardens andan outdoor classroom.
“We have plans for a First Nations’ garden [that] we have collaborated on with local Elders, and a sensory garden for the students,” Heather said.
“We see the gardens as an enormous legacy we can leave to current and future students.”
ON THE BUS WITH A TICKET TO RIDE
The P&C Association at the largest school in NSW, Cherrybrook Technology High School, fundraised tirelessly to buy a bus for the 2,050 students, only to find when COVID-19 hit they couldn’t use it.
It’s hoped this year will see the bus taking students on excursions and to sporting and cultural events, with hindsight showing it was just one of the challenges overcome in the pandemic.
P&C Association President Ron Harrop said the Year 12 class of 2021 – 297 students –was hit particularly hard, having endured two extended lockdown periods over two years. “Just when you thought everything was okay, it hit harder,” he said.
But there have been positive results. Like many schools, Cherrybrook Technology High School, in north-western Sydney, switched to livestreaming major events like school assemblies and graduations when parents couldn’t physically be on school premises.
“And that will continue even when we come back to ‘normal’,” Ron said. Last December he saw his daughter receive an award on a livestream watched by 1,000 people, including relatives overseas who could tune in.
Another successful use of technology was the P&C Association’s online parents’ forum where families could send in anonymous questions on any topic, to be answered by the principal and teachers. “No question was considered silly,” Ron said.
The P&C Association operates the canteen, which was financially affected by lockdowns and new rules around social distancing, food handling and serving protocols. It also fundraises for new school buildings and has a strong focus on student wellbeing.
“It’s a really rewarding P&C because we have a very diverse group, culturally and careerwise. Everybody brings different skills,” Ron said.
Legendary maths teacher Eddie Woo still has an association with Cherrybrook Technology High School where he taught for many years. And the school has a growing student alumni group, supported and assisted by the P&C Association and amplified on social media. There are 1,686 former students on a contact list, including Paralympians and a data statistician for the soccer World Cup.
“The stories of the people who have gone to this school reinforces to the students what they can do in their futures,” Ron said.
Continued next page
Five Dock Public School P&C Association
President Heather Hilton
Photo supplied by Heather Hilton
Five Dock Public School in the 1880s. Photo courtesy NSW Department of Education
Cherrybrook Technology High School P&C Association President Ron Harrop (right) with Deputy Principal Brett Clements and the bus the P&C funded. Photo supplied by CTHS P&C
P&C ASSOCIATION CBP SUCCESS STORIES
On the following pages, we feature just some of the P&C Associations that secured a Community Building Partnership (CBP) grant in the 2021 round, and asked what their Presidents think makes for a successful grant application.
Carlingford Public School
P&C Association
Rob Kerle, President Project: Under Counter Solid Door Freezer for Canteen
Grant value: $5,212
Describe your project and why you applied for the grant
Carlingford Public School grew from 350 to over 800 students in just seven years, but our canteen had not been provided with funding to expand or improve the efficiency of the space. Our canteen volunteers worked with a large, high chest freezer which made it awkward for them to access the bottom of the unit.
What does this grant mean for your P&C Association and school?
This CBP grant was a welcome step towards a versatile canteen space which combines access to storage with improved work and preparation space for our volunteers. We combined better support for our volunteers with more future-ready operations, in turn making volunteering at our school a more attractive prospect and therefore increasing volunteer participation.
Your advice for P&C Associations applying in 2022
Fully understand the funding criteria and
attend any briefings available from funding bodies. Also, be practical about the amount you apply for compared to total funds. The object is often tohelp as many deserving groups as possible.
The Jannali High School P&C Association
Brandon Lewis, President Project: Entertainment TechBox Upgrade
Grant value: $100,000
Describe your project and why you applied for the grant
In May 2021, The Jannali High School P&C Association decided to apply for its first-ever grant via the Community Building Partnership grant program. After extensive consultation with the Principal, Rick Coleman, we decided that the project that best met the combined school/community needs was to rebuild the existing TechBox audio visual system in the school hall.
What does this grant mean for your P&C Association and school?
The existing TechBox is outdated and unfit for purpose. By building a new larger and safer TechBox, the school will be able to offer better access to the hall for other local schools who regularly use the space, as well as various other community groups (musical societies, singing groups, etc).
