PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
By Natalie Walker
Thispastterm,P&CFederationhas continuedtolookatwaystostrengthen howweworkwithourkeystakeholders. Animportantpartofthisisourongoing consultationwiththeNSWDepartmentof Education.
Wehavehostedwebinarswiththe Departmentonthereturntoschoolplans forTerm1(withover2,000registrations), ontheInclusive,EngagingandRespectful Schoolspackage(seearticlepp5-6formore onthis)andonewiththenewStudentand ParentExperienceDirectorateonthenew ParentandCarerEngagementFramework. Thesewebinarswereopportunitiesfor parentsandcarerstoengagedirectlywith theDepartmentandaskquestionsandget clarificationonpoliciesandprocedures.If youmissedthesewebinars,youcan finda recordingofthemontheP&CFederation website(https://www.pandc.org.au/pcfederation-webinar-recordings/ ).
P&CFederationalsoprovidedopportunities forparentandcarerengagementwiththe Departmentthroughinvitationstoparticipate infocusgroupsandsurveyssuchasHave YourSay!WorkingTogetherToStrengthen ConsentEducation(seearticlep20this issue),andtheOutcomesFrameworkFor StudentsWithDisabity.Itwasgreattosee ourparentsandcarerslendingtheirvoice totheseimportantdiscussions.Iwould alsoliketocommendandacknowledgethe DepartmentforestablishingtheStudentand
ParentExperienceDirectorate,andvaluing students,parentsandcarersaspartnersin theeducationaljourney.
P&CFederationhasbeeninvitedto participateintheBlackDogInstituteSchool AdvisoryGroup,whichhasbeenformedto buildanunderstandingofmentalhealthand wellbeingissuesinourschoolcommunities toinformprogramsandresourcesdesigned tohelpyoungAustraliansgrowintoresilient andmentallyhealthyadults.Thiswasan opportunitytohavethevoiceofparents alongsideothernationalstakeholdersin suchanimportantgroup.
Member surveys
Asparentsandcarerscontemplatedthe returntoschoolthisyearaftertheCOVID-19 restrictions,P&CFederationconducteda surveytohelpusbetterunderstandthe issues,concernsandprioritiesthatare importanttoyou.Wehadastrongtakeup withover3,000responsestothissurvey. Thankyoutothosewhoparticipated.Itwas greattogetdirectfeedbackfrommembers atalocallevel,acrossthestate,andthisis somethingIwouldliketocontinuetobuild upon.
ThankyoualsototheOfficeBearerswho completedour2021SurveyofMemberP&C Associationsforgivingusfeedbackaboutthe servicesprovidedbyP&CFederationforour membersandwhat’simportanttoyouata locallevel.
P&C Federation centenary celebrations
P&CFederation’scentenaryyearwas launchedon2March2022withaspecial, P&CDayonlineevent,hostedbybroadcaster, journalistandcomedianJulieMcCrossin.It includedinterviewswiththeNSWMinister forEducationandEarlyChildhoodLearning, SarahMitchell,andP&CAssociation membersfromaroundNSWtalkingabout theirvolunteeringexperiences.Thankyou tothosewhojoinedonthenighttohelpus celebrate.Ittrulywasamazingtohearabout allthewonderfulwaysourmembersare supportingpubliceducationinNSW.
We’vealsointroducedacontemporarynew P&CFederationlogo(picturedatthetopof thispage)–avisualsymbolofamodern organisationthatvaluesitslongandproud historyasthepeakbodyofpublicschool P&CAssociations.
Seepp16-17formoreontheP&CDayonline
event,ourothercentenaryeventsplanned for2022andFederation’snewbranding.
Supporting our P&Cs and public education
Thisyear,weareinvolvedinsupportingP&C Associationsandpubliceducationinseveral areas.TheNSWDepartmentofEducation hasrecentlyalteredtherulesaroundthe tenderingofparentoperatedout-of-hoursschoolcare(OSHC).Underthechange, OSHCsrunbyparentswillhavetoeither beoperatedbyaP&CAssociationorgoto tender.P&CFederationhasbeenrunning informationsessionsforP&CAssociations thatmaybeconsideringtakingonanOSHC service.Otherworkincludesanapplication totheFairWorkCommissiontoincludeP&C AssociationsundertheEducationServices StaffAwardandcontributingtoanNSW Parliamentaryinquiryintotheplanningand deliveryofschoolinfrastructure.
Aftertwoyearsofimpactonstudents andfamiliesduetoCOVID-19,education isverymuchonparents’minds,andwe expecteducationtobeacentraltopic oftheupcomingFederalelection.P&C Federationhasalwaysarguedthathighqualitypubliceducationisessentialfor ahealthyandconnectedsociety.Itisnot acceptablethattheFederalGovernment continuestosubstantiallyunderfundpublic educationwhileincreasingitssupportof non-governmentschools.Themostrecent FederalBudgetwillmaketheunderfunding gapevenwider.Thepublicschoolsector consistentlyaccountsfortwo-thirdsofall students,bothinNSWandnationally,yet publiceducationisunderfundedyearafter year.Itisabsolutelydisgracefultheway ourpublicschoolsystemandcommunities
NatalieWalker P&CFederationPresident
Forbes High School P&C Association marked P&C Federation’s centenary with this wonderful cake during its P&C Day celebrations on 2 May this year.
acrossthecountryhavebeentreatedand thisneedstobeaddressednow!
Thiselectioncampaignisatimetocallon ourelectedrepresentativestogivepublic educationthesupportitdeserves.Asthe largestparentbodyinNSW,P&CFederation willmakeitsvoiceheardastheelection approaches.Weareopeningdiscussions withparentbodieselsewhereinAustraliato coordinateourresourcesandmessaging. Inadditiontoeducationfunding,P&C FederationhasalsourgedtheGovernment toprovideacapitalinfrastructureprogram forgovernmentschoolsandgrantDeductible GiftRecipientstatustoP&CAssociations sothatsponsorsanddonorscanclaim taxdeductionsfortheirdonationstoP&C Associations.WewanttousethisFederal electioncampaigntorenewthiscall.
New Councillors and Delegates
IampleasedtowelcomeournewP&C FederationCouncillorsandBoardmembers electedatoursupplementaryelectionsin November:WadeMarionneaux,WestSydney electorate;HemaFifita,SouthWestSydney electorate;andJasonRyan,MidNorthCoast electorate.Ialsowelcomethefollowingnew Delegates:DianeDarcy,FarWestelectorate; andMichaelNashandChristopherKirk, NorthWestSydneyelectorate.See https:// www.pandc.org.au/board-members/ for details.
