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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE ByNatalieWalker
WelcomeeveryonetoaNewYearand newbeginnings.Ihopeeveryonehad asafeandrestfulbreakovertheholiday period.
I’dliketostartbyacknowledgingthe challengesourcommunitieshaveagain hadtoface,withtherecent floodslatelast yearthroughoutNSW.IfP&CAssociationsin affectedareasfeelthatP&CFederationcan giveanyassistance,Iwouldreallyencourage themtonothesitatetoreachout.
Ialsowanttocelebratetheamazingevents P&CFederationheldin2022.InOctober, inhonourofthe100-yearanniversaryof P&CFederation,wehostedcelebration drinksforP&CFederationstakeholders. Thiswasfollowedimmediatelyafterbythe P&CFederation2022conferenceon29 October,whichwasasmashingsuccess. Itinvolvedahostofpaneltalksandguest speakersontopicssuchasP&Cand principalpartnerships,writingsuccessful
ongoingDeedfunding,aswellasadditional fundingforthenexttwoyearsforour organisationtoestablishanewparentand carerengagementteam.Asoneofourcore businessobjectivesistoworkintheinterests ofstudentsandparentsinNSWGovernment schools,wehopetocreatefurther opportunitiestoenableparentsandcarersto beactivelyinvolvedintheirchild’seducation, havetheirvoicesandperspectivesheard,be awareofinformationrelevanttotheirchild’s education,beincludedindecision-making andunderstandhowthesedecisionsare made.Thispieceofworkwasindevelopment formanymonthsin2022withtheNSW DepartmentofEducation,andIwouldlike towelcomeAlisonWestontotheroleof P&CFederationStakeholderEngagement Manager.Alisonwillbeleadingthisprogram forus.Wearetrulyexcitedtoseewhatwe canachieve.
Associations Forum nalist IwasveryproudthatP&CFederationwasa finalistintheAssociationsForum 2022AssociationAwards™, whichrecognisesexcellence andaccomplishmentsby associations.Itwasatestament tothehardworkachievedby P&CFederation’sstaffand Board.
grantapplicationsandconflictresolution. Thateveningwealsocelebratedwith membersour2022VolunteerAwards, wherethewinnersoftheawardswere announced.Nomineescamefromaround thestate.Icongratulateallthewinnersand finalistswhohavedonesomuchfortheir schoolcommunities.Iwouldalsoliketo acknowledgeEmuHeightsPublicSchoolfor thebestdancemovesonthenight!
New Deed funding
2023promisestobeabigyearforP&C Federation.Oneofthekeyachievements forP&CFederationin2022wassecuring fromtheNSWDepartmentofEducation
Farewell Hannah and welcome Jane Itiswithgreatsadnessthatwe bidfarewelltoourCEOHannah PiaBaral,afternearlythree yearsservingintherole.Having startedtheroleatthebeginning oftheCOVID-19pandemic, Hannahhasdoneanamazing jobmanagingP&CFederationduringan incrediblychallenginganduncertaintime. Everythingwehaveachievedinthosethree yearsisinlargepartatestamenttoher.I speakforallP&CFederationBoardandstaff whenIwishHannaheveryhappinessand successinhernewendeavours.
However,wearedelightedtowelcome ournewCEO,JaneMiller.Janeisahighly experienced,successful,andwell-regarded businessleaderwhoweknowwillbea strongadvocateforpubliceducation,andwe greatlylookforwardtointroducinghertoour membersandworkingwithhertoachieve ourgoals.
Member services Wehaverevampedourmemberservices inalotofwaysinthepast12months. Wehavereleasednewsuggestedby-laws, subcommitteerulesandotherpoliciesfor P&CAssociationstoadopt.Theseresources willcontinuetobeupdated,andIstrongly suggestP&CAssociationssignuptothe MemberPortalonP&CFederation’swebsite togainaccesstotheseresourcesandthe OnlineLearningHub.
WehavealsolaunchedthenewSingle SignOnforP&CAssociationstoaccess ourresourcesandthenewP&COnline Communitywithaone-stepprocess.
AsTerm1isthetimewhenmanyP&C AssociationshavetheirAGMs,itisimportant toensuretheauditreportsandanything elsenecessaryforhandoversareinplace. IstronglyencourageP&CAssociationsto contacttheP&CFederationofficewithany questions.Remember,weareheretohelp.
Finally,Wednesday,1MarchwillmarkP&C Day.IencourageallP&CAssociationsto findimaginativewaystomarktheday.Don’t forgettoincludeP&CFederationinyour socials,sowecanshareitonoursocial media.
Haveagreatyeareveryone.
Natalie Walker President, FederationofParentsandCitizens AssociationsofNSW
NatalieWalker P&CFederationPresident
P&C Federation President Natalie Walker (centre) with the organisation’s new CEO Jane Miller (left) and outgoing CEO Hannah Pia Baral (right)
FIRST STEPS FOR UNIVERSAL PRE-KINDERGARTEN By Gillian White
Welcomebacktowhatwebelievewillbe awonderfulyearforeducationinNSW. Wehopeallstudents,parentsandstaffhave returnedrestedandrechargedfor2023.
Aswebegin2023,theSecretary,NSW DepartmentofEducation,Georgina Harrisson,hasaskedmetooutlineamajor initiativeannouncedlastyearthatwillgather momentumthroughoutthisyear,positively impactingcountlesslivesacrosspublic educationinthedecadestocome.
The Early Years Commitment
InJune2022,theNSWGovernment announceda$15.9billioninvestmentinto earlychildhoodeducationinNSWover thenext10yearsthroughtheEarlyYears Commitment.Akeycomponentofthis commitmentistheintroductionoffree, universalaccesstoapre-kindergartenyear forallchildreninNSWby2030.Thisyear, theDepartmentofEducationwilltakethe firststepswithearlychildhoodeducationand careservicesandproviderstodesignand trialelementsofUniversalPre-Kindergarten.
It’sworthreiteratingwhythisnewyearof play-basedlearningwillbesoimportant.This focusonthecriticalyearbeforeschoolwill makethetransitionfrompreschooltoschool asseamlessaspossible.
Evidencetellsusthebestindicatorofa child’seducationfutureisinhowtheyarrive
atdayoneofschool.Thisislogicalgiven weknowthe first2,000daysofachild’s lifearecrucialintheirhealthandlearning, particularlybecauseitistheperiodofmost rapidbraindevelopment.
TheEarlyYearsCommitmentisrecognition thatwecanproviderealbenefittochildren andfamiliesacrossNSWearlier;tosetthem upforanimprovedlearningjourneyorallow earlierinterventiononpotentialissues.
Wecannotaddressallofthechallenges overnightandsomeoftheinitiativeswilltake time,butthisisanexcitingopportunityto transformearlychildhoodeducationandcare inNSWforthebenefitofeverychild.
Asweundertakethiswork,nochildwillbe leftbehind.Childrenwithdisability,children fromCulturallyandLinguisticallyDiverse backgroundsandchildrenfromlow-income familieswillbeprioritisedacrossevery initiative.AboriginalandTorresStraitIslander childrenwillbeatthecentreofallwedo –ourcommitmenttoClosingtheGaphas deepenedfurtherandweareexcitedtobuild ontheachievementsoftheNSWAboriginal Children’sEarlyChildhoodEducationFirst StepsStrategy.
Consultationscommencedin2022on initiativesundertheEarlyYearsCommitment, andwelookforwardtohearingfromfamilies, educatorsandcommunitiesthroughout
GillianWhite
DeputySecretary,EarlyChildhood Outcomes,NSWDepartmentof
Education
2023(andbeyond!).Pleasekeepaneyeout foropportunitiestohaveyoursayandbe involvedaswegoonthistransformational journey,together.
Pre-Kindergarten pilots
AseriesofUniversalPre-Kindergarten pilotsacrossNSW,inbothmetropolitan andregional/remoteareas,willalsoberun throughoutthisyear,capturingthediverse needsofchildren,familiesandcommunities. Thesepilotswillexploreandtrialkeyfeatures ofUniversalPre-Kindergartenandhelp informthebestmodelforpre-kindergartenin NSW.Wehavethetimeandresourcestoget thisright.
Almost100,000childrenleaveearly childhoodsettingstostartkindergartenin NSWeveryyear,sothepotentialbenefitsof UniversalPre-Kindergartenwillbeprofound.
Welookforwardtosharingmoreinformation andresultswithyoufromourtrialsand feedback.
Wealsolookforwardto2023morebroadly astheDepartmentbuildsonitsrecentwork toimproveoutcomesforeverystudentin NSW.Andthankyou,inadvance,toallP&C AssociationsacrossNSWfortheirsupportof publiceducation.
Gillian White DeputySecretary,EarlyChildhoodOutcomes NSWDepartmentofEducation
This year, the NSW Department of Education will take the first steps in designing and trialling a new year of play-based learning for children to make the transition from preschool to school as seamless as possible. Photo supplied by NSW Department of Education
NESA NEWS By Paul Martin
Aswesetoffonanotheryear,I firstwant itoacknowledgetheHSCClassof2022 whograduatedlastyearandthankthe familiesandschoolswhosupportedthem.
AtthetimeofwritinginDecember,NESA waspreparingtodeliver finalresultsto studentsandtocelebratesomeoutstanding achievementsattheHSCFirstinCourseevent whichwillrecogniseover100studentswho toppedasubject.
AllHSCstudentsshouldfeelproudofwhat theyhaveachieved.
Significantly,theeventincludesseveral Minister’sCommendationAwardsforschools whichshowedenormousresilienceand communityspiritdespitethedevastating challengescausedby floodsthroughoutthe HSCyear.