The new TechBox will also provide enhanced career pathway opportunities for those students looking to enter the entertainment industry. The school will use the new space to offer the VET Entertainment course on-site, reducing travel time for local students across a number of high schools who currently have to travel off-site to TAFE to study this course.
Your advice for P&C Associations applying in 2022
The two important things we learned during the grant application process is: stick to the brief, and rally the community around the cause. By sticking to the initial requirements of the grant and incorporating the community benefit element (not just for the school), we felt this allowed us to justify requesting the larger grant amount. It’s a bold step that requires bold funding to implement. The second element of rallying the community was also key. When we were informed that a petition [in support of the project] had been arranged, members of the P&C Executive used their extensive networks across local schools (both primary and high schools), to build support for this cause. The feedback from our local Member of Parliament was that the amount of people who signed the petition made it very hard to ignore. It clearly had community backing.
We are very proud of this achievement as it is the first grant we have ever applied for since being incorporated in 2020. Hopefully there’s more to come!
Hobartville Public School P&C Association
Darin McLean, President Project: All-Inclusive Playset Grant value: $20,000
Describe your project and why you applied for the grant
Our all-inclusive playset consists of two main pieces (see photo next page) catering for juniors/infants up to primary school ages.
The first piece is multi-play activity set. This is intended for children up to eight years old and those building their confidence, social play skills and strength.
The second is a 4m climbing rope set, which is intended for the children aged nine and older. It adds greater physical, agility and coordination challenges.
We applied for the CBP2021 grant to fasttrack the required funding as it would add to existing funds raised over many years. It was a substantial goal that focused on the students and their wellbeing. The school’s existing play equipment was mostly sensory equipment. The idea received strong and positive
Thanks to a CBP grant, Carlingford PS’s canteen now has an improved work and preparation space (above), making things easier for volunteers, including those pictured above.
The Jannali High School will use its grant to rebuild the outdated TechBox system (pictured top rear of photo) in the school hall.
VOLUNTEER HELPING HANDS BUILD COMMUNITIES
By Linda Doherty
47.5%
Almos halfofvoluneeringoccurs on he roundinlocalcommunies
Gemma Rygate, CEO The Centre for Volunteering
Volunteer of the Year 2021 Abbie Kelly, with Alister Henskens, Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services, at the awards ceremony. Abbie is a public school student from Broken Hill.
Photo: The Centre for Volunteering
$127BILLION
The cos benefi raoforvoluneerin inNSWin2020was3.3:1 Foreverydollarinvesed,approximaely$3.30isreurned.
“More and more organisations are putting their volunteers front and centre for the awards and this has the effect of encouraging more people to volunteer.”
Nominations for the regional and state awards open during National Volunteer Week, which starts this year on 16 May 2022. There are 25 regional awards ceremonies, culminating in a state awards ceremony in December.
75.9% ofNSWadul populaon voluneered
The Volunteer of the Year Award in 2021 went to 12-year-old Abbie Kelly, school captain at Burke Ward Public School in Broken Hill, proving that age is no barrier to community building. Abbie volunteers and fundraises for environmental, community and health organisations and charities. Last year she organised a Crazy Sock Day across Broken Hill to raise money for cancer research, securing partnerships with 10 local schools and more than 30 businesses.
“I don’t do it for the awards, I don’t do it for the publicity,” Abbie told the ABC. “I do it because helping people is what I’m most passionate about in the world. Getting to see some of the impacts that raising money has on people is just absolutely incredible.”
Jilliby Public School P&C volunteer Michael Kay was named Central Coast Volunteer of
the Year. Michael raised funds for a bus to take students to sporting and cultural events, bought the bus from Queensland, fitted it out, and now drives it. The bus is also used by other small mountain and valley schools at Peats Ridge and Wyong Creek.
Want to know more?
The Centre for Volunteering: www.volunteering.com.au/#/ NSW State of Volunteering Report: www.volunteering.com.au/sovr/ NSW Volunteering Strategy: www.volunteering.nsw.gov.au/about-us/ nsw-volunteering-strategy
Volunteer of the Year Awards: www. volunteering.com.au/volunteer-awards/
DISABILITY STRATEGY SURVEY: HAVE YOUR SAY
As part of the Department of Education’s focus on improving outcomes for the one in five students in our schools who have a disability or additional learning needs, the Department is asking students with disability, and their families, to identify the educational and wellbeing outcomes that matter most to them.