Flood recovery support
Finally,ourthoughtsarewiththoseinour P&Ccommunitywhohavebeenaffected bythe floodsinNSW.P&CFederationhas alreadyreceivedmanycallsfromP&C Associationsaskingforassistance.Weare heretohelpwherewecan.OurMember Supportteamishappytodiscussany questionsyoumayhave(mail@pandc.org.au, phone1300885982).
P&CFederationalsowelcomestheNSW Government’sannouncementofa $67million floodrecoverysupportpackage thatfocusesoneducationservicesacross theNorthernRiversandNorthCoastof NSW.Thisincludesa$37.3millionsupport packageforECEDservicesandGovernment schools.Seep6fordetailsonhowtoaccess thefundingsupport.
AndtoallinourNSWP&Ccommunity,best wishesforasuccessfulTerm2.
Natalie Walker President FederationofParentsandCitizens
AssociationsofNSW
SCHOOLS REFORMS MAKING
AN IMPACT
ByRuthOwen
Aswesettleintoanotherschoolyear,I wanttosharesomeofthewaysthenew Inclusive,EngagingandRespectfulSchools reformswillbemakinganimpactinour schoolsfromTerm2.
Thefocusofthereformpackageistoprovide clearguidancetoschoolsonhowbestto managethediversespectrumofstudent needstoimproveoutcomesforallstudents, regardlessoftheirpersonalcircumstancesor wheretheyliveandlearn.
ThepackageincludestheInclusiveEducation Policyforstudentswithdisability,theStudent BehaviourPolicyandProceduresandthe RestrictivePracticesFramework,Policyand Procedures.Releasingthesepoliciestogether bringsarenewedfocusoninclusionand creatingtherightenvironmentinschools whereallstudentshaveanequalchanceto learnand flourishalongsidetheirpeersin school.
Thechangesbuildongoodpractice thatalreadyoccursacrossourpublic educationsystemandprovidepractical resourcesforteachersandschoolleaders, additionalon-the-groundsupportfrom specialistsinbehaviourandwellbeing, professionallearninganddevelopment,and clearguidancearoundhowpoliciesand proceduresshouldbeimplementedacross everyNSWpublicschool.
Eachofthepoliciesinthepackagehas distinctaimsandobjectivesbuttheyare fundamentallyintegratedandinterconnected bythemoralpurposeunderlyingeverything wedo–ensuringthateverystudentis known,valuedandcaredfor.
The Inclusive Education Policy
TheInclusiveEducationPolicyforstudents withdisabilitystrengthensandclarifiesour approachtoinclusiveeducationtobetter respondtothediversitywithinourschools andcommunities.Wewanteverychildin everyNSWpublicschooltofeelwelcomed andincludedinallpartsofschoollife.
Thepolicyclarifiestherightsofstudents andtheirfamiliesandtherolesand responsibilitiesofstaffundertheDisability StandardsforEducation2005.Underthis legislation,allprincipalsandteachershave legalobligationstoensurestudentswith
disabilitycanaccess andparticipatein educationonthe samebasisasother students.
TheInclusive EducationPolicyfor studentswithdisability willensurestudents aregenuinelyincluded andsupportedto participateinall aspectsofschool life.Akeypartofthis isstrengtheningthe partnershipbetweenstudents,theirparents andfamilies,andschools.
Allparentsandcarershavearighttoenrol theirchildwithadisabilityintheirlocalpublic school.Therearenoplanstoremovethe existingoptionsavailabletofamiliesfortheir childtoattendtheirlocalschool,asupport classoraSchoolforSpecificPurposes(SSP).
The Student Behaviour Policy and Procedures
TheInclusive,EngagingandRespectful Schoolsreformsalsoincludethenew StudentBehaviourPolicyandProcedures. ThispolicyreplacestheStudentDiscipline inGovernmentSchoolsPolicyandthe SuspensionandExpulsionofSchoolStudents Procedures.
Thecaseforchangingthepolicysettingsfor howwemanagebehaviourinourschoolsis clear.Australianandinternationalevidence tellsusthatexclusionarydisciplinelike suspensionislinkedtoadverselearning andwellbeingoutcomesforstudents,and isactuallylinkedtoincreasedrecurrenceof challengingbehaviourandlonger-termpoorer outcomesinlaterlife.
Thisconfirmswhatweknow:studentswho feelsupported,safeandconnectedare morelikelytobeactiveparticipantsintheir learning.Wealsoknowthatsuspension ratesinsomeofourschoolsaretoohighand disproportionatelyimpactonstudentsalready facingdisadvantage,suchasstudentswith disability,Aboriginalstudentsorstudentsin ruralandremotesettings.Thiscannotbe right.
RuthOwen DeputySecretary, Learning Improvement NSWDepartment ofEducation
NESA NEWS
By Paul Martin
I’dliketotakethisopportunitytorecognise theeffortsofparents,teachers,staffand theentireschoolcommunitythroughoutTerm1.
YouensuredaCOVID-safeandhealthyreturn toclassroomsatthebeginningoftheyear, beforemanyofourschoolsandcommunities begandealingwiththedevastatingimpactsof floodsacrossthestate.
NESA,alongsidetheschoolsectors,is regularlyupdatingourwebsite(https://bit.ly/ floods-advice-and-resources)withadviceand resourcesforthecommunity.
Thepriority,ofcourse,isyourfamily’ssafety. BythetimethisgoestoprintIhopethatthe worstofthe floodsareoverandwecanall turnourattentiontorecovery.
NESAwillcontinuetoensureweare supportingtheschoolcommunityinanyway wecanandweencourageyoutocontinue supportingoneanother,asyouhavedoneso admirablyinrecenttimes.
Ifthepasttwoyearshavetaughtusanything, it’sthatwearealwaysstrongertogether.
Curriculum reform
Lookingaheadtothenewterm,weremain focusedonNSW’smajorCurriculumReform agendaandwillcontinuetoconsultonand releasereformedsyllabusesin2022.The consultationprocessiscriticaltoNESA’swork indeliveringanewevidence-basedcurriculum thatwillbestsupportstudents.
LasttermwereleaseddraftEnglishand Mathematics3-6and7-10syllabusesaswell asdraftLanguageK-10syllabusesaspartof ourpublic‘Haveyoursay’period.Thanksto everyonewhohastakentimetoprovidetheir feedback.