Curriculum reform
I’mpleasedtoreportthatNESAcontinues todeliverthestate’smostcomprehensive curriculumreformprograminageneration, withtherecentreleaseofYears3-10 sectionsoftheEnglishandMathematics K-10syllabusesfollowingtworoundsof publicconsultation.Thenewsyllabuseswill strengthenliteracyandnumeracyacross everyyearlevelandbuildonthenewK-2 EnglishandMathematicscurriculumbeing taughtineveryschoolfromthisyear.
Severaladditionalsyllabuseswerereleased inthe finaltermof2022.Theseincluded theYears3-10sectionsoftheEnglishand MathematicsK-10syllabuses,Aboriginal LanguagesK-10,ModernandClassical LanguagesK-10,ComputingTechnologies 7-10,Geography11-12,Enterprise Computing11-12,SoftwareEngineering1112andComputingTechnologiesLifeSkills 11-12syllabuses,whichwillbetaughtfrom 2024.
ThenewComputingTechnology7-10 courseaswellasYear11and12electives betterreflectcontemporarycomputing technologies,meetingboththeneedsof studentsandtheexpectationsofindustryfor thedigitalworldwelivein.
Theincreasingimportanceofunderstanding andoperatingsafelyandethicallyinthe digitalworldisatoppriorityinourworkat NESA.
HSC online exams From2025,studentswillsitHSCexams forEnterpriseComputingandSoftware Engineeringonline,withworkunderwayto determinewhichotherexamsmaybesuitable tomoveonline.NESAwillsupporttheschool sectorsandindividualschoolstopreparefor thenewHSCTechnologyonlineexams.
Theopportunityforonlineexamsisjust oneofthereformsthatwearelookingatto modernisetheHSC.
Earlierthisyearweannouncedabolishingthe currentsystemofclassifyingHSCcoursesas CategoryAorCategoryBsomorevocational coursescancontributetoastudent’sATAR from2025.Thischangeaimstoraise theperceptionsofthevalueofvocational pathwaysandbetterrecognisetherange ofskillsstudentsneedtothriveinmodern workplaces.
NESA continues to deliver the state’s most comprehensive curriculum reform program in a generation, with the recent release of Years 3-10 sections of the English and Mathematics K-10 syllabuses.
Stronger post-school pathways Inlinewithstrengtheningpost-school pathways,NESAhasalsointroducednew Stage6courseoverviews,whichlinkYear11 and12studiestoindustries.
Theseindustrystatementswillsupportmore informedHSCsubjectselectiondecisions bystudentstopreparethemforpost-school studyandworkopportunities.
Students,parents,carersandteacherscan accesstherelatedindustriesinformation inthenewonlinecoursedescriptionsinan accessibleanduser-friendlywayontheNESA website.
PaulMartin,CEO
Asalways,weencouragestudentstomake studychoicesbasedontheirinterests,andto discusstheirstudychoicesandpost-schooling opportunitieswiththeirfamilies,schoolsor careersadvisers.
Teacher accreditation changes Changestostrengthenandstreamline teacheraccreditationinNSWarewell underway.
Wearecontinuingtoenhancechildprotection measuresinourschoolsandearlylearning centres,withtheexpansionofthesuitability toteachassessmentsstrengtheningan alreadyrigorousprocessforteachersseeking accreditation.
Otherkeychangesincluderemoving unnecessarilycomplexprocessesthatdon’t contributetostrengtheningtheprofession, whilestreamliningtheprocessesthatdo.
OnechangealreadyineffectmeansNESA isnowmakingallaccreditationdecisionsfor allteachersinNSW.Thisensuresthat,for the firsttime,teachersfromallthreeschool sectorsandearlychildhoodserviceswillhave thesameaccreditationdecisionmakeranda consistentprocess.
Reformsarebeingimplementedinstages withaPublicRegisterofTeachersandaNSW TeacherAccreditationManualnowavailable. Theaccreditationrequirementsdetailedin themanualwillbephased-inoverthereform timeline,publishedonourwebsite.
Bestwishesforagreatyearoflearning.
Paul Martin ChiefExecutiveOfficer, NSWEducationStandardsAuthority(NESA)
Attheendof2022,P&CFederationbidafondfarewelltoourCEOofthree years, Hannah Pia Baral, andwelcomedournew CEO Jane Miller
FAREWELL FROM OUR OUTGOING CEO By Hannah Pia Baral
AsIstepdownasChiefExecutiveOfficer v(CEO)ofP&CFederationtoreturntoNew Zealand,IhandoverthereinstonewCEO JaneMiller.Icarrywithmeadeepsenseof prideintheworkthathasbeendoneoverthe pastthreeyearstotransformP&CFederation intoaresponsive,professionalorganisation withastrongfoundationforfuturegrowth.
IbeganmyleadershiproleofP&CFederation inearly2020,justastheCOVID-19pandemic wasescalatingandPublicHealthregulations wereintroduced.Itquicklybecameevident howimportantP&CFederation’srolewould be,asP&CAssociationsgrappledwiththis unprecedentedevent.Weallneededtopivot, sopivotwedid!Oneofour firstinitiativeswas implementingamembershiphardshipfund forP&CAssociationsstruggling financially becausetheywereunabletofundraise.We alsoworkedcloselywiththeNSWDepartment ofEducationtoamendtheP&CConstitution sothatP&CAssociationscouldmeetvirtually duringlockdownsandrestrictions.
MovingquicklytosupportP&CAssociations acrossNSW,P&CFederationdeveloped innovativewaysofservingourmembers andengagingwithourstakeholdersandthe broaderparentandcarercommunity.This includedtheintroductionofP&CFederation’s webinarprogram,whichpavedthewayfor thousandsofparentsandcarerstohaveeasy
accesstorelevant,timely,andoftencritical informationfromtheNSWDepartmentof Educationandotherkeyorganisations.We alsolaunchedtheLearningHubandtheP&C OnlineCommunitytoenableP&CAssociations toseamlesslyaccesscontentandinformation, andeasilyengagewiththeP&CFederation teamandeachother.Theseinitiativeswill providecriticalsupportanddirectionwhen P&CAssociationsneeditmost.
AspartofP&CFederation’scentenary celebrationsin2022,theorganisation rebranded.Ournewlogowasintroducedasa visualsymbolofamodernorganisationthat valuesitslongandproudhistoryasapeak bodyandmembershipassociation.
Frommid-2022,theNSWDepartmentof Educationcommittedtoprovidingongoing fundingforP&CFederationtosupport P&CAssociations,andprovidedadditional fundingtoestablishanewparentandcarer engagementprogramfortwoyears.This programwillfocusoncontinuingourwork tostrengthenservicesandprogramsfor membersandthebroaderparentandcarer community.IamgratefultotheDepartment’s leadershipteamfortheircollaborativespirit andcommitmenttoP&CFederationandour parentandcarercommunity.
Alltheseinitiativeshavebeendesignedwith
A WARM WELCOME TO OUR NEW CEO By Natalie Walker, P&C Federation President
P&CFederationwarmlywelcomesJane Miller(pictured,right)asitsnewChief ExecutiveOfficer(CEO).
Janeisahighlyexperienced,successful, andwell-regardedbusinessleader.Shehas astrongbackgroundincommunicationand engagement,havingspentthepastnineyears workingforUNSWSydneyandUNSWSydney BusinessSchoolleadingalumnirelationsand communitygiving.
Jane’squalificationsincludeaMasterof PublicPolicy,SydneyUniversityandBAHons SocialPolicyandAdministration,Universityof Kent.
Hercareerachievementsinclude:
•Buildinga25-personstrongteamfrom thegrounduptodeliveronastreamlined andaccountableengagementstrategy formorethan350,000UNSWalumni.
•LeadingthedevelopmentofUNSW’s firstcomprehensiveengagementmetric whichusedalarge-scaleworkinggroup, benchmarkingwithpeeruniversitiesand advancementprofessionalassociations. Themetrichasnowbeenlivefor five yearsandhasallowedstakeholders acrosstheinstitutiontoseeprogress beingmade.
•Leadingthedesignanddeliveryoftwo large-scalealumnisummitsinHong
P&CAssociations andvolunteersatthe forefront.Iamproud oftheworkwehave donetosupportour communityandthankourmembersfortheir contributionstotheeducationsector. IwouldliketoacknowledgethetwoBoards thatIhaveworkedwithoverthepastthree years.Theirvision,passionandcommitment toseeingstrongpublicschoolcommunities hasbeeninspiringandhumbling.In particular,IwouldliketothankTimSpencer (formerPresident)andNatalieWalker(current President)fortheirleadership,guidance, supportandpassionforpubliceducation.
Ialsowanttothankourstaff.Theyhave workedincrediblyhardoverthepastfew years,andtheircommitmentanddedication continuestoshinethrough.Ithankyouallfor yourhumouranddrive,andforbeingsucha wonderfulteam.P&CFederation’splacement asa finalistintheAssociationsForum2022 AssociationAwards™(AssociationoftheYear category)wasawonderfulrecognitionofthe heartofourorganisation,itsstaffandBoard.
IleaveP&CFederationknowingthatthe organisationiswellplacedtosupport members,parentsandcarerslongintothe future.
Kong(2018)and Shanghai(2019) whichhavekickstartedincreased engagementin thesecriticalmarkets.
•Devisinganddeliveringhundredsof eventsoverthepast14years,including panels,interviews,workshops,and conferences.
ThecombinationofJane’sexperience, culture,anddrivemakesheranideal fitfor P&CFederationandthenextstagesofour growth.