This work will contribute to the development of an outcomes framework that will help us better measure the educational outcomes of students with disability and ensure we are achieving the best possible outcomes for these students.
Why we are creating an outcomes framework
The Department‘s goal is for all children and young people with disability in NSW public schools to thrive academically and socially, develop good physical, mental and emotional health, and gain the skills to live a fulfilling, independent life post-school.
The Department’s Disability Strategy (https:// bit.ly/DoE-disability-strategy) commits to creating an outcomes framework that tracks the learning growth, wellbeing and independence of students with disability to ensure this goal is being met.
Building this framework requires a groundbreaking new approach that considers the requirements of students with disabilityand additional learning needs.
Hearing the voices of students and their parents and carers is an important part of creating this approach and meeting our commitment to building a more inclusive education system where every student is known, valued and cared for.
Have
your say
You can contribute to the development of this new framework by completing one of the following surveys:
Survey for students over 14 – outcomes framework for students with disability: https:// bit.ly/survey-for-students-over-14 Survey for parents – outcomes framework for students with disability: https://bit.ly/ outcomes-survey-for-parents
Surveys are done securely online and take around 15 minutes to complete. Survey submissions will close on 4 March 2022.
We are also listening to our students, families and school staff through focus groups and interviews. If you would like more information or want to provide feedback or ask questions, please get in touch by emailing the Disability Strategy team at disability.strategy@det.nsw. edu.au
Central Coast Volunteer of the Year in 2021 Michael Kay, from Jilliby Public School P&C Association.
Photo: The Centre for Volunteering
P&C FEDERATION PAST PRESIDENTS REFLECT
These articles, by Beverly Baker and Di Giblin, are the first in a Centenary celebration series running in the journal throughout 2022, in which we ask P&C Federation Past Presidents to reflect on their time in the role.
PUBLIC EDUCATION CORNERSTONE OF DEMOCRACY
By Beverly Baker, President P&C Federation 1998-2002
Ijoined P&C Federation in 1982. I served as a Councillor, Executive Member, Country Vice-President and Publicity Officer before being elected as Presidentin 1998.
At that time Council comprised of around 100 councillors from the 10 educational regions across NSW, plus the elected office bearers, and was served by a secretariat of seven. Councillors included parents and citizens who had strong links to their schools, districts and regions.
These were interesting years in terms of the changes implemented by government. For example, private schools, once fundedon a need basis, saw a change to the funding model which delivered, for the first time, millions of dollars to the wealthiest schools in the state. P&C Federation argued, at the time,
that this would lead to a chronic and unfair funding imbalance.
During my Presidency we also saw the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Initially this was to be applied to everything, but P&C Federation successfully lobbied for a raft of exclusions including donations and income from P&C Associationrun canteens and uniform shops. P&C Federation was also at the forefront of preparing public schools for the impact of this new tax.
P&C Federation also: ensured that procedural fairness and natural justice applied to student discipline policies; that the funds held by P&C Associations would not be included in a school’s ‘global budget’; and convinced the Department of Education to promote public schools, co-launching the ‘Teach Your Children Well’ campaign.
P&C Federation had a very high public profile,
making education the second most important election issue during those years. We built a very strong relationship with the NSW Teachers Federation, recognising that parents and teachers needed to work together if we were to stop the residualisation of public schools.
During my four-year term I visited many schools and every one had something amazing to offer. The dedication to the students, the variety of approaches and commitment to improving student outcomes was inspiring.
My time with P&C Federation remains one of the highlights of my life. One thing that will always be hardwired into the very fabricof my being is the unshakeable belief that public education is the cornerstone of a democracy, and that children who learn together learn to live together.
WORKING TOGETHER TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
By
Ijoined the P&C movement when my first child started school at Werrington County Public School in 1984. Not long after, the NSW Government scrapped 2,500 teacher positions and I invited a P&C Federation representative, Lenore Craven, to our Association. I also attended a protest rally in Sydney, which opened my eyes to the impact that being part of a larger organisation can have.
I was then invited to fill a vacancy on P&C Federation Council as a Western Sydney Electorate Councillor. I served as a Councillor for 20 years and, as P&C Federation Parent & Citizen journal Editor, piloted the production of 16 journals, chasing down stories, developing friendships and relationships across the State,
and promoting the journal as the Federation’s voice to the wider community.