Thecontinuedfocusonliteracyandnumeracy buildsonthenewEnglishandMathematics K-2syllabusesbeingtaughtinsomeschools fromthisyear.AnAuslansyllabuswillbe availableintheNSWCurriculumforthe first timealongsideupdatedClassicalLanguages andModernLanguagessyllabuses.These finalsyllabuseswillbeavailabletoschoolson thenewDigitalCurriculumplatform(https:// curriculum.nsw.edu.au/home)laterin2022. Wewillcontinuetoseekyourfeedbackon additionaldraftsyllabusesthroughoutthe year.VisittheNESAwebsite(https://bit.ly/ nesa-consultations)tostayuptodate.
Changes to the Teacher Accreditation Act
TheTeacherAccreditationAct2004has beenamendedinresponsetotheRoyal CommissionintoInstitutionalResponses toChildSexualAbuse(https://www. childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/).
TheRoyalCommission findingsledtothe developmentofanationalchildsafety framework(https://bit.ly/child-safeframework)endorsedbyallEducation Ministers.ThismeansthatNESAwillhavean increasedroleindeterminingthesuitability ofteacherstoenterandremaininthe profession.
TheNSWGovernmentalsotookthe opportunitytomakefurtheramendments totheActaimedatstrengtheningand streamliningteacheraccreditationinNSW,to reduceunnecessaryadministrativeburden onschools,principals,teachersandschool sectors,including:
•AssigningNESAthesoleauthorityto maketeacheraccreditationdecisionsat alllevels.
•Publishingapublicregisterofteachers.
•Provisionsthataimtoimprovethe consistencyofteacheraccreditation decisionsandprocessesacrossall systemsandsectorsinNSW.
Wewillprovideteachers,principals, schoolsandsectorauthoritieswithrelevant informationandsupportasthechangescome intoeffectthisyear.
WriteOn Competition
NESA’sannualprimaryschoolwriting competition,WriteOn,isnowopen.
Thisyear,animageofchildrenplayingin wateratasideshowamusementgame(see below)isthestimulusforstudentstocreatean imaginativepieceofwritingofupto500words.
PaulMartin,CEO NSWEducationStandardsAuthority
TheWriteOncompetitioncanbeusedasa whole-classteachingactivityoranindividual project.
Nowinits13thyear,WriteOnshowcasesthe creativityandtalentofstudentsinYears1 to6andprovidesthemwiththeopportunity tobecomepublishedauthors.Winning entriesarepublishedin The Best of WriteOn anthologyeachyear.
Asisthecaseeachyear,Iamlookingforward toreadingthewinningentriesofouryoungest writersandcreators–theyalwaysimpress, entertainandsurpriseme.
Entriescloseat4pmonFriday17Juneand canonlybesubmittedbyschoolsorregistered home-schoolingfamilies.Details: https://bit. ly/writeon-competition
Higher School Certificate timetable It’scominguptothattimeofyearagain–our eldeststudentsarebeginningtogearupfor theHSC.Thepersonalised2022HSCwritten examinationtimetablewasreleasedonFriday 29April,sobesuretotakealookifthisis relevanttoyouandyourfamily.
ThementalhealthandwellbeingofHSC studentsremainsapriorityforusthisyear andaraftofresourcesareavailabletohelp youandyourchildrentakecareofthemselves inthelead-uptoandduringexams.Visitthe StayHealthyHSCHub(https://bit.ly/StayHealthy-HSC)forresources,tipsandadviceto sharewithyourchildren.
Allthebestforasafe,healthyandproductive termahead.
Paul Martin ChiefExecutiveOfficer, NSWEducationStandardsAuthority(NESA)
This image of children playing in water at a sideshow amusement game is the stimulus for NESA’s annual primary school writing competition, WriteOn. Photo: Louise Whelan, supplied by the NSW Education Standards Authority
WISHES COME TRUE WITH ONLINE FUNDRAISING
By Linda Doherty
ThewoodenWishingTreeatBirchgrove PublicSchoolwasatraditionalfeatureof theannualfetewhereteacherswouldwrite wish-listsoftheirclassresourceneedsonto cardboardleavesandpinthemtothetree.
Parentsandcommunitymembersatthe schoolinSydney’sinner-westwouldthenpay fortheleafwishes,butitwasalotofwork manuallycollectingthedonations,sourcing anddeliveringclasssupplies–andnotall wisheswerefunded.
Fiveyearsago,whenYvonneHilszjoinedthe BirchgrovePublicSchoolP&CAssociation, sheusedhertech-savvyskillstoputthe outstandingWishingTreerequestsontoan onlinebookingsiteforparentstochipin.
Withinaweek,theschoolhadraisedanother $3,000usingthetargetedfundraising technique.
Thenextyear,MsHilszdecidedtogivethe WishingTreeadigitalmakeover,movedit forwardintotheTerm1fundraisingslotand askedteachersfor“areallydecentlist”of whattheyneededinclassroomssotheydidn’t spendtheirownmoneyonvitalresources.
“WerebrandedtheWishingTreeandcalledit anEnrichmentTree,becauseit’senrichingthe livesofourchildren,andwetookitcompletely online,”MsHilsz,BirchgrovePublicSchool P&CAssociationPresident,said.
Parents,carers,grandparentsandcommunity
FUNDRAISING RULES FOR P&C ASSOCIATIONS
•Fundraisingeventsmustmeettheobjects ofP&CAssociations’constitution(https:// www.pandc.org.au/constitutions-for-nswpc-associations/).Thismeansthatfunds raisedmustbeforthebenefitoftheP&C Association’sownschool.P&CAssociations cannotfundraiseforindividuals,other schools,otherP&CAssociationsorforother organisations.However,aP&CAssociationcan assisttheschoolinraisingfundsforexternal groupsororganisationsprovidedtheP&C Associationdoesnothandlethefunds.
•Beforegoingahead,alleventsmustbe broughttoP&CAssociationmembersata properlyconvenedmeetingandendorsedbya majorityvote.
•TheP&CAssociationmembersshould alsoapproveabudgetfortheevent.P&C Associationsshouldconsideradoptinga reimbursementpolicy,incasevolunteersata fundraisingeventincurexpensesoutoftheir ownpocket.
•Twoweeksbeforeafundraisingevent,we stronglysuggestcompletingaNotificationof Eventsform,availableat https://www.pandc.org.au/noe/
•P&CAssociationsdonotneedtoapplyto FairTradingforanauthoritytofundraise. See: https://bit.ly/fundraising-exemptionsfactsheet
memberscannow donateonlinetospecific classesforbooks,STEM resources,technology andotherlearningneeds.
“It’sthemostefficient fundraiserwe’veever done,”MsHilszsaid.
“It’sreallytransparent,andparentsfeel they’repurchasingsomethingdirectlyfortheir ownchildren’sclasses,whetherthat’s$5 tobuyseedlingsor$180foraclasspencil sharpener–andyes,theydocostthatmuch!”