CENTENARY YEAR ENDS ON A HIGH 2022 VOLUNTEER AWARDS WINNERS P&C Association
Member of the Year
LaurenDunstan, PananiaPublicSchoolP&C Association
Community Volunteer of the Year
KarenShanley, KurnellPublicSchool
P&C Association of the Year
UminaBeachPublicSchool
P&CFederationendeditscentenaryyearin2022onaseriesofhighnotes,witheventsincludingthe Volunteer Awards, annual conference, stakeholderevening anda celebratory dinner forpast andpresentBoardandstaffmembers.TheicingonthebirthdaycakewasP&CFederationbeingnamed asa finalistinthe Associations Forum 2022 Association Awards. Thefollowing fivepagesfeature highlightsandphotosfromeachoftheseevents
2022 VOLUNTEER AWARDS P&CFederation’s2022VolunteerAwards Dinneron29Octoberwasanightto remember.Almost100P&CAssociation membersand finalistsjoinedusatthe NovotelSydneyCentraltocelebratethe tirelessworkassociationsdotosupporttheir schoolsandstudentcommunitiesacross NSW.
Volunteeringoftengoesunrecognised,so itwasawonderfulopportunityforP&C Associationmemberstocatchupwitheach otherandcelebratetheachievementsofthe pastyear.
Therewerearecordnumberofnominees forthe2022awards,withmorethan 70submissions,includingfortwonew categories:CommunityVolunteeroftheYear andP&CAssociationoftheYear.
LaurenDunstan,PananiaPublicSchool P&CAssociationPresident,wasnamedthe P&CAssociationMemberoftheYearAward winner;KarenShanleyfromKurnellPublic School,tookouttheCommunityVolunteer oftheYearAward;andUminaBeachPublic SchoolwontheP&CAssociationoftheYear Award.
RosannaBarbero,CEOofAddisonRoad CommunityOrganisation,wastheguest
speakerfortheeveningand,alongwith P&CFederationPresidentNatalieWalker, presentedtheAwardFinalistCertificatesand AwardWinnerprizes.
Wewouldliketothankeveryonewho wasnominatedforthe2022awards.We knowhowvaluedyouallarewithinyour schoolcommunityandwecommendyour volunteeringcontributionandleadership.
ThanksalsotothesponsorsofourVolunteer Awardsandconference(seesponsors’liston p12)andtothewonderfulMCfortheAwards evening,ourveryownYvonneHilsz,P&C FederationVice-PresidentandPresidentof BirchgrovePublicSchoolP&CAssociation.
2022 Volunteer Awards Finalists: next page
Lauren Dunstan
Karen Shanley
Umina Beach Public School P&C Association members (from left): Nellie Feeney, Lucy Lamont, Taamara Joye, Penny Jope, Lynette O’Brien, Jenny Harris, Kristy Lowe and Janette Taylor Awards photos: P&C Federation of NSW
2022 VOLUNTEER AWARDS FINALISTS P&C Association
Member of the Year
JackieBando,RoseBayPublic SchoolP&CAssociation
MachelleGrant,JindabyneCentral SchoolP&CAssociation
Community Volunteer of the Year
NikiMartignago,LeuraPublicSchool
KerrynStearman,YowieBayPublic School
P&C Association of the Year
EmuHeightsPublicSchool P&CAssociation
LugarnoPublicSchool P&CAssociation
SherwoodRidgePublicSchool (Kellyville)P&CAssociation
WilkinsPublicSchool(Marrickville) P&CAssociation
Emu Heights Public School Principal Andrew Hooper (far left) with P&C Association members (from 2nd left) Owen Sargeant, Emma Dever, Maddy Nowlan, Steph McLanders, Roxann Piggott and Avril Shaw
Lugarno Public School P&C Association representatives (from left) Natasha Jankulovski, Melissa Porter, Jasmine Theophile, Leanne Ireland and Janette Allardyce-Walker
Sherwood Ridge Public School P&C Association representatives (from left) Bridie Taylor, Leanne Hagerty and Masieray Sesay
Wilkins Public School P&C Association representatives (from left) Sheridan Percival, Aleksandra Jordeska, Michael Kuligowski, Kelda Richards and Katrina Byrne
Jackie Bando
Machelle Grant
Kerryn Stearman
Niki Martignago
Left: Guest speaker Rosanna Barbero, CEO of Addison Road Community Organisation (left) and Yvonne Hilsz, P&C Federation Board Vice-President, Birchgrove Public School P&C Association President and MC for the night. Pictured above (from left), P&C Federation’s outgoing CEO Hannah Pia Baral, with Addison Road Community Organisation CEO and the evening’s guest speaker, Rosanna Barbero, P&C Federation President Natalie Walker and Public Education Foundation Fundraising and Communications Manager Miriam Valero. Above right: Guests at P&C Federation’s 2022 Volunteer Awards Dinner on 29 October in Sydney
P&C FEDERATION ANNUAL CONFERENCE: CONNECTION, COLLABORATION PAND CO-CREATION &CFederationwouldliketothank everyonewhoattendedourannual conferenceonSaturday29October2022, in-personattheNovotelSydneyCentraland vialivestream.
TheconferencewasopenedbyNSWMinister forEducationandEarlyLearning,Sarah Mitchell.Thisyear’stheme, Connection, Collaboration and Co-creation: Building The Future Together,waschosentoemphasise theimportanceofcreatingcollective discussion,inclusionandpartnershipsto buildP&CAssociations’abilitytonavigatethe dynamicchangesthrustuponus.Weathering thestormtogetherandproblem-solving whatneedstobedone,includingco-creating toolsandexchangingideas,willenableP&C Associationstoremainsustainableandthrive inatimeofgreatuncertainty.
Thetopicsforthe2022conferencewere chosenbasedonamembersurveywhich highlightedareasofgreatestneedfor theP&CAssociationcommunityandthe topicsmemberstoldustheywantedmore informationon.
Conferenceattendeesespeciallyenjoyed thesessiononconflictresolution,runby NinaHardingfromtheResolutionInstitute. Ninaprovidedvaluableinsightsintohow P&CAssociationofficebearerscanavoid, de-escalateandresolveconflicts,bothinside andoutsideP&CAssociationmeetings.
TheP&CFederationresourcessession highlightedhowtheorganisationis positioningitselftoprovidemoreforits members,withnewresourcesbeingreleased overthecomingmonths.
Therewerealsosessionsonvolunteer engagement,paneldiscussionson navigatingthepastfewyearsof fires, COVID-19lockdownsand floods,the challengesofparentsremainingresilient inthefaceofcrises,andhowschool communitieshaveovercometheobstacles.
Thesessionon Writing To Succeed: Top Tips On Writing Successful Grant Applications includedgrantapplication casestudiespresentedbyP&CAssociation representativesfromthreeschools:The EntrancePublicSchool,ConcordHighSchool andCanterburyGirlsHighSchool.Each sharedtheirsuccessstoriesinapplyingfor grants,andofferedastep-by-stepguide ofwhattodoandwhatisimportantinthe applicationprocess.
Live scribe Josie Ford’s incredible artwork created during the conference
Nina Harding, Senior Mediator at the Resolution Institute, during her well-received presentation on conflict resolution and resilience
P&C Association members (from left) Natasha Mogilin (Concord High School), Mary-Jayne House (The Entrance Public School) and Sonya Williams (Canterbury Girls High School) outlinedtheir top tips on writing successful grant applications, during the ‘Writing To Succeed’ session
Speakers Kathy Nguyen, Associations Advisor, Associations Forum Associations Advisor, and Clint Bertenshaw, Senior Manager Sector Development and Engagement at The Centre for Volunteering, offered insights to help P&C Associations strengthen member and volunteer engagement
The closing session of the conference featured a panel discussion on possibilities for innovation for P&C Associations into the future. The panel included (top of photo, from left) P&C Federation President Natalie Walker (moderator); Ann Caro, Deputy President, Secondary Principals’ Council; Narelle Daniels, Secretary, Associate Management Committee, NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group; Dr Saba Nabi, P&C Federation Board member;Joseph La Posta, CEO of Multicultural NSW; Robyn Evans, State Executive, NSW Primary Principals’ Association; and Laura Ramos, Director of Experience Strategy and Design, NSW Department of Education
NSW Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell (centre) with P&C Federation President Natalie Walker (left) and outgoing CEO Hannah Pia Baral
All conference photos: Mal Lyons Photography
P&C Federation Annual Conference from page 11
Inthesessionon Strengthening Member and Volunteer Engagement,KathyNguyenfrom theAssociationsForumandClintBertenshaw fromTheCentreforVolunteering,provided theirexpertperspectivesoneffective methodsandapproachesforengaging volunteersandcommunity.
Theconferenceendedwithapanel discussiononpossibilitiesforinnovation forP&CAssociationsinthefuture–likely scenariosandchallenges,andwhatP&C Associationscandotostayproactiveand relevantincomingyears.
Forthe firsttimetheconferencewashybrid withsomeattendeeswatchingonthe livestreamandallhavingaccesstothe conferenceapptoaskquestions,makingthe
We’dliketothankoursponsors
sessionsinclusiveandinteractive.Welook forwardtobuildingmoreofthisinteractivity intoourconferencesinthefuture.
We’dliketothankallourspeakersand panellistsfortheirtimeandsharingtheir expertiseandknowledgeontheday.
FEDERATION PARTNERS, SUPPORTERS JOIN CENTENARY CELEBRATION P&CFederation’sCentenaryStakeholder event,onFriday28October2022, celebratedthepartnersandsupportersof P&CFederationNSWwhohavetravelledthe journeywiththeorganisationovertheyears.
Atthedrinksevent,outgoingP&CFederation CEOHannahPiaBaral,andPresidentNatalie Walkerthankedthosepresent,including NSWDepartmentofEducationSecretary GeorginaHarrisson,ChiefExecutiveofSchool InfrastructureNSW,AnthonyManning, NSWTeachersFederationPresidentAngelo Gavrielatosandseniorrepresentativesfrom theNSWDepartmentofEducationandpeak educationbodies.