I became a P&C Federation officer in 1999, followed by Senior Vice-President and relieving President in March 2006, before being elected President at the 2006 Conference.
P&C Federation achievements during my time as President include:
• The introduction of pilot nondenominational ethics classes in public schools in early 2010, as proposed by The Federation, in partnership with the St James Ethics Centre. This followed years of negotiations, heated discussions in private and in the wider media due to bitter opposition frommany religious organisations.
• The launch of a recognised P&C Day on 7 March 2007 (and held at Five Dock Public School), with the aim of elevating
P&C Federation’s function and purpose in the wider educational context.
• The introduction of 40km speed zones around schools and childcare centres in 2006, following my proposal for the initiative, and P&C Federation’s support, at our Conference earlier that year.
• P&C Federation taking the very public stance of showing support for all students by marching, for the first time, in the Sydney Mardi Gras Parade in 2010, participating with Parents and Friends of Lesbian and Gay (PFLAG).
I have deeply appreciated serving the parents of public schools and all that P&C Federation has done forme. Part of this was my appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia, an award that I have accepted on behalf of all parents who support public schools and the vital role they play in our society.
Di Giblin, P&C Federation President 2006-2010
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO INCORPORATE AND STAY INCORPORATED
By Tim Spencer, P&C Federation Senior Adviser, Policy and Research
W
hy would your P&C Association want to consider becoming incorporated?
Becoming incorporated turns the P&C Association into a legal entity that can:
• enter into formal agreements such as licenses or leases
• apply for grants
• own assets and borrow money from financial institutions
• employ staff and,
• separates the individual members from the debts and liabilities of the P&C Association.
Incorporation is essential for P&C Associations that wish to apply for government grants, operate an OSHC service or employ staff in canteens, uniform shops or band programs.
Incorporation provides protection, as any debt or liability will typically be held against the P&C Association itself if an association is incorporated rather than individual members. Also, legal action cannot generally be taken against individual members of an incorporated P&C Association unless they have been personally negligent or broken the law.
Incorporated P&C Associations can also meet virtually or have hybrid meetings (ie, where some attend the meeting in person and others attend virtually). In contrast, unincorporated P&C Associations can only meet face-to-face.
P&C Associations can become incorporated under legislation specifically enacted for P&C
Associations, namely Part 3 of the Parents and Citizens Associations Incorporation Act 1976. Incorporation under the Parents and Citizens Associations Incorporation Act is different from that of the Associations Incorporation Act.
Application is through P&C Federation, and incorporation is approved by the Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning. You will not need to interact with Fair Trading.
Becoming incorporated
Becoming incorporated is a relatively straightforward process that involves:
• Discussing incorporation with your members, including the adoption of the Prescribed Incorporated Constitution.
• Putting the motion to incorporate to a vote, making sure you get majority support from your members before proceeding. Ensure the result is recorded in the minutes.
• Downloading the materials located on the P&C Federation website under the ’Member Resources’ tab (www.pandc. org.au/members-sub-categories/).
• Completing and sending the forms with the application fee to P&C Federation, where our friendly staff will handle the rest.
There is a one-off administration fee of $100, covering the effort to process the application through the Minister’s office. This fee is waived for new P&C Associations wishing to incorporate.
Once approved, notification of incorporation
will be published in the NSW Government Gazette. This becomes your proof of incorporation.
If you have questions regarding incorporation, talk to the P&C Federation staff who can walk you through the entire process. You may even consider inviting a representative from P&C Federation to attend your meeting to help answer any questions and guide proper process.
Maintaining incorporation
Incorporation under the P&C Associations Incorporation Act is conditional on completing the following actions annually:
• Your P&C Association must maintain its membership with P&C Federation.
• Your finances must be audited each year. You do not have to retain a qualified Chartered Accountant.
• You must provide a copy of your audited, annual financial statements to P&C Federation within one month of the annual general meeting at which they were ratified.
If an association ceases to be a member of P&C Federation, the Minister may cancelthe association’s incorporation.
Further information
If your P&C Association is not incorporated, take the time to consider the many benefits that incorporation brings. If you require further information or clarification, contact P&C Federation’s Member Support Team at mail@pandc.org.au or call us on 1300 885 982.