ByWeek8ofTerm1,theP&CAssociation hadprovidedtheschoolwitharound$25,000 fromtheEnrichmentTree,anaverageof $1,800perclass,thatwasallocatedevenly. Theclassroomsuppliesweresentdirectto classroomsforthestudentstounpackand thankyouphotosofthedonatedresources werecirculatedtoparents.
TheonlinefundraisingsuccessledBirchgrove PublicSchoolP&CAssociationtoabolishits annualparents’levyandinsteadaskfamilies toputthemoneytowardstheEnrichment Tree.
MsHilsz,whoisalsoVice-Presidentofthe BoardoftheFederationofParentsand CitizensAssociationsofNSW,hasshared onlinefundraisingtechniqueswithotherP&C Associationsandsaidthebenefitsincluded ahugereductioninadministration,improved transparency,confidentialityofdonornames andamounts–andit’senvironmentally friendly,withminimaluseofpaperapartfrom flyersandposters.
•Forrulesonraffles,referto FairTradingNSW: https://bit. ly/fairtrading-promotionalraffles
•Not-for-profitorganisations maybeeligibletosellliquor atuptosixfundraisingfunctionsannually, withoutaliquorlicence.Fordetails,visit: https://bit.ly/liquor-and-gaming-exemptions
•ForP&CAssociationsthatareregistered charities,theAustralianCharitiesandNot-forprofitsCommission(ACNC)hasfactsheetson fundraisingthatmaybeuseful: https://www.acnc.gov.au/tools/topic-guides/ fundraising
By the P&C Federation team Continued next page
An eye-catching image from Birchgrove Public School P&C Association’s fundraising website. Photo: Birchgrove Public School
Yvonne Hilsz
TheBirchgrovePublicSchoolP&CAssociation stillhaseventsforparentssuchastrivia nightsandbarbecues,buttendstousethese forcommunitybuildingandtargets,leaving theirmainfundraisingtobedonethrough onlinetechniques.
“Wedofourfundraisersayearandtheone inTerm4isdelightful.WesellChristmas treesandputthatmoneytowardstheYear6 graduationdinnersoit’sanicefarewell,”Ms Hilszsaid.
Digital preferred byGen X MorethantwoyearsoftheCOVID-19 pandemicandnaturaldisastershasledto countlessface-to-faceeventsbeingcancelled, withmanyschoolsembracingonline fundraisingoutofsheernecessity.
KatherineRaskob, ChiefExecutiveOfficer ofFundraisingInstitute Australia,saidall fundraisinghadbeen hithard.“TheJanuary 2022JBWere/NAB CharitableGivingIndex (https://bit.ly/jbwerenab-charitable)showed anunprecedentedfallingivingafterthe 2019/2020bushfiresandCOVIDrestrictions, especiallyaffectingeventsandface-to-face fundraising,”shesaid.
ByJuly2021therewasaslightrecoveryin donationstocharitiesandthesectorexpects toreturntoprevious2019levelsthisyear. Buttheappealofonlinefundraisingislikely tostay,drivenbytheconsumerbehaviourof youngerdonors.
“MembersofGenXandyoungerprefergiving viadigitalormobilechannelsasthatiswhere theyarecomfortable,”MsRaskobsaid.“The 2020report Global Trends in Giving (https:// bit.ly/global-trends-in-giving)showedthat80% ofalldonationsin2020weremadedigitally–that’squiteincredible.
Onlinefundraisingcanprovidearealistic estimateofreturnoninvestment,with newtechnologiesincreasinglybeingused –artificialintelligence(suchaschatbots onwebsitestoanswerfrequentlyasked questions)andvirtualreality,whichputs donorsintheshoesofbeneficiaries.Most onlinefundraisingcampaignsarenowdriven andpromotedbysocialmedia.
MsRaskobsaidtherewasstillsome communityhesitationaboutonlinegiving, whichwassometimestheresultof“alackof investmentinfundraising”,suchaswebsites thatloadslowlyordon’trespondwellon mobiledevices.
“It’simportanttogetthebasicsrightand provideafantasticexperiencefordonorsto capitaliseonthetrendinonlinegiving,”she said.
“Astrongandwell-articulatedcasefor support,makingiteasytosignupforemail communications,donorjourneys,thanking andreportingonimpactareallimportant partsoffundraisersthatsomevolunteer organisationsmightmiss,butarecritical.”
When life throws a curveball
BeecroftPublicSchoolP&CAssociationwas abouttolaunchahugerafflelastyearto fundraiseforanew,covered,outdoor-learning
P&C FEDERATION 2022 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING: CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
Thisyear’sAnnualGeneralMeeting(AGM) willbeheldon Saturday, 27 August 2022
AspartoftheAGMprocess,memberP&C Associationsmaysubmitforconsideration motionsrelatingtothepolicyofP&C Federation.
What is a motion?
Amotionsetsoutapolicyoranactionthat:
a)YourP&CAssociationwantstobecarried out,or
b)AcourseofactionyourP&CAssociation wantsP&CFederationtoperform.
Who can submit a motion?
a)AnyP&CAssociationthatisacurrent memberofP&CFederation,or b)Anynon-memberundersponsorship fromaP&CFederationBoardmember.
Motion content
SomethingyourP&CAssociationwants done,bywhomandwhenitshouldbedone by.
How to write a motion
Anexampleofamotioncouldbe… “ThatP&CFederationwritetotheMinister forTransportadvocatingfortheprovisionof additional‘KissandDropZones’forprimary schools”.
Submitting an AGM motion
Allmotionsaretobesentbynolaterthan 5pm,Friday10June2022.Tosubmityour P&CAssociation’smotion,orformore information,visit https://www.pandc.org.au/ pc-federation-annual-general-meeting-2/
areawhenCOVID-19 sentSydneyinto lockdownandchildren learnedfromhomefor threemonths.
Sellingraffletickets inthetraditionalway wasn’tpossible,sothe P&CAssociationswitchedtoanonlineraffle withprizesdonatedbylocalbusinessesinthe northernSydneysuburb.
Theschool’sP&CAssociationPresidentLisa Yensaidthe3,000namesofticketholders whopurchasedticketsonlinewereloaded ontoanonlinerafflewheelthatwasvirtually spunbyguestspeakersattheP&C’smonthly Zoommeetings.Thewinningnamespopped uponscreenandthewinnerswerenotifiedby emailandviatheschoole-newsletter.
Thebusinessesdonatedlockdown-friendly prizessuchasacoffeemachine,iPadand gamingequipment.