AsP&CFederationnearedtheendofits 100thyear,itwasanopportunitytoreflect ontheorganisation’sstrategicachievements supportingalmost1,800P&CAssociations andover6,500officebearers,eachdoing theirincredibleworktosupportparents andstudentsacrossNSW.P&CFederation hasbeenfocusedthisyearonitsdigital transformationprojects:theOnlineLearning Hub,OnlineCommunity,webinarprogramand developingmoreonlinetrainingresources.
Inherspeech,NatalieWalkeracknowledged pastandpresentBoardmembersand delegatesandtheircontributionsoverthe
Teachers Federation President
(L-R) NSW Department of Education (DoE) Executive Director Student and Parent Experience, Sharon Gudu; P&C Federation outgoing CEO Hannah Pia Baral; DoE Group Deputy Secretary School Improvement and Education Reform Group, SimoneWalker; DoE Chief Operating Officer Ruth Owen; and P&C Federation Board Vice-President Yvonne Hilsz
yearsthathavemadeP&CFederationwhatit istoday.
Shealsospokeoftheimportanceof partnerships:“Moreandmoreweare seeingthatpartnershipsaresoimportantto enablingourcapacitytoengageabroader
NSW
(L-R) P&C Federation President Natalie Walker, NSW Department of Education (DoE) Secretary Georgina Harrisson, and DoE Group Deputy Secretary School Improvement and Education Reform Group, Simone Walker
communityandliftmarginalisedvoices. Movingforwardoverthecomingyearswe hopetocontinuetobuildstrongrelationships withotherorganisations,peakbodiesand theDepartmentofEducationsothattogether wecanachievemoreforthepublicschool communitiesinNSW.”
P&C Federation Board Members at the conference (back row, from left) Jason Ryan, Alan Gardiner (Secretary), Cassandra Jones, Hema Fifita, Liga Hegner; (front row, from left) Yvonne Hilsz (Vice-President), Natalie Walker (President), Dr Saba Nabi and Wade Marionneaux, with outgoing CEO Hannah Pia Baral. (Board member Isabelle Borelli was absent)
NSW
Angelo Gavrielatos and
Department of Education Secretary Georgina Harrisson Photos: Jesse Taylor Photography
(L-R) P&C Federation President Natalie Walker, DoE Chief Executive, School Infrastructure NSW, Anthony Manning and DoE Stakeholder Engagement Manager, Sarah Beresford
P&C FEDERATION CENTENARY DINNER OnFriday25November2022,P&C Federation’scentenaryyearculminated withacelebratorydinneratSydney’sLuna Park,overlookingSydneyHarbourandthe HarbourBridge.Itwasanopportunityfor pastandpresentFederationBoardandstaff memberstocometogethertocelebratethe accomplishmentsandresilienceofP&C Federationsince1922.
TheeveningwashostedbyveteranAustralian journalistLeighHatcherandincludeda speechbyP&CFederationPresidentNatalie WalkerandavideoaddressfromtheFederal MinisterforEducation,TheHonJason Clare.Bothacknowledgedthelongevityand resilienceofP&CFederationoverthecourse ofacentury,includinginthefaceofglobal crisessuchasWorldWarIIandtheCOVID-19 pandemic.Theorganisationwasalso recognisedforitsabilitytoachieveresults andsupportthecauseforpublicschools throughoutits100-yearhistory.
Acommemorativevideo,createdand narratedbyformerP&CFederationPresident TimSpencer,wasscreenedduringthe evening,takingviewersonatripthrough P&CFederation’sarchives,startingwith itsfoundationin1922anditsmany accomplishmentsoverthepastcentury.
Theseincludedrivingtheintroduction ofprojectorsandtelevisionsinschool classrooms,advocacyagainstcorporal punishmentinschools,decadesbeforeitwas banned,andaboveall,P&CFederation’slongstandingadvocacyforequitablefundingfor publiceducation.
Anotherhighlightoftheeveningwasapanel interviewwiththreepastrepresentativesof P&CFederation–formerPresidentDianne Giblin,formerSeniorVice-Presidentand PublicityOfficerDavidGiblin,andformer
GeneralSecretaryWarrenJohnson.Each outlinedhighlightsoftheirtimewithP&C Federation,suchassuccessfullylobbying governmentstointroduceschoolzonespeed limitsandallowingP&CAssociationsto incorporateunderaNSWActofParliamentfor P&CAssociations.
TheeventendedP&CFederation’scentenary yearonahighnote,withthecelebrationof pastachievementsfosteringmuchoptimism fortheorganisation’sfuture.
P&C FEDERATION A FINALIST FOR 2022 ASSOCIATION OF THE YEAR AWARD P&CFederationishonouredtohavebeen recognisedasa finalistintheAssociations Forum*2022AssociationAwards™,on 8November,intheAssociationoftheYear Award™category.Thisisthe firstyearthat P&CFederationhasenteredtheawards.
TheAssociationAwards™recognise excellenceandaccomplishmentby associationsandoutstandingindividuals.The AssociationoftheYearAward™recognises exemplaryassociationsthathaveachieved overallexcellence.
OutgoingP&CFederationCEOHannahPia BaralacknowledgedtheBoard’svisionand governanceandthankedtheteamofstaff“for theincredibleworktheydobehindthescenes tosupporttheorganisation’smembersand implementstrategicinitiativestoensurethat P&CFederationthrivesasapeakbodyand memberorganisation’’.
“Andlast,butnotleast,P&CFederation’s achievementswouldn’tbepossiblewithout ourdedicatedmembersandstakeholders whoplayaninvaluableroleinbuildingstrong publicschoolcommunities,’’Hannahsaid.
“Ourplacementasa finalistinthisaward categoryshinesalightonthecollaborative effortsofallthoseinvolvedinP&CFederation andtheP&CAssociationcommunity.”
*Associations Forum is Australia’s largest board-based network of associations, delivering information, training and advice to more than 600 members.
P&C Federation’s outgoing CEO Hannah Pia Baral (front, holding certificate) and President Natalie Walker (front, 4th from left) with (from left) P&C Federation Chief Financial Officer Steve Edwards, Board members Liga Hegner and Hema Fifita, Vice-President Yvonne Hilsz, and staff members Alison Weston, Tim Spencer and Fiorella Recchi, at the Associations Forum 2022 Awards night Photo: Eventpix
P&C Federation Vice-President Yvonne Hilsz (left) and Board member Isabelle Borrelli at the centenary dinner, overlooking Sydney Harbour.
MC Leigh Hatcher and P&C Federation President Natalie Walker
(L-R) David Giblin (P&C Federation Life Member, former P&C Federation Councillor); Ian Morris (P&C Federation Life Member); Sharon Healey (Australian Council of State School Organisations/ACSSO) President; Peter Garrigan (ACSSO Project Officer); Khrise Toledo (former P&C Federation staff member) and Dianne Giblin (P&C Federation Life Member, former P&C Federation Councillor and ACSSO CEO)
Photos: Jesse Taylor Photography
STRATEGIES TO HELP TEENAGERS SLAY SLEEP Areyouhavingtroublegettingyour teenagertosleepeverynight?Theteam at Black Dog Institute offersomeproven strategiestohelp,includingtheirnewSleep Ninja™app,co-createdwithyoungpeople
Gettingagoodnight’ssleepcanbe challengingatthebestoftimes.For teenagers,itisatimeintheirlifewhen aperfectstormoffactorscometogether andcancontributetosleepdisturbances. Asurgeinhormones,adesiretochatwith theirfriendslateintotheevening,andeven achangeintheircircadianrhythm(natural sleep-wakecycle)areallthingsthatcan impactthequalityoftheirsleep.
Thegoodnewsisthatsomesimple strategiescanbeusedtomanageworries atnighttohelpcalmthemindandreduce thevolumeofconcernsthatmightpreventa goodnight’ssleep.
Why is sleep so important?
Sleepisessentialforseveralimportant functions.The firstrelatestoourphysical needforourbodiestorest.Duringsleep, ourbodycangrowmuscle,repairtissueand producehormones,whichareespecially importantforyoungteens.Thesecond functionisaroundhelpingourbrain consolidatememories.Duringtheday,we arefacedwithlotsofinformationthatcan’t allpossiblyberetained.Atnight,whilewe sleep,ourbrainsdosomeworkinprocessing andstoringthisinformationbymovingit fromourshort-termmemoryintostronger, morestable,long-termmemories.
Internationalguidelinessuggestthatyoung peopleaged12-14shouldgetbetween9-11 hours,whilethoseaged14-17need8-10 hours.However,it’simportanttoremember thatthisvariesforeachperson,andsome peopledomuchbetterwithlesssleepthan others.
What can I do to help my child sleep well?
Parentscanuseseveralsimplestrategies tohelpimprovethequalityofsleepfortheir teens:
• The firstistoensurethatyouarehaving openandhonestdiscussionswith yourteensabouttheirconcerns.Itis essentialtonormalisetheirexperiences andletthemknowyouarehappyto chatwiththem.
•Secondly,limittheirscreentimeinthe eveningsimmediatelybeforebedand
keepphonesoutofbedroomstoreduce stimulationrightbeforetheirbedtime.
•Thirdly,settingapredictableandcalm eveningroutinecanhelpthemwitha wind-downroutinethatpreparestheir bodyandmindforsleep.Thisroutine mightinvolveputtingawayalldevices, turningoffscreens,havingabath orshower,spendingquiettimewith siblingsorpets,doingmeditationor relaxationactivities,orreadingagood book.
•Finally,encouragingyourchildtouse theirbedroomandbedonlyforsleeping willstrengthentheirmentalassociation withthebedroombeingacalmingplace forsleep.