CONGRATULATIONS NEWLY INCORPORATED P&C ASSOCIATIONS
A CHANCE TO DREAM BIG
Supplied by the NSW Department of Education
Oxley Park Public School participation in the Nurragannawali Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) allowed the school, through consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and community members, to identify 14 Reconciliation Action Priorities for a wholeschool approach towards authentic reconciliation. The school was awarded the Nanga Mai Outstanding Commitment to Increasing Knowledge and Understanding of Aboriginal Histories, Culture and Experiences of Aboriginal Peoples Award.
The Nanga Mai Awards continue to inspire and encourage communities, schools and their students to contribute to Aboriginal education in NSW public schools.
In 2021, 17 outstanding students shone in their pursuit of public speaking, academic excellence, performing arts, and sport, while eight teachers, community leaders and schools were recognised for their work
in ensuring ongoing success of Aboriginal education. The awards were live-streamed as a virtual ceremony on 1 December.
Last year was the first time the Nanga Mai Awards have been celebrated twice in the one calendar year, as they transition to being held at the end of the same year as the nominations are received.
Community spirit
Meaning ‘to dream’ in Eora (Sydney) language, it’s easy to see how the Nanga Mai Awards have grown to embody a wonderful community spirit where students, their teachers and schools strive to be their very best. No wonder there was a doubling of nominations for the awards in 2021!
Despite not being held face-to-face, the 2021 Nanga Mai Awards attracted a record level of financial and value-in-kind investment through business partnerships. This investment helps to build the profile and awareness of the awards around NSW, which has a direct, significant and positive impact on winners’ lives.
Sponsors of the 2021 awards have delivered tailored mentorship and work experience opportunities, complimentary professional learning, memberships of industry and professional associations and conference registration, networking opportunities with academics and industry professionals, and gift cards. The 2021 sponsors included the Aboriginal Education Council, Hicksons Lawyers, The University of New South Wales, Teachers Health, Expedite IT, RD Facilities
Photos: NSW Department of Education
The 16th Nanga Mai Awards were presented by Wesley Bamblett, a Year 9 student at Narrandera High School, and Tquile Donovan (Singh), a Year 12 student at Orara High School.
Management, MBB Group, The University of Sydney, and Curijo.
With an emphasis on supporting Aboriginal education and keen focus in our community on reducing the impact of disadvantage across NSW, the Nanga Mai Awards continue to go from strength to strength and, on 30 November 2022, will culminate in a glittering ceremony at The Sydney Opera House for winners and their family and friends from across NSW.
Dream big in 2022
If you know of students, teachers, staff, schools or community organisations flourishing in support of Aboriginal education, curriculum, student or youth leadership, traineeships, community and social programs, wellbeing, orcultural programs, the Nanga Mai Awards offer a wonderful opportunity to showcase and be recognised for meaningful and innovative contributions to Aboriginal education.
KEY DATES 2022
February
Student Injury Insurance Renewal due: 1 February
P&C Association AGMs: ensure your P&C Association’s reports are audited and ready to table before your AGM. Refer to your P&C Association’s bylaws for the date of your AGM.
March
P&C Day: 2 March
Selective High School Placement Test: 10 March
P&C Federation NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards nominations open: date TBA
April
Last date to apply for disability provisions for the 2022 HSC examinations: 8 April
Kimberwalli opened in 2015 after the NSW Government committed $20 million to establish an Aboriginal Centre for Excellence in Western Sydney to support one of the NSW Government’s key aims – ensuring Aboriginal people, their families and communities are at the forefront of economic development in Western Sydney. The Kimberwalli Award for Outstanding Contribution to Aboriginal Education is a key Recognition Award presented at the Nanga Mai Awards ceremony. Kimberwalli means ‘many stars’ in Darug language.
Community. It was awarded the Nanga Mai Outstanding School and Community Partnership Award.
To learn more about the awards or to watch the 2021 ceremony, visit the NSW Department of Education’s website and navigate to the Nanga Mai Awards or use https://bit.ly/nsw-nangamai-awards
The following dates are provided to help you plan your P&C Association and school year in 2022.