“Itreallyraisedcommunityspiritsduring lockdown,”MsYensaid.“Wehaveavery generousbusinesscommunitybutwewere verycarefulnottoapproachbusinessesthat wereimpactedbyCOVID.”
TheP&CAssociation’sprogramofonline guestspeakersalsosupportedparentsduring thepandemic,withsessionsonwellbeing, fitness,nutrition,sleepandtechnology. “Itwasanincentiveforthemembershipand parentsreallyappreciatedthepositivefocus,” MsYensaid.
Congratulationstothelatestnewly incorporatedP&CAssociation.Ifyour P&CAssociationisnotincorporated, takethetimetoconsiderthemany benefitsthatincorporationbrings. Ifyourequirefurtherinformationor clarification,contactP&CFederation’s MemberSupportTeamat mail@pandc. org.au orcalluson1300885982.
Katherine Raskob
Lisa Yen
HAPPY CENTENARY TO OUR MEMBERS
P&CDayisatimeforschoolcommunitiestorecogniseandcelebratethe contributionoftheirparentvolunteers.
CakeandconversationmarkedP&CDay on2March2022inourcentenaryyear, withanonlinecelebrationeventwithP&C AssociationmembersfromaroundNSW sharingstoriesabouthowtheyconnectat thegrassrootslevelwiththeirschoolsand communities.
Fromfundraisingtoadvocacyandliving throughthepandemic,memberstalked abouttheirrolesasvolunteersandhow theyvalue-addtothelearningandwellbeingofmorethan800,000NSWpublic schoolstudents.
“We’reallawarethatP&Csdoalotoftheir workbehindthescenesbecauseit’sforthe kids,it’snotforus,”saidHayPublicSchool P&CAssociationTreasurerJennyDwyer,a formerMayorofHayShireCouncil,inthe westernRiverinaregionofsouth-western NSW.
TheMinisterforEducationandEarlyChildhoodLearning,SarahMitchell, saidpublicschoolscouldnotoperate successfullywithoutthesupportofP&C Associations.Sherecalledhermother’s involvementintheP&CattheGunnedah publicschoolsheattendedandwhere
herdaughternowlearns–withmum poppinginforhervolunteercanteen shifts.
“Asaparent,tobeengagedinourchildren’seducationisjustsocrucialandI knowthatchildrengetalotoutofhaving usinvolvedaswell,”shesaidinavideo interviewrecordedwithwebinarMCJulie McCrossin.
“Whatagreatcelebrationtobehaving–100yearsisamazing.”
A sense of community Communityconnectionisstrongin P&CAssociationsacrossNSWthrough fundraising,advocacyandrelationship buildingwithlocalbusinesses,elected representativesandothercommunityorganisations.
P&CAssociationsraisemillionsofdollars ayear–despitethepandemicrestrictionsofrecentyears–tofundresources rangingfromclassroomsuppliestoukulelelessons,newsportscourtsandoutdoorlearningareas.
RegionalandremoteP&CAssociation membersspokeatthewebinarabout howtheypickeduplocalcateringopportunitiesbypartneringwithgroups suchasRotaryandLandcareAustraliato
boosttheirfundraising.
BrokenHillSchooloftheAirP&CAssociationmemberRebelBellsaidfamilies travelledupto600kmfortheirchildrento attendclassesinBrokenHillafewtimesa yearandtomeetforsportsdaysandsocialfunctions,oftenwithdadsmanningthe barbecue.
“Ourfathersoutherearereallyinvolved withtheirchildrenandtheirP&Candwe haveauniqueschoolofoutbackchildren,” shesaid.
GloriaTabi,amemberofWinmaleeHigh SchoolP&CAssociation,saidrelationship buildingwithlocalpoliticiansandcouncilorsmeanttheschoolcouldshare“problemsandsuccesses”andmaybeevengain amentioninParliamenttopromotethe BlueMountainsschool.
Schools at the centre
Publicschoolswereoften“thecentreof communities”andbroughtpeopletogetherintimesofneed,MinisterMitchellsaid, listingoffthepastfewyearsofapandemic,bush fires, fl oodsanddrought.
NeilMorris,PresidentofAlexandriaPark CommunitySchoolP&CAssociationininner-citySydney,describedtheincredible communityspiritduringthelong2021 pandemiclockdown.‘AlexPark’hasahigh levelofdisadvantageamongits1,000 studentsfromKindergartentoYear12–withIndigenousstudentsaccountingfor 17%ofenrolmentsand57%ofstudents fromanon-English-speakingbackground* (*fromMySchoolwebsite https://www. myschool.edu.au/ ).
“It’sabitlikethecountryschoolsIgrew upin.Therearethosewhohaveabitand thosewhodon’thaveenough,”MrMorris said.
Tohelpoutfamiliesduringthepandemic, socialenterprisePlateitForwardprovided 2,000freemealstoparentswhohadlost jobsorfrontlineworkerslikenursestoo tiredtocook.
TheP&CAssociationfrozethemealsand handedthemoutfromthebusbayto familiesinneed.“Itwasreallyaboutthe communitycomingtogetherinatimeof crisis,”MrMorrissaid.
Julie McCrossin (second left), Hay Public School P&C Association Treasurer Jenny Dwyer and her children, Sally and Grant Dwyer, in front of the school.
PLENTY TO CELEBRATE
P&CFederationiscelebratingitscentenary allyearwithnewopportunitiesfor memberstoconnect,events,webinarsanda freshlook.
P&CFederation’scontemporarynewlogo (above)wascommissionedtomarkthecentenarythisyearoftheFederationofParentsand CitizensAssociationsofNSW.It’savisualand youthfulsymbolofamodernorganisationthat valuesitslongandproudhistoryasthepeak bodyofpublicschoolP&CAssociations,withthe coloursrepresentingthesky,waterandlandsof Australia.
ThenewlogowasapprovedbytheP&CFederationBoardon2February2022andofficially launchedonP&CDayon2March. We’rerebrandingourP&Cmerchandisewith thenewlogo,andthiswillbeavailableforsale toP&CAssociationsfromMay.
Learning Hub
HaveyouvisitedP&CFederation’sLearning Hub?Wenowhave flexible,on-demandcourses availabletohelpyouunderstandyourrolesand responsibilitiesasoffice-bearersandmembers. ThecoursesforP&CAssociationsinclude: P&C Governance Induction, Introduction To Roles and Responsibilities, Understanding The Foundations Of Your P&C and Introduction To Financial Management.TheLearningHubisavailable tocurrentOfficeBearersofP&CAssociations andcanbeaccessedthroughtheP&CMemberPortalat https://www.pandc.org.au/member-links/
Online community
Launchinginmid-2022we’llhaveanewonline communityformembers–aspacetoconnect, accessresources,andshareideaswithP&C AssociationsacrossNSW.Wehopetousethis spaceonourwebsitetosharestoriesfromP&C Associationstoencouragecollaborationandto highlighttheamazingcontributionofourmemberstoNSWpublicschoolstudents.