The Sleep Ninja™ app Supposeyourteen isexperiencinggreat difficultysleeping, whichisinterfering withtheirabilityto focusduringthe day.Inthiscase, cognitivebehavioural therapystrategiesfor insomnia(CBT-I)can behelpful.Thesecan bedeliveredface-tofacebymentalhealth professionalsorwith thehelpofanapp.
ResearchersattheBlackDogInstitute havedevelopedandtestedanappcalled SleepNinja™thatwasco-createdwith youngpeople.1,2 SleepNinja™isthe first adolescent-focusedappbasedonCBT-I, proventohelpyoungpeopleimprovetheir sleep.3 Whenusedduringtheday,itallows teenstolearnabouttheimportanceof sleepandbecomeawareofandovercome anyunhelpfulhabitscontributingtosleep disturbancesinafunandinteractiveway.
TheSleepNinja™appisfreelyavailable todownloadfromtheBlackDogInstitute websiteat https://www.blackdoginstitute. org.au/research-projects/sleep-ninja/ orby scanningtheQRcodeatright.
Black Dog Institute is currently taking expressions of interest fromschools, mental health professionals and health services who would like to be delivery partners in supporting this program during 2023. To contact the team email sleep@blackdog.org.au
Black Dog Institute Who is Black Dog Institute? BlackDogInstituteisaglobal leaderinmentalhealthresearch andtheonlyMedicalResearch Institute(MRI)inAustralia toinvestigatementalhealth acrossthelifespan.Wecreate real-worldimpactbyintegrating ourresearchintonewclinical treatmentsandservices, educationalandtraining programs,digitaltools,resources, andapps.Thesearedesignedto supportAustralianswhenthey feelsad,worriedandanxious, andarelookingforsupport.Visit https://www.blackdoginstitute. org.au/
References
1.Werner-Seidler,A,etal.ASmartphone AppForAdolescentsWithSleepDisturbance:DevelopmentOfTheSleepNinja. JMIRMentalHealth.2017;4(3):e28.DOI: 10.2196/mental.7614.
2.Werner-Seidler,A,etal.PilotEvaluation OfTheSleepNinja:ASmartphoneApplicationForAdolescentInsomniaSymptoms. BMJOpen.2019;9(5):e026502.DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-026502.
3.Werner-Seidler,A,etal.TheEffectsOf ASleep-FocusedSmartphoneApplication OnInsomniaandDepressiveSymptoms: ARandomisedControlledTrialandMediationAnalysis.2022.Lancet.Available onlineaheadofprint: https://dx.doi. org/10.2139/ssrn.4200346
VAPING: WHAT PARENTS AND CARERS NEED TO KNOW Supplied by the Centre for Population Health, NSW Health E-cigarettes(vapes),arebattery-operated devicesthatheataliquidtoproducea vapourthatusersinhale.Theliquidgenerally containsnicotineanda flavour.Compact disposablee-cigarettescancontainanywhere from300to10,000‘puffs’,andoftencontain highconcentrationsofnicotine.
Youngpeoplemaythinktheyaresimply inhaling flavouredwater–thisisfarfromthe truth.Alongwithnicotine,vapes(pictured aboveright)canhavethesameharmful chemicalsfoundincleaningproducts,nail polishremover,weedkillerandinsecticide.
What are the trends of vaping by young people?
E-cigaretteuseisincreasinginNSW. Concerningly,thehighestuseofe-cigarettes isbyyoungpeople.In2019-2020,onein five youngpeopleaged16-24yearshadusedan e-cigarette.By2020-2021,thishadincreased tooneinthree.
What do young people say about vaping?
TheGenerationVaperesearchproject(https:// www.cancercouncil.com.au/cancer-prevention/ smoking/electronic-cigarettes/generationvape/),ledbyCancerCouncilNSW,isbeing conductedwithyoungpeople,aged14to17 fromacrossNSW.Thisprojectaimstoexamine awareness,perceptions,attitudes,knowledge, andbehavioursrelatedtoe-cigarettes. Theresearchhasfoundthat flavourswere discussedbysomeyoungpeopleasbeingvery appealing.
Therewasageneralunderstandingthatvaping couldimpactlunghealth.Oftentherewas uncertaintyregardingotherpotentialhealth impacts,particularlythelong-termharm. Addictiontonicotinewasdiscussedasa negativepotentialconsequenceofvaping.
What is the impact of nicotine on young people?
Allvapeusersareexposedtochemicalsand toxinsthathavethepotentialtocauseharm. Useofe-cigarettesmayprovideagatewaytoa lifetimeofnicotineaddiction.Foryoungpeople, nicotinecancauselong-lastingnegativeeffects onbraindevelopment.Nicotinechanges thewaybrainsynapsesareformedinyoung people,whichcanleadtoimpairedattention, learningandmemory,andchangestomood.
Youngpeoplemayturntovapingtotrytodeal withstressoranxiety,andmanycontinueto
vapetocopewiththesefeelings.Thiscreates acycleofnicotinedependence.Youngpeople areoftenunawarethatvapingmaymaketheir symptomsworse.
Is the sale of vapes legal?
Itisillegalforretailerssuchastobacconists, vapestores,servicestations,andconvenience storestosellnicotine-containinge-cigarettesor e-liquids.Thisincludesonlinesales.Itisalso illegaltosellanyvapeortobaccoproductto someoneunder18years.
Onlypharmaciescansellnicotinee-cigarettes topeopleover18yearsoldwithavalid prescriptionforthepurposeofquitting cigarettes.
E-cigarettesthatdonotcontainnicotine arelegalinNSWandcanbesoldtopeople over18years.
NSWHealthhasacomprehensivecompliance programandundertakestargetedenforcement action.Ifyoususpectaretailerissellingvapes containingnicotineorsellingvapestominors, reportittoNSWHealthvia https://www. health.nsw.gov.au/tobacco/Pages/let-us-knowreports-complaints.aspx
What can I do to support my child?
Whetheryourchildvapesornot,weareurging youto findoutmoreaboutvapingandtotalk aboutthehiddenimpactsofvapeswithyour children.Trytohaveanopenandrelaxed conversationandbenon-judgemental.
Starttheconversationwithyourchildina relaxedeasy-goingway.Youcouldtrytaking thecuefromaroundyou,suchasanotefrom school,anewsstoryaboutvaping,orwhenyou seepeoplevapinginthestreet.
Ifyourchildisvaping,encouragethemtostop, letthemknowthathelpisavailable,andyou arethereforthem.
Where can I nd support for my child?
•TalktoyourGPorlocalyouthhealth serviceforadviceandsupport.
•CalltheQuitline13QUIT(137848). Quitlinecounsellorsunderstandnicotine addictionandcanprovideadvice,tips, andsupporttohelpyourchildtoquit.
•YoucanalsocalltheAboriginalQuitline on137848tospeaktoanAboriginal Counsellor.
• IfEnglishisn’tyour firstlanguage,Quitline
hascounsellorswhospeakArabic, Cantonese,Mandarin,andVietnamese. QuitlinecanprovideaTelephone InterpreterServiceforotherlanguages. •Headspacecanalsohelpyoungpeople (aged12-25)withmentalhealth,alcohol andotherdrugservices,andworkand studysupport,visit www.headspace.org. au
Where can I get more information? Youngpeople,parentsandcarers,andschool staffcan findmoreinformationaboutvapingby visitingtheVapingToolkit,ontheNSWHealth vapingwebpageat www.health.nsw.gov.au/ vaping
VAPING RESOURCES Supplied by the NSW Department of Education and NSW Health
WatcharecordingofNovember’swebinar Vaping – What Parents and Carers Need To Know.Viewithere https://www.pandc. org.au/vaping-webinar-recording.P&C Federation,NSWHealth,andtheNSW DepartmentofEducationhelpedparents andcarerstounderstandthehealthrisks ofvapingandtheresourcesavailable.
ThewebinarwaspresentedbyDrKerry ChantAOPSM(NSWChiefHealth Officer),DrBronwynMilne(Headof DepartmentAdolescentMedicine, SydneyChildren’sHospitalNetwork),Dr MichaelBowden(SeniorClinicalAdvisor, ChildandYouthMentalHealth,NSW Health),andReneeWest(PDHPEteacher andcurriculumdesignexpert).
NSWpublicschoolsaresmoke-free environments.Vapingistreatedin thesamewayassmokingcigarettes. Smoking(includingvaping)onschool premises,includingschoolbuildings, gardens,sports fields,andcarparks, isprohibited.Thisincludesstudents, employees,visitors,andotherpeople whouseschoolpremises,including communitygroups.
Learnmoreat https://bit.ly/vaping-needto-know
AN INVITATION TO SHARE YOUR SCHOOL SPACE Supplied by School Infrastructure NSW, NSW Department of Education
ShareOurSpaceprovidesfreecommunity accesstotheoutdoorareasofparticipatingschoolsduringtheschoolholidays. Thecommunitycanalsoregistertoattend oneofthefreeShareOurSpaceactivities beingrunonselectedschoolgrounds.
TheNSWDepartmentofEducation’sShare OurSpaceprogramisachanceforlocal communitiestoenjoytheschool’sgardens, playgrounds,ovalsandsportscourts.Walk, run,playasportorevenhaveafamilypicnic ontheschoolgroundsandimproveyour healthandwell-being.Forfamiliesnewto thearea,ShareOurSpaceisagreatwayto familiariseyourselfandyourchildrenwith yourlocalschool.
ShareOurSpacehasgrownrapidlyoverthe yearssincestartingin2017.Inadditionto localcommunitiesusingtheschoolgrounds, ShareOurSpacecollaborateswithexternal organisations,not-for-profits,localcouncils andstatesportsorganisationssuchas cricketNSWandBasketballNSWtorunfree supervisedactivitiesforchildren,familiesor thewidercommunity.