Autumn school holidays: 11-22 April
Easter: 15-18 April
ANZAC Day: 25 April
Sta development day: 26 April
Term 2 for students begins: 27 April
2022 HSC written examination timetable released: 29 April
May
Mother’s Day: 8 May
NAPLAN online test: 10-20 May
National Volunteer Week: 16-22 May
Walk Safely to School Day: 20 May
National Sorry Day: 26 May
July
Selective High School Placement
Test outcomes: early July (expected release)
Term 2 for students ends: 1 July
NAIDOC Week: 3-10 July
Winter school holidays: 4-15 July
Sta development day: 18 July
Term 3 for students begins: 19 July
Opportunity Class Placement Test: 28 July
August
Education Week: 1-5 August
P&C Association membership and insurance renewals due: 1 August
Book Week (The Children’s Book Council of Australia): 20-26 August
P&C Federation AGM: 27 August
September
Father’s Day: 4 September
Term 3 for students ends: 23 September
Spring school holidays: 26 September – 7 October
October
Term 4 begins: 10 October
HSC written exams begin: 12 October
November
HSC written exams end: 7 November
Remembrance Day: 11 November
Year 10 grades and Life Skills outcomes to be submitted (via Schools Online): 18 November
December
HSC results released: 15 December
Term 4 for students ends: 19 December
Sta development day: 20 December
Summer school holidays: 21 December 2022 – 26 January 2023 (Eastern) and 2 February 2023 (Western)
Contract driver public liability insurance renewal due: 31 December
Vincentia High School has 187 Aboriginal students, many of whom come from the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community. Throughout 2020 and 2021, the school achieved some exceptional results through its strong connection with the Wreck Bay Aboriginal
HOW CAREERS ADVISERS CAN HELP
Supplied by the Careers Advisers Association of NSW & ACT Inc
Careers advisers in public schools are an integral part of the teaching staff of the school. They hold a unique and important role as the main adviser and support for students planning their future pathway after they leave school.
Careers advisers need to be knowledgeable about tertiary education pathways, future employment opportunities and business outreach opportunities for students; but also know the intricacies of senior school education, curriculum and school life. Combining their previous experience as classroom teachers, care and compassion for students, networking and business acumen, careers advisers are highly-experienced and specialised teachers whose impacton students’ choices and directions post-school is invaluable.
Many have already undertaken post-graduate training in Career Development Education before appointment as a career development education practitioner. Otherwise, they undertake their training once they are appointed. You can be assured that your school careers adviser is university trained specifically for the role and also in educational pedagogy (the method and practice of teaching).
Your school’s careers adviser develops and maintains a connection with major employers in the area. They receive information from tertiary institutions and industry groups and spend considerable time collating and disseminating this for students to easily access. As there is usually only one careers adviser in each school, they often meet regularly with others from neighbouring schools to share information, hear guest speakers and plan joint activities for their students.
Careers advisers are expected to be upto-date with post-school options: TAFE, university, tertiary colleges, apprenticeships, employment opportunities and more. School
Career Development Education programs may possibly include timetabled lessons for Years 9 and 10. They will include opportunities for students to hone (or sometimes expand) their future options after considering their talents and shortcomings, likes and dislikes, and how to combine these.
Ask your school to tell you how they use careers advisers in these roles or read the school plan and ask the Principal to explain anything you don’t understand.
What are the benefits for students and parents/carers in accessing their school’s careers adviser?
The careers adviser has a unique role in the school as:
• a specialist with detailed knowledge of industry trends, TAFE and university options;
• a support person for students who need help with post-school options, subject choice, including VET subjects and School-based Apprenticeships and Traineeships, preparation for job search and scholarships;
• a provider of knowledge and advice for senior executive and staff in their dealings with students;
• a resource for parents and carers.
Many parents/carers access careers advice from their school careers adviser to assist their student with realistic subject or career choices. It is common practice for parents/ carers to contact careers advisers by phone, in person or by email, as considered appropriate in your school. Interviews are available at school and usually at parent/ teacher nights.
Parents/carers may be just as confused as students when it comes to approaching Year 10 or the HSC and what happens afterwards, especially if this is their eldest child and they have notexperienced it all before. Careers advisers often include parents in student email communication and newsletters. Often in Year 12, careers advisers recognise that students are already overwhelmed, and parents/carers have a clearer vision of what needs to be done. For this reason, it’s important to check out these communications
School careers advisers can help students (and their parents) who may be confused when it comes to approaching Year 10 or the HSC, and what happens afterwards. Illustration: freepik.com
on behalf of your child. You will probably find guides for university applications, or an explanation of the difference between an apprenticeship and a cadetship, as well as current job offers. Skim through and follow up on relevant items.