Volunteerawards
P&CFederationPresidentNatalieWalker, whowaseducatedatTullamoreCentral School,inCentralWestNSW,andFort StreetHighSchool,inSydney,saidshesaw dailytheroleofP&CAssociationsinhelping makeachangeinchildren’slives.
AsP&CFederationPresident,Nataliesees advocacytobepartofherroleto“bea voiceforpubliceducation”throughissues rangingfromschoolfundingtonewcurricu-
lumandconnectingP&CFederationtoothereducationstakeholders,fromunionsto governments.
“Beingaproudproductofpubliceducation inNSW,andalsobeinganearlychildhood educator,I’mverypassionateabouttheimportanceofeducationandtheroleitcan play,notonlyinsupportingbuthelpingto changeachildandayoungperson’slife,” shesaid.
P&CFederation’sVolunteeroftheYearAward willbeexpandedthisyeartoprovidemoreopportunitiestorecogniseourthousandsofvolunteers.Applicationdetailswillbepublicisedin earlyMayonourwebsiteandinourE-Bulletin (https://www.pandc.org.au/edm/).
Annual conference
Foryourdiary:We’vesetadateof29October 2022forP&CFederation’sannualconference, whichwillalsobeacelebrationofourcentenary. Theconferencewillbeahybrideventallowing memberstoattendinpersonorjoinonline.
P&C Association members and parent volunteers at Forbes North Public School traditionally lend a hand to help students put on swimming caps before each race at the school’s annual swimming carnival. This photo, taken around 2018, shows Natalie Walker (far right), now P&C Federation President and Forbes High School P&C Association Secretary, with fellow Forbes North PS P&C Association members (from left) Charlene Dingwell, Lyndal Green and Tricia Bolton.
Top left: Broken Hill School of the Air families travel up to 600km for their children to attend classes in Broken Hill a few times a year and to meet for sports days and social functions organised by the P&C Association, often with dads manning the barbecue. Below left: Broken Hill School of the Air students cooking at a P&C Association fundraising event. Right: A P&C Association-run movie night for 350 members of the Alexandria Park Community School.
Photo: Rebel Bell
Photo: Neil Morris
STAYING CONNECTED DURING COVID AND BEYOND
By Melissa Porter
COVID-19broughtmanychallengesfor manypeople,particularlyschools.
However,ourP&C AssociationatLugarno PublicSchool,in southernSydney, wasfortunateinthat wealreadyhadin placeseveralonline procedureswhichwe couldrelyuponand extendduringthe COVIDpandemicand lockdownstokeepourschoolcommunity of259studentsplusparentsandcarers connected.Theseincluded:
•Afantasticonlinerepositoryofour documents,practicesandprocedures, whichpreventsushavingto‘re-inventthe wheel’andmakespositionhandovers easier.
•ZoommeetingsusingourP&CFederation Zoomlicence.
•Onlineorderingoptionsforourcanteen anduniformshopviaQkr!–amobile paymentandreceiptingappforschools andP&CAssociations–withuniform distributiontostudentsviaclassrooms whilstparentswerenotallowedonsite.
•AFather’sDayartsessionviaZoomduring thelockdown,inplaceofourannual Father’sDaybreakfastandgiftstallat school.Weengagedalocalartisttorun thesessionforus,fundedbytheP&C Association.ItwasheldontheSaturday beforeFather’sDaysoitwasasaccessible aspossible.About20familiesjoinedus onlinefortheone-hourevent.Thechildren andfatherswereguidedstep-by-stepto createtheirmasterpiece.Eachchildthen gavetheir finishedartworktotheirDad andwerealsoencouragedtosubmita copyforinclusioninourP&CAssociation newsletter.Thefeedbackfromthedaywas verypositiveanditwasgreattoseelots ofhappyfaces(withlotsofconcentration fromtheDads!)
•Anonlinerecycling‘Kahoot’tohelp educateourschoolcommunityand provideanactivityforfamilies.Kahoot(see https://kahoot.it)isanonlineplatform forquizzes.OurP&CAssociation’sVicePresidentJasmineTheophilearranged foralocalwastemanagementexpertto runthequizforourschoolcommunity. Questionscameuponthescreen andthe15familiestakingparthadto eitherselectortypeintheiranswer.The childrenenjoyedtheonlinequiz,whilst alsolearningaboutwhatcanandcan’t berecycled.Theorganiserprovideda recyclingguide,tailoredforourlocalarea, whichweincludedinourP&Cnewsletter soeveryonecouldbenefitfromthis fantasticresource.
•AclosedFacebookgroupwhereparents couldaskquestionsandshareP&C information.
•MessengergroupsforeachschoolStage, forparentstoconnectandaskStagespecificquestions.
•Anewlyformedsecond-handuniformbuy/ sell/swapFacebookgrouptohelpparents sourcesecond-handuniformsandease pressureonourvolunteeruniformshop coordinator.
SHARE YOUR P&C ASSOCIATION STORY
In2022,theFederationofParentsand CitizensAssociationscelebrates100years ofvolunteeringforNSWpublicschools–andwewanttohearmorestorieslikethe oneabovefromLugarnoPublicSchool P&CAssociation,toshinealightonour remarkablemembers.
Storytellingaboutourpeople–through
print,photosandvideo–willbringtolife thecenturyofcommunityserviceand highlighttheimportantroleofparents supportinglocalschoolsinoneofthe largesteducationsystemsintheworld.
Youcaneasilysubmitstoriesandphotos aboutyourP&CAssociation’sactivities, initiatives,challengesfacedandthe
•FortnightlyP&CAssociationnewsletters whicharedistributedviaemail,the SkoolBagSchoolCommunicationapp,and theschoolwebsite.
Resilient and adaptable
Despitethechallengesofthepandemic, includinglearningfromhome,havingour canteenclosed,accesstoouruniform shopbeingrestricted,andmanyofour fundraisingactivitiesunabletoproceed,our P&CAssociationvolunteershavedonea remarkablejobinbeingresilient,adaptable, innovativeandhaveensuredwehave beenabletocontinuetoserveourschool communityduringthesechallengingtimes.
OurP&CAssociationhas15members, butmanyotherparentsandgrandparents volunteerinourP&C-runcanteenanduniform shopaswellashelpingoutatfundraising events.
Volunteersaretrulyawesome!