Duringthe2023schoolholidays,theShare OurSpaceprogramwillbeofferingavariety ofactivities,includinglaughingyogaclasses, specialistdanceclasses,cricketcampsand multisportactivities,acrossmetropolitanand regionalschoolsinNSW.
Involving P&C Associations P&CAssociationsacrossNSWrepresenttheir localcommunityandprovidethenetworks forschoolstobeengagedwiththoselivingin theirlocalarea.IfyourP&CAssociationwould liketocollaboratewithShareOurSpace andhostanactivityonyourschoolgrounds duringtheholidays,pleasecontacttheShare OurSpaceteambyemailinguson sinsw. shareourspace@det.nsw.edu
Alternatively,youmayknowoflocal organisationsorindividualswhowouldlike toholdanactivityontheschoolgrounds. Examplesofactivitiesthatcanbeprovided throughShareOurSpaceincludeexercise orsports,all-abilitiesactivities,artisticor musicaleventsorafamilybarbecuefor thecommunity.Weareopentoallideas thatprovideasafeandinclusivespacefor membersofyourlocalcommunitytoconnect andimprovetheirhealthandwell-being.
Theonlystipulationisthatallactivitiesbeing offeredmustbefreetoparticipants.Share OurSpaceopenshundredsofschoolsduring schoolholidaysacrossNSWandourteam ishappytoworkwithyoutobringactivities toyourcommunityforeveryseason.Share OurSpaceoperatesfrom9amto5pmseven daysaweek,includingpublicholidays,every schoolholidays.
JoinotherP&CAssociationsgivingbackto theircommunitiesbybeingpartofShare OurSpace.Formoreinformationaboutthe program,visitourwebsiteat https://bit.ly/ share-our-space
Scan this QR code to find out more about Share Our Space
PARENT APP SUPPORTS SCHOOL-HOME COMMUNICATION Supplied by the NSW Department of Education
TheNSWEducationParentAppmakesit easierthanevertostayuptodatewith what’shappeningatyourchild’sschool, soyounevermissanimportantupdateor event.
Theapphasover180,000usersandis aconvenientwayforparentsandcarers tokeepinformedaboutthelatestnews, schoolupdates,newsletters,school operationalstatusandupcomingevents, whichtheycanthenaddtotheirpersonal calendar.
Ifyouhavechildren atmorethanone NSWpublicschool, youcaneasilyview updatesfromeach schoolinasingle newsfeedtailoredto you.Youcanalsochoosetoenablepush notificationstoreceiveinstantnotifications whenthereisanupdatefromtheschool.
For community members who have experienced Share Our Space, we’d love to receive your feedback so we can make improvements to the program. Scan this QR code to access a short online feedback form. The survey will take about four minutes to complete
Theapphasadvancedprivacyand securityfeatures,anditdoesnotstoreany identifyingdata.Itisfreeandavailablefor iOSandAndroidusers.DownloadtheNSW EducationParentAppfromtheAppleStore (https://bit.ly/NSW-Education-parent-appApple)orGooglePlay(https://bit.ly/nsweducation-parent-app-Google)orusethe QRcodeabove.
Formoreinformation,visit https://bit.ly/ nsw-education-parent-app
Community members using their local school grounds as part of the Share Our Space program.
Photo: NSW Department of Education
ACCESS P&C ONLINE COMMUNITY, SERVICES IN ONE EASY STEP From the P&C Federation Team P&CAssociationofficebearerscannow accessallP&CFederationservicesina easy,one-stepprocess,usingaSingleSign On.
WiththeSingleSignOn,launchedon 29November2022,officebearersneed onlyoneindividuallogintoaccessallP&C Federationresources,includingtheMember PortalandthenewP&COnlineCommunity.
Why do I need a Single Sign On?
AllP&CFederationresourcesarenowonly accessiblewiththisSingleSignOn.
How does the Single Sign On work if it’s not connected to my P&C Association?
•YourSingleSignOnisuniquetoyou asanindividualofficebearerandsits alongsidetheexistingMemberRecord linkedtoyourP&CAssociation.
•HavingonepersonalSingleSignOn makesiteasierforyoutoaccessallP&C Federationresources.
•InsteadoflogginginasyourP&C Association,youcannowloginas yourselftoaccessallthesame resources.
What is the dierence between the Single Sign On and the Member Record linked to my P&C Association?
•Yourinformationstillsitsalongsideyour
KEY DATES 2023 FEBRUARY
Student Injury Insurance Renewal due: 1February
P&C Association AGMs: ensureyourP&CAssociation’sreportsareauditedandreadytotablebefore yourAGM.RefertoyourP&CAssociation’sbylawsfor thedateofyourAGM.
MARCH
P&C Day: 1March
P&C Association AGMs
NAPLAN tests: 15-27March
APRIL
Last date to apply for disability provisions for the 2023 HSC examinations: 6April
Last term day for students: 6April
Easter: 7-10April
Autumn school holidays: 10-21April
Term 2 for students begins: 24April
HSC oral language exam timetable released: 24 April
ANZAC Day: 25April
2023 HSC written examination timetable released: 28April
P&CAssociation, howeverthe waythatyou accessMember resourcesis throughthisnew personalSingle SignOnandas anindividual.
•Thisprocesshas beenintroduced tostreamlinethe experiencefor P&CFederation’s officebearers.
What is the Online Community?
P&CFederationlaunchedtheP&COnline Communityon29November2022.It’sa digitalspacewhereofficebearersofmember P&CAssociationscanconnectwitheach other,collaborate,andshareknowledge andresourcestodealwiththeday-to-day challengesofrunningtheirP&CAssociation. Youcan:
•Jointhecommunitydiscussiontocrowd sourceknowledgeandanswersto questionsfromyourP&CAssociation peers.
•Buildagroupofpersonalconnections viaadedicatedmemberDirectoryand CommunityProfile.
•Discoverthelatestvolunteerresources
fromP&CFederationandshare resourceswithotherP&CAssociations, viaaninteractivelibrary.
•AccessP&CFederation’smember supporttoolsmoreeasilyviaaQuick Linksspaceinthecommunity.
•Learnaboutupcomingeventsviathe Eventspage.
How do I sign on and join in?
FordetailsonhowtocreateyourSingleSign OnandjointheP&COnlineCommunity,visit https://bit.ly/pandc-single-sign-on
Ifyouhavequestionsorneedhelptocreate yourSingleSignOn,pleaseemailtheP&C Federationteamat mail@pandc.org.au
The following dates are provided to help you plan your P&C Association and school year in 2023.
MAY Selective High School Placement Test: 4May
Mother’s Day: 14May
National Volunteer Week: 15-21May
Walk Safely to School Day: 19May
National Sorry Day: 26May
JUNE
Term 2 for students ends: 30June
JULY
NAIDOC Week: 2-9July
Winter school holidays: 3-14July
Term 3 for students begins: 17July
Opportunity Class Placement Test: 27July
Education Week: 31July–4August
AUGUST
P&C Association membership and insurance renewals due: 1August
Year 7 Selective High School Placement Test outcomes: Mid-August(expectedrelease)
Book Week (The Children’s Book Council of Australia): 19-26August
P&C Federation AGM: 26August
SEPTEMBER Father’s Day: 3September
Term 3 for students ends: 22September
Spring school holidays: 25September–6October
OCTOBER
Term 4 begins: 9October
HSC written exams begin: 11October
Year 11 grades and Life Skills outcomes to be submitted (via Schools Online): 20October
NOVEMBER
HSC written exams end: 3November
2024 HSC student entries open: 6November
Remembrance Day: 11November
DECEMBER
HSC results released: 14December
Term 4 for students ends: 19December
Summer school holidays: 20December2023–29January2024(Eastern)and20December2023–5February2024(Western)
Contract driver public liability insurance renewal due: 31December
Stock image: katemangostar/Freepik
P&C FEDERATION ADVOCACY IN 2022 By Patrick Doumani, P&C Federation Member Services and Research Officer
P&CFederationadvocatesforstudents acrossNSWinpubliceducationin variousways,suchasitsBoardmembers sittingoncommittees,lobbyingtheNSW Parliament,lodgingsubmissionstoinquiries, andbuildingstrongrelationshipswith stakeholders.In2022,P&CFederationmade submissionstothefollowinginquiries.
Detailsofthesesubmissionscanbefound onP&CFederation’swebsiteat www.pandc. org.au/advocacy-1/
1. Planning and delivery of school infrastructure in New South Wales
InthissubmissiontoaNSWparliamentary committeeoneducation(https://bit.ly/ school-infrastructure-submission ),P&C Federation’smainrecommendationswere:
•ForSchoolInfrastructureNSW toimproveitstransparencyand accountabilitybymakingmoreofits processespubliclyavailableandthrough moreregularpublicreportingagainst settargets.
•Placestricterlimitsontheuseof demountableclassroomsinschools.
•Expandandimprovecommunity consultation,inpartthroughthe establishmentofaP&CAssociationat anyschoolwherenoneexists.
•WorkwiththeDepartmentofPlanning, IndustryandEnvironmenttoallow schooldevelopmentintendedtomeet enrolmentsurgesinatimelymanner.
• Thatanysignificantexpansionof schoolenrolmentsinvolvingtheuse ofsignificantnumbersoftemporary classroomsmustalsoinvolvethe mandatedupgradingoftoiletfacilities.
P&CFederationwassubsequentlyinvited toapublichearing,andthe finalreport (https://bit.ly/nsw-school-infrastructurereport)supportedmuchofP&CFederation’s recommendations.
ThisinquiryalsoresultedinP&CFederation establishingamorecohesivedialogue withSchoolInfrastructureNSW,whichwill allowP&CFederationtoprovideimproved informationaboutschoolinfrastructure matterstoP&CAssociations.