If you want to have a confidential conversation about how things are going (eg, an issue with a particular subject), the careers adviser is a good person to seek out as someone separate from faculty. They may also liaise with your child’s Year Adviser too, when appropriate.
A gentle word of advice for parents: while you are the greatest support your child has through their schooling journey, please be careful to prioritise your child’s wants, needs, abilities, likes and dislikes. Research shows influencers sometimes give well-intentioned but misguided information. Employment opportunities are constantly evolving and we all know that job satisfaction is very important.
Careers advisers may run evening sessions for parents/carers on TAFE and university
RESOURCES FOR PARENTS
Introducing your child to the world of work myfuture is Australia’s National Career Information Service and has a section for parents and carers with information to help you to begin the conversation with your child about the world of work. You can help your child explore their interests, skills and values, and generate a personalised list of suggested occupations. https://myfuture.edu.au/ assist-your-child
Parents of Year 12 and school leavers
Check out the Australian National Careers Institute’s parents and guardian’s guide to your child’s education and transitioning to training and work opportunities. https://www.yourcareer. gov.au/school-leavers-support/parentsand-guardian-s-guide-for-school-leavers
entry. Check with your careers adviser about sessions they hold throughout the year and ask your P&C Association to organise a meeting where the careers adviser can explain the school’s Career Development Education program and answer any parent/ carer questions.
How can careers advisers support students?
The first contact students generally have with their careers adviser is probably in Year 9 and 10, with dedicated classes, visits to TAFE and/or universities and career expos. These activities are designed to help students identify likes, dislikes, talents, and areas of career interest. Careers advisers often interview students about their subject choices, how they see their progress and what help they might need in their transition from school to work or further study.
Careers advisers organise guest speakers from industry, educational institutions and community. They organise information and handbooks, and stay up-to-date with current career opportunities and offers. They also contact relevant authorities with specific inquiries for individual students and spend a lot of time getting students accepted for work experience, TAFE ‘taster’ programs and other, related opportunities.
Careers advisers are an essential support for Year 12 students and their tertiary study applications. Recently, there has been a large increase in the number of direct early entry schemes for some institutions, and the careers advisers are the main point of contact for information and help with the schemes. These schemes include early university entry, engineering and accounting cadetships, scholarships, job recruitment, offers for students with a disability or specific disadvantage and many more.
Traditionally a careers adviser supports the Year 12 students with their main UAC application for tertiary study and may be a support for early entry schemes like The Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS) and also for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS). EAS can be a very important scheme to help students who have been disadvantaged during their HSC and can really help with the students’ applications to further study.
The past two years of the COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenging time for all concerned.
WHEN TO ENGAGE WITH YOUR SCHOOL CAREERS ADVISER
It’s best for you and your child to connect with their school’s careers adviser at the beginning of each school year to start conversations relevant to the coming year.
• Year 7/8: for advice on Stage 5 (Year 9 and 10) subject selections.
• Year 10: for advice on work experience; HSC subject selections including School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATs), Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Courses and post-school course investigation.
• Year 11: for advice on early entry for universities accepting Year 11 results for post-HSC entry (applications do not open until late Term 2 of the year a student is completing their HSC); and for those students considering leaving school before the HSC.
• Year 12: for advice on university early entry procedures and scholarships; university admission, including Schools Recommendation Scheme and Educational Access Scheme; TAFE applications.
The wellbeing and mental health of our students became a stronger priority for parents and teachers alike. Careers advisers stepped up to the challenge of supporting students in their subject choices and postschool decision-making, as the environment for learning in schools and post-school evolved.
If your child is in Years 9-12, encourage them to make the careers adviser a regular point of contact: find out where the careers office is, introduce themselves, outline their interests and what help they may need to fulfil their dream.
The Careers Advisers Association of NSW & ACT represents over 800 careers advisers in NSW and ACT schools from the government, Catholic and independent sectors. It supports the profession of career development practitioners to deliver quality career education in high schools.