Melissa Porter President,LugarnoPublicSchool P&CAssociation
contributionyourP&Canditsvolunteers aremakingtopubliceducationinNSWvia P&CFederation’swebsiteat https://www. pandc.org.au/100-years-of-pc-federation-2/
Wewillshareyourstoriesinthe Parent & Citizen Journal,onourwebsite,in ourE-bulletin,onsocialmediaandin mainstreammedia. #PandC100years
Some of the artwork produced by children and Dads from Lugarno Public School during an online Father’s Day art session run by the P&C Association. Images courtesy Melissa Porter, Lugarno Public School P&C Association
Melissa Porter
SUPPORTING CONSENT EDUCATION BEYOND THE SCHOOL GATES
Supplied by the NSW Department of Education
InNovember2021,theNSWDepartment ofEducationinvitedparentsandcarersto participateinananonymoussurvey.Thiswas partoftheDepartment’songoingworkto deliveronthecommitmentsmadeunderthe StatementofIntent(https://bit.ly/educationnsw-statement-of-intent)tostrengthen students’understandingofconsentand preventsexualviolenceamongyoungpeople.
Morethan4,000parentsandcarershadtheir saythroughthesurvey.
Toensurediverseparentperspectives werecaptured,theDepartmentalsohelda seriesoffocusgroupsinpartnershipwith P&CFederationNSW,AboriginalEducation ConsultativeGroup(AECG),theEthnic Communities’Council,MulticulturalNSW,and FamilyAdvocacy.
Thesurveyresults(detailedbelow)provided valuableinsightsfortheDepartmentasto howconsenteducationcanbesupported beyondtheschoolgates.
Oneofthekey findingswasthatparentsand carerswouldlikemoreinformationabout whatstudentsarelearningaboutconsent ateachstageoftheirschooling,aswellas resourcestheycanuseathometosupport conversationsandtheirchild’slearningabout sensitiveissueslikeconsent.
Asaresult,theDepartmenthascommittedto developnewresourcesforparentsandcarers –tobelaunchedlaterthisyear.
SURVEY RESULTS
Key finding 1: a majority of parents already talk about sensitive issues with their children.
•93%ofparentstalkaboutsensitive issueswiththeirchildren: o29%talkallthetime o32%talksometimes o32%talkwhensensitiveissuescome up
•Parentsfromfocusgroupsexpressedthat theyweremorelikelytoraisetheseissues withtheirchildrenasreal-lifesituations comeuporinresponsetoissuesraised inthemediaorseenonTV.
“I proactively talk with our kids about the sensitive topics, small talks when we do chores together. I always start with a scenario that I knew from the news or from my friends and ask them how they think, and how they
Key finding 2: 69% of respondents feel both prepared and comfortable to talk about sensitive issues with their child.
Howpreparedandcomfortabledoyoufeelabout sensitiveissueslikeconsentwithyourchild?
Preparedandcomfortable
Preparedbutnotcomfortable
Notpreparedbutcomfortable
Notpreparedandnotcomfortable
Key finding 3: a majority of parents would like more resources so they can better support their child’s learning about sensitive issues like consent.
“I’m more interested in knowing when the school is talking about these things and what will be covered. (It) gives us the opportunity for talks at home too” (Survey respondent).
“A heads up from the school about what is being taught and when, so I can follow on at home” (Survey respondent).
will react in those situations. They happily and openly talk to me, but not all the time” (Focusgroupparticipant).
Further analysis from focus groups
•Parentsofchildrenwithadisability particularlyexpressedthatinformation aboutwhattheirchildislearningat schoolwillenhancewhatthestudentis learningathomebyusingthesamekey phrasesandconsistentlanguage.
•Parentsfromculturallyandlinguistically diverse(CALD)communitiesreported facingcertainchallengeswhentalking aboutsensitiveissuessuchaslimited Englishproficiencyleadingtoalanguage barrierbetweenparentsandchildren,and feelinguncomfortabletohavesensitive conversationswiththeirchildren.
“We left our countries for the sake of our children and we are ready to do anything to keep them safe even if we have to discuss something we don’t feel comfortable to speak
about” (Focusgroupparticipant).
•ParentsfromCALDandAboriginal communitieshighlightedtheimportance ofaccesstoresourcesthatareculturally sensitiveandrelevant.
•Parentswhoonlyhadchildreninprimary school–specificallytheyoungeryears–weremorelikelytowantinformationon alltopics.Theywerealsomorelikelyto feelunpreparedtohaveconversations aboutsensitivetopicsthanparentswho onlyhadchildreninhighschool.
•Onlinesafetywasarecurringtopicof interestforparentsandcarers.
More information
TheDepartmentwillcontinuetointegratethe findingsfromthesurveyandfocusgroups intoitsongoingworktostrengthenconsent educationinNSW.Formoreinformationabout thesurveyresults,visittheDepartment’s websiteat https://bit.ly/education-nswparent-and-carer-survey
SCHOOL EXCELLENCE IN ACTION
By James Brigden
JamesBrigden Director, StrategicSchool Improvement, School PerformanceSouth, NSWDepartment ofEducation
TheNSW Departmentof Education’sSchool ExcellencePolicy (SEP)provides directionfor schoolsonschool planning,ongoing self-assessment, annualreporting andexternal validation.Itensures NSWpublicschools arecommittedto pursuingexcellence andprovidehighquality,educational opportunitiesforall students.
TheSchoolExcellenceFramework (SEF)supportsallNSWpublicschoolsintheir pursuitofexcellencebyclearlydescribingthe keyelementsofhigh-qualitypracticeanddescribestheimportanceofcommunityengagementinschoolsandincludesitthroughout thedomainsoflearning,teachingandleading.
The Strategic Improvement Plan and its role in the school
AStrategicImprovementPlan(SIP)isa workingdocumentdetailingthestepseach schooltakestoimprovelearningoutcomes, togetherwiththeachievementandgrowthof allstudents.Itisimplementedinaccordance withtheSEPandsupportedbytheSEF.
When schools, families and the broader community work together to develop positive connections, students thrive.
Theplanisdevelopedtoensurecontinuous improvementandallowsaschooltoreflect onitscurrentstateandhowitwillfurther improvelearning,teachingandleading.The SIPreflectstheDepartmentofEducation’s strategicplanandPremier’sPrioritiesand isunderpinnedbyhigh-impactprofessional learningthatbuildsthecapabilitiesof teachersandschoolleaders.
Community engagement
TheSIPincludescommunityconsultation. Communityengagementisacriticalfactor forimprovingtheprogress,achievement andwellbeingofallstudents.Whenschools, familiesandthebroader communityworktogetherto developpositiveconnections, studentsthrive.