2. Inquiry into the privatisation of bus services
InthissubmissiontoaNSWparliamentary committeeontransport( https://www.pandc.
org.au/forms/Advocacy/busservices.pdf ), P&CFederation’smainrecommendations were:
•Thatanyprivatisationmustinvolve aguaranteethatthenumberof availableserviceswillnotbereduced, andmeasuresensuringpunctuality standardswillnotbeworsened.
•ThattheNSWGovernmentprovide accesstothefreeSchoolOpalCard fromYear3uptoYear5withno minimumdistancerestriction.
Thecommittee’s finalreportwaspublished inSeptember2022andincluded recommendationstoavoidreducingbus serviceswhenengagingwithprivatebus operators.TheNSWGovernment’sresponse totheserecommendationswasreleased on15December2022,andisavailableat: https://bit.ly/NSW-Government-Responsebus-services
3. Review of National School Reform Agreement TheReviewofNationalSchoolReform Agreement(NSRA)isajointagreement betweentheCommonwealthandStates/ Territoriestoliftstudentoutcomesin Australianschools.Inthissubmission totheProductivityCommission’sreview oftheNSRA(https://bit.ly/pandc-NSRAsubmission),P&CFederation’smain recommendationswere:
•Thaturgentprioritybegiventoaddressing theinequitieswithintheeducation system,particularlysectorfunding.
•ThatProgrammeforInternational StudentAssessment(PISA)testingis removedfromtheNationalAssessment Program(NAP).Itshouldbereplaced byanexpandedformofnational testingthatincludesscienceand otherdomainsaspartofaholistic assessmentapproach.
•Thatthereisanationalinitiative toquantifywhythereisafalling engagementorsenseofbelongingat schoolandthattheseresultsareused toimplementprogramsandsupportto re-engagestudentsintheireducation.
•Thatthereisanurgentnational initiativetosupportprograms,including more flexibilityinlearningpathways, toaddresstheimpactofCOVID-19 andnaturaldisastersonstudents’ education.
•Torevitalisevocationaleducationin NSWGovernmentschools.
•Thattherebeclearguidancetoallow formore flexibilitywithinnational literacyandnumeracyprogressionsto caterforstudentswhodonotfollow theprogressions’expectations.These progressionsareatooltomeasure students’literacyandnumeracy development.Randomisedstandardised testingcouldbeusedtosupportthis.
•ThatNAPLANbegraduallyphasedout infavourofrandomisedstandardised testingthatcanfeedintotheNAPbut beprimarilyusedtoinformteachingand learningattheschoollevel.
•Thatthereisurgentactiontoaddress
Photo: P&C Federation NSW
therecruitmentandretentionofquality teacherswithintheeducationsystem, notjusthigh-performinggraduates.
TheProductivityCommissionreleasedan InterimReportbasedoninitialsubmissions (https://www.pc.gov.au/inquiries/current/ school-agreement/interim ),andP&C Federationmadeafurthersubmissiontothis report(https://bit.ly/pandc-NSRA-interimreport-submission ).Thisreviewisongoing.
4. Inquiry into teacher shortages in New South Wales
InthissubmissiontoaNSWparliamentary committeeoneducation(https://bit.ly/ pandc-teacher-shortages-submission ),P&C Federation’smainrecommendationswere:
•Toundertakeanurgentstrategyto promoteteachingasaprofession.
• Tosignificantlyreducethe administrativeburdenofteachers, allowingthemtospendmoretime teachingandreducingstresslevels.
•Ensurethatallschoolshavethe necessaryfundingtoensuretheycan employappropriatenumbersofstaff.
•Eachteachingcourseshouldinclude practicumsforatleastatermeach year,startinginthe firstyearofteaching courses,sothatpoorperformerscanbe identifiedearly.
•ThattheNSWDepartmentofEducation developalong-termstrategytoensure theeducationalneedsofstudentsare readilymetinsituationswherethereare highratesofCOVID-19transmission.
•Considerimplementingaprogramof permanencyforalargenumberof temporaryteachers,includingacap onthetimeateachercanremain temporary,afterwhichtheyaremade permanent.
InNovember2022,theCommitteereleased its finalreportbasedonsubmissions (https://bit.ly/teacher-shortages-inquiry-finalreport)andworkonthisissueisongoing.
5. NSW Volunteering Taskforce Inthissubmission,P&CFederationoutlined themainchallengesfacingtheNSW volunteeringsectorandhowtoaddress them.TheNSWVolunteeringTaskforce intendstousefeedbacktodrawupa VolunteerCharterforNSW.Keypointsand recommendationsfromP&CFederation’s submissionincluded:
•ThattheTaskforcedevelopsresources andtoolstosupportadvocacyworkin volunteerassociations.
•ThattheTaskforceconsidersworking withothergovernmentagenciesto ensurethatinternetaccessisavailable
P&C FEDERATION ELECTIONS 2023 023isanelectionyearfor theFederationofParents andCitizensAssociations ofNewSouthWales(P&C Federation).
Positionsforelectionareone CouncillorandtwoDelegates tobeelectedfromeachofthe 16P&CFederationelectorates. TheelectedCouncillors formtheBoard,andthe32 Delegateselectedwillattend andparticipateintheP&C FederationAnnualGeneral Meeting.
Theelectionprocess commencesinFebruary 2023andwillbeconducted bytheNSWElectoral Commission.Thisis anopportunityforP&C Associationstochoosetheir
representativesatP&C Federation.
Toparticipateinthe2023 election,P&CAssociations needtoensuretheyare financialmembersofP&C Federation.Financialmember P&CAssociationswillalso needtoprovidedetailsof thevotingdelegatetoP&C Federation.Thispersonwould beyourP&CAssociation President(ortheSecretaryor anothermembernominated bytheP&CAssociationifthe Presidentwillbeacandidatein theelection).
Formoreinformationon theP&CFederationelection processandtimetable,visit: https://www.pandc.org.au/ elections/
acrossthewholeofNSWtosupport volunteers.
•ThattheTaskforceconsiders investigatingtravelvouchersorfunding forvolunteerstoassistwithtravelcosts toalleviatesomeofthe financialburden thatisimpactingP&CFederation’s members.
•ThattheTaskforceworkswithTAFE NSWorotherrelevantorganisations toprovideaccesstolow-feeorfree coursesforvolunteersannually.
•ThattheTaskforceconsidersafunding programtosupportpeakbodies’ researchintotheirvolunteersandthe contributionstheymaketotheNSW economy.
•ThattheTaskforceconsidersdeveloping aneventsfundingprogramthat cansupportpeakbodiestosupport members’accesstorecognitionevents forvolunteersorvolunteermember associations.
•ThattheTaskforceworkswith governmentagenciestodevelop improvedWorkHealthandSafety(WHS) practicesthatarenottimeconsuming oronerousforvolunteers.
Thisworkisongoing.
UPDATE ON CHANGES TO OSHC Parent-operatedOut ofSchoolHoursCare (OSHC)servicesarenolonger categorisedasCategory AprovidersbytheNSW DepartmentofEducation, requiringtheOSHCtogounder theoperationoftheschool’s P&CAssociationorgoto tender.
YourP&CAssociationmaybe approachedbytheparentoperatedOSHCservicetotake ontheOSHC.Asoperatingan OSHCserviceiscomplex,itis vitalthatanyP&CAssociation carefullyconsidersthereasons fortakingontheserviceand performsappropriatedue diligencebeforemakingany decision.
TheDepartmenthasprovided anextensionoflicenseuntil 30June2025fortheoption ofrunningundertheP&C Associationtobeexplored,so
thereisplentyoftimetowork throughthedetails.Inaddition, theDepartmentisalsooffering upto$10,000asagrantto supportP&CAssociationsto covertheircostsintransferring theservice.
ViewP&CFederation’s twowebinarsonthistopic: Transitioning An OSHC Service To A P&C (at www.pandc.org. au/oshc-webinar-recording/ ) and Taking On A Before and After School Care Service (throughtheMemberPortalon P&CFederation’swebsiteat www.pandc.org.au).
Ifyouhaveanyquestionsor wouldlikefurtherassistance withtheprocessfortransferring aparent-runOSHCtooperate underaP&CAssociation, pleasecalltheP&CFederation teamon1300885982or email mail@pandc.org.au
INTRODUCING JERRABOMBERRA HIGH SCHOOL P&C ASSOCIATION By Kylie Prescott, Vice-President,
Jerrabomberra High School P&C Association
Jerrabomberraislocatedjustoutsideof Canberra,ontheNSW/ACTborderand hasapopulationofabout10,000people. Affectionatelyknownas‘Jerra’tothelocals, itwasestablishedin1988inwhatisnow knownastheQueanbeyan-PalerangRegion.
Our school
OurJerrabomberraPublicprimaryschool openedin2002andquicklygrewinboth popularityandstudentnumbers,andnow hasover900studentseachyear.Jerrais afantasticplacetoraiseafamily.Theonly thingmissingwasthelong-promisedand much-neededJerrabomberraHighSchool.
In2018thehighschoolwasannounced, muchtothedelightofthelocalcommunity! OnFriday,27January2023,Jerrabomberra (pop-up)HighSchool(JHS)openedforthe firstcohortofstudents(Years7and8).It’s anunderstatementtosaytheJerrabomberra communityisexcitedaboutthehighschool. Somanyparentsaresoveryhappytohave theoptionofsendingtheirchildtoour suburbanhighschool,closetohome,with friendsfromprimaryschool.
ScottO’Harawasannouncedasthe inauguralPrincipalinMarch2022,and theJHSParents&CitizensAssociationwas keentogetstarted.JerrabomberraPublic SchoolhasanactiveandenthusiasticP&C Associationandthehighschoolcommunity wasjustasexcitedtotransitionthatenergy
tothehighschooltocontinuethe positivecommunitysupportfrom theverybeginning.