AspartoftheSIP developmentprocess, asituationalanalysisis conductedwhichincludes communityconsultationto create:
EachSIPisapprovedbytheDepartment’s Director,EducationalLeadershipin consultationwiththeprincipalandis publishedontheschool’swebsite.AllNSW Governmentschoolsarerequiredtodevelop andpublishaSIP.
• School vision: Abrief,precisestatementdescribingthe school’ssharedvaluesandaspirations forongoingimprovement.
• School context:Thisdescribesa school’suniquefeaturesandincludes informationthatreflectsonthe educational,geographicandsocial characteristicsoftheschool.
• Strategic directions: Thisdefinesthe focusofthetransformationtobeachieved sothatthewholeschoolcommunitycan understandtheschool’spurpose.
TheSIPhasuptothreestrategicdirections andassociatedimprovementmeasureswhich formthebasisofeachplanningcycleover fouryears.Oneofthesestrategicdirections willbe‘Studentgrowthandattainment’.The remainingstrategicdirectionsarechosenby eachschooltoreflectandrespondtotheir uniquecontext.
Schoolimprovementneedsto‘touchevery classroom’,betheworkofeveryteacher andimpacteverystudent.Theongoingand continualimprovementprocessforallschools highlightstheDepartment’sstrategicgoalthat ‘everystudent,everyschoolandeveryleader improveseachyear’.
For more information
VisittheNSWDepartmentofEducation website: https://bit.ly/education-nswexcellence-in-action
James Brigden Director,StrategicSchoolImprovement, SchoolPerformanceSouth, NSWDepartmentofEducation
SCHOOL-BASED APPRENTICESHIPS AND TRAINEESHIPS
Supplied by the Careers Advisers Association of NSW & ACT Inc
School-basedapprenticeshipsand traineeships(SBATs)aremorethan justpart-timejobs.Theyareagreatwayfor studentstosetthemselvesupforthecareer theywantwhilstcompletingtheirHigher SchoolCertificate(HSC).
Bene
fitsinclude:
•Gettinganearlystartonachosencareer.
• Nationallyrecognisedqualifications.
•On-andoff-the-jobtrainingthroughTAFE oranothertrainingprovider.
• Gainingskills,confidenceand experience.
•CompletingtheHSC.
•Earningmoney.
Apprentice or trainee – what’s the difference?
A trainee earnsavocationalqualification injobslikeinformationtechnology,business administration,childcareor financial services.An apprentice learnsatradelike hairdressing,beauty,plumbing,electrical, carpentry,butchery,horticultureorcooking.
SBATsformapartoftheHSCpatternof study.Theygivestudentstheopportunityto combinepaidawardratesofwork(100-180 daysminimum,dependingontheindustry) andgainanationally-recognisedqualification forthe firststageofanapprenticeshipor traineeship,whilstundertakingtheirHSC.
To ensure a student completes the required industry hours in the workplace, students can look to work in their school holidays with their employer.
TheSBATapprenticeortraineeearnsa minimumof4unitsofcredittowardtheirHSC studies.Typically,SBATsstartinYear11bythe endofTerm1,although,dependingonthe individualschool,SBATsmayinsomecases startinYear10orevenYear9.
Ifyouareinterestedinyourchildundertaking aSBATbeforetheHSCyoumustconsult
withyourschool.Bookameetingwithyour child’sCareersAdvisertobeguidedonthe processandwhetheritisappropriateforthem toundertakethecourse.
Studentsattendworkonedayperweek duringschoolterms,negotiatedbetween theschool,theemployerandthetraining organisation.Theyalsoattendatrainingday onceaweek.UsuallythisiswithTAFE.
Toensureastudentcompletestherequired industryhoursintheworkplace,studentscan looktoworkintheirschoolholidayswiththeir employer.Youneedtodiscussthisoptionwith theemployer.
School-based apprentices work part-timeandcompleteStageOneofa tradequalification–the firststageofthe apprenticeshiptraining–bytheendof theHSC,Year12.Onceastudenthasmet allthetrainingrequirementsassociated withtheschool-basedapprenticeship,they cancontinueasafull-time,second-year apprenticeaftertheHSC.
School-based trainees workpart-time andcompletethenominatedqualification bytheendoftheirHSC,Year12.Once astudenthasmetallthetraining requirementsassociatedwiththeschoolbasedtraineeship,theycancontinueasa full-timetraineeaftertheHSC.
Students can start by:
•Meetingearly(Term1or2inYear10) withtheirschoolCareersAdviserand/ orVocationalEducationandTraining (VET)Co-ordinator.Often,theyare thesamepersoninaschool.Discuss optionsandopportunitiesaswellasthe relevanttimelineforinvestigation,course applicationandpaperwork.
•Decideonanoccupationthatinterests them.
•ArrangeworkexperienceduringYear10 intheindustrytheyareinterestedin.This helpsstudentstounderstandwhatan apprenticeshiportraineeshipinvolves.
•Parents/carerscanusetheircontacts tohelpthestudentlookforjobs–startwithfamily,friendsandlocal employers,andtryjobsearchwebsites, suchasJobseeker,andGroupTraining Organisations.
•Accesstheformsthatneedtobe completedbytheemployer,parents/ caregivers,schoolandapprenticeship centretohavetheSBATformally recognised(seelinkbelowfordetails).
Want to know more?
•FormoreinformationonSBATsvisitthe DepartmentofEducationwebsiteat https://bit.ly/education-nsw-sbats
•Speaktoyourschool’sCareersAdviser.Itis nevertooearlytostartaconversationabout alearningplanandpost-schooloptions.
School-based apprentices, including those in carpentry, work part-time and complete Stage One of a Certificate III trade qualification by the end of the HSC. Stock image: pressfoto/www.freepik.com
Go Camping at Cockatoo Island
Located in the heart of Sydney Harbour, Cockatoo Island’s waterfront campground is a great way for P&C group members and their families to celebrate their school community, forge closer ties and unwind in a historic setting ripe for exploration.
There are ve camping options, catering for dierent budgets and family sizes. With easy access to harbourside cafés as well as sheltered facilities (incl. showers, barbeques, and a kitchen), it’s no wonder camping at Cockatoo Island has become an annual tradition for many P&C groups!
PLUS: When eligible P&C groups register their stay with us, we’ll reward their school with a camping voucher for use in a fundraising initiative (T&Cs apply).
SPECIAL OFFER: P&C group members save 5% when they book camping online with the following promo code by 17 July 2022: CAMPFIRE
To learn more and book a P&C group camping trip, scan the QR code.