Our P&C Association
TheJHSP&CAssociationformation meetingoccurredinJuly2022with theinauguralofficebearerselected –andwehavebeenoffandraring since!TheJerracommunityspirit shinesbrightlyandour firstmajor fundraisingevent,aBunnings barbecue,raisednearly$2,000, despitewetweather.Peoplewhostoppedto buyasausagecommentedhowexcitingit wastohaveahighschoolinJerrabomberra. Weenjoyeditsomuchwethenhosted anotheroneinDecember,whichraised $1,650.
school,JerraPublic,intoJerraHigh.
TheJHSP&CAssociationlooksforwardto continuingthemomentumandevolving theschool’sspirittoenableourchildrento flourishinourcommunityandmorebroadly.
EveryoneinJerrabomberraandthe Queanbeyan-PalerangRegionisso excitedtohavethenewJerrabomberra HighSchoolopen.Ourwholesuburbhas advocatedforthehighschoolfordecades. Wewillmakethebestofthetemporary pop-uphighschoolonthegroundsofJerra PublicSchoolin2023,andwelookforward toourmodernandimpressivepermanent buildingfor500studentsbeingcompleted assoonaspossible.Wecontinueto stronglyadvocateforstagetwoofJHSto bebuilt,sothehighschoolinfrastructure cansupportthe900-plusstudents transitioningfromtheonefeederprimary
CONGRATULATIONS NEWLY INCORPORATED P&C ASSOCIATIONS CongratulationstothelatestP&C Associationsincorporatedunderthe Parents and Citizens Associations Incorporation Act 1976.IfyourP&CAssociationisnot incorporated,takethetimetoconsiderthe manybenefitsthatincorporationbrings: https://www.pandc.org.au/incorporation .If yourequirefurtherinformationorclarification, contactP&CFederation’sMemberSupport Teamat mail@pandc.org.au orcalluson 1300885982.
AT A GLANCE School: JerrabomberraHighSchool
Location: Jerrabomberra,NSW
Opening date: 27January,2023
Number of students: about150 (Years7&8)
P&C Association formed: July2022
P&C Association office bearers: President:NathanLozberis
Vice-Presidents:BelindaMertonand KyliePrescott
Treasurer:SandraClutterbuck
Secretary:RebeccaCamp
Bungendore High School
Southern and Central Tablelands
Denham Court Public SchoolMacarthur
Duranbah Public SchoolNorth Coast
E A Southee Public SchoolRiverina
Euston Public SchoolFar West
Googong Public School
Southern and Central Tablelands
Hunter River High SchoolHunter
Newling Public SchoolNew England
The Ponds SchoolNorth West Sydney
Jerrabomberra High School P&C Association office bearers (from left) Belinda Merton (Vice-President), Kylie Prescott (VicePresident), Nathan Lozberis (President), Sandra Clutterbuck (Treasurer) and Rebecca Camp (Secretary), with the school’s Principal Scott O’Hara. Photo: Jerrabomberra HS P&C Association
OPERATION TOILET BLOCK REVAMP By Melissa Porter, President, Lugarno Public School P&C Association
Iamalwaysanavidreaderofthe Parent & Citizen journalandlovelearningnew thingsandgettingideasfromotherP&C Associations.
Backin2019Iwas lookingthroughthe Term1issueofthe journalandsawan articlebyEmuPlains PublicSchoolP&C Associationthat caughtmyattention. Thearticletalked aboutthe“positivity” makeoverofthe studentbathrooms thattheP&CAssociationundertook.
Isharedthearticleatthenextmeetingof ourP&CAssociationandwithourschool Principal,JustineWilliams.Thisthenled ustoapplyforandsuccessfullyobtain aNSWGovernmentCommunityBuilding PartnershipGrantof$5,256in2020for ourproject,whichwecalled‘Operation ToiletBlockRevamp’.
Thefirststageoftheproject,whichtook placein2021,sawtheinstallationofnew ‘pushstyle’tapsinallthestudenttoilet blockstoenablestudentstoeasilywash theirhandsproperly,whilststillbeing watersaving.Unfortunately,COVID-19 restrictionsthendelayedthebalanceof theprojectuntilMay2022.Stagetwo involvedstickingdecalsonthetoiletdoors withinspirational/motivationalquotesand paintingsectionsofthewallswithpictures andquotes.
Thewordingandinspirationforthequotes camefromstudentideaswhichwere submittedtoourschoolPrincipal.Afterall, itistheirspace,soitwasimportanttoget thestudentsinvolved.AsP&CPresident, IhadtheprivilegeofworkingwithJustine tochoosethefinaldesigns.Wethenset aboutsourcingdecalswhichmatchedthe studentdesigns.Forthosethatwecould notfindpre-madedecalsfor,oneofour P&CAssociationvolunteersgenerously printedthemathomeforus.Wehadfour toiletblockstodecorate–twoK-2toilet blocks(boysandgirls)andtwoYears3-6 toiletblocks(boysandgirls).
Wethenputoutacallforparentvolunteers, andwereoverwhelmedwithhelpers.We
Theresultswereamazingandthebuzzand smilesonthestudents’faceswhentheysaw theworkthefollowingMondaywaspriceless. Afterall,thisiswhatvolunteeringwithaP&C Associationisallabout!
Melissa Porter
Photos (above, from top): Lugarno Public School students showcasing their toilet door design ideas. The quotes, reproduced as stick-on decals or painted on the walls with pictures, were selected by the students and approved by Principal Justine Williams. Parent volunteers installing the decals and painting sections of wall in the toilet blocks during the Sunday working bee. All photos courtesy Lugarno Public School P&C Association
HOW TO SET SMART GOALS AND MAKE DECISIONS Supplied
by the Careers Advisers Association of NSW & ACT Inc Ashumans,wefunctiontoagreater vcapacitywhenwehavesomething thatweareworkingtowards.Forouryoung peopletobethebestcontributingmembers ofourcommunitiesthattheycanbe,we teachthemhowtosetgoalsandmake decisions.Throughoutourliveswewillset manythousandsofsmallgoalsandmake evermoredecisionsintheprocessof achievingthosegoals.Masteringtheseskills ofgoal-settinganddecision-makingcan makelifemucheasier.
Setting SMART goals Togiveyourchildthebestchanceofachieving thegoalstheysetforthemselves,theyneedto breakthemdown,usingthefollowingSMART goalmethod,inordertofocustheirefforts andholdthemselvesaccountable.SMART standsfor Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevantand Time-based.
Specific: Being specific inourgoalsprovides clarityandfocus.Ifyourchild’sgoalsinclude theword‘and’perhapstheyhavetwogoals thatwillcomplementeachother.
Measurable: Aspartoftheirplanning, encourageyourchildtothinkabouthow theywill measure their progress.Willthere bestepsalongthewayandwhomight helpthem?Asthesetranspire,progressis measured.
Achievable: Alwayssupportyourchildto set achievable goals.Thissetsthemupfor successsothattheywillbegintoseewhat theyarecapableofandkeepsettingeverevolvinggoalsforthemselves.
Relevant: Relevanceisrelative–is the goal relevant towhatyourchildisexperiencing intheirlifenow?Goalsaremuchmore achievableiftheyareclearlyconnectedto somethingthatwillimproveoursituationin theforeseeablefuture.Thereisatimeand aplaceforlong-termgoals,butremember thatlong-termgoalsaremadeupofaseries ofshorter-termgoalsthatmoveuscloserto achievingourbigpicture.
Time-based: Finally,encourageyourchild toseta time frame for achieving the goal Timeframessupportthemtomonitortheir progress,keepthemselvesmovingtowards achievingthegoalandultimatelykeepthem accountabletothemselves.Thiskindof accountabilitytoselfisanintegralpartof
beinganadult.Supportingyoungpeopleto dothiswillgivethemanexcellentskillforthe future.
Easy decision making
Likegoalsetting,decisionmakingisa process.Onceweunderstandtheprocess andtheinformationweneed,wecanpractice makingdecisionsthatgetusclosertoour goalsandpreferences.
Fromthemomentwewakeupuntilwegoto sleepeveryday,wearemakingdecisions. Whilemanyofusbecomeexpertdecision makers,manyofusdonot.Someofour youngpeoplewillstrugglewiththisformany yearsintoadulthoodorthroughouttheirlife. Indecisioncancausestressandanxiety, particularlyasyoungpeopleare finishing schoolandfeelingpressuretoworkoutwhat willcomenext.
Decisionmakingrequiresusto:
•Identifytheproblemthatneedsa solution.
•Identifytheinformationweneedto informourchoices.
•Establishasetofchoices(twoorthree only)andunderstandtheoutcomes/ consequencesofeach.
•Makeadecisionbasedonthepreferred outcome/consequence.
Ifyouhaveafamilymemberwhostruggles tomakedecisions,youcanpracticedecision makingbylimitingthechoicesandcontrolling theinformationusedtomakethosedecisions. Youcandothisthroughquestioning. Ratherthanasking‘whatdoIwantfor breakfast’?,ask‘doIwanttoast,cerealor fruitforbreakfast?’.Thisway,you’vealready eliminatedalltheotherfoodchoicesavailable toyou,makingyourdecisionprocessless complex.
Decision making is a process. Once we understand the process and the information we need, we can practice making decisions that get us closer to our goals and preferences.
Youmightalsoliketomakeafamilygameof practicingdecisionmakingusinghypothetical situations.Googlesearch‘Chooseyour ownadventurefamilygames’andhavefun together!
Ifyouwouldlikemoreinformationabout makingdecisionsorgoalsetting,talktoyour child’sCareersAdviser,classroomteacheror yearadviser.
Stock image: vectorjuice-Freepik
DISCOVER WHAT LW REID CAN DO FOR YOUR SCHOOL 
