


Sydney Electorate: Yvonne Hilsz (P&CFederationPresident), yvonne.hilsz@pandc.org.au
Hunter Electorate: Glenn Campbell (P&CFederationVice-President), glenn.campbell@pandc.org.au
North Sydney Electorate: Jason Wong (P&CFederationSecretary), jason.wong@pandc.org.au
South West Sydney Electorate: Hema Fifita, hema.fifita@pandc.org.au
North West Sydney Electorate: Liga Hegner, liga.hegner@pandc.org.au
Macarthur Electorate: Cassandra Jones, cassandra.jones@pandc.org.au
Southern and Central Tablelands Electorate: Gabrielle Kuta, gabrielle.kuta@pandc.org.au
West Sydney Electorate: Wade Marionneaux, wade.marionneaux@pandc.org.au
Riverina Electorate: Dr Saba Nabi, saba.nabi@pandc.org.au
South Coast Electorate: Aresha Quaass, aresha.quaass@pandc.org.au
Mid North Coast Electorate: Jason Ryan, jason.ryan@pandc.org.au
Central Coast Electorate: Kristy Thomas, kristy.thomas@pandc.org.au
More information at: https://www.pandc.org.au/board-members/
Parent & Citizen Journal
TheJournaloftheFederationof ParentsandCitizensAssociationsof NewSouthWales
T: 1300885982 F: 1800655866 E: journal@pandc.org.au W: www.pandc.org.au
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By Yvonne Hilsz
WelcometoTerm12024,andIhope everyonehadarestfulandsafebreak intheschoolholidays.Itisfantastictobegin thisyearwithsomanyexcitingopportunities infrontofusafterhavingachievedsomuch in2023.
I’dliketostartbycongratulatingallofour membersonanamazingeffortintheir communitiesin2023.Iamsoprivilegedto hearstoriesofparentsandcarersmaking adifferencethroughparticipationintheir schools.Whethertheyarevolunteering throughcanteens,fundraising,veggie gardensormusicclasses,Ihavewitnessed theimpactithasonschoolsandstudents.
P&C Photo Competition
In2023weheldour firstP&CFederation PhotoCompetitionandthetwowinners–HanwoodPublicSchoolP&CAssociationand LindfieldLearningVillageP&CAssociation –arefeaturedonthecoverofthisedition, alongwithphotosfromalltheotherentrants onpp18-19.ThankyoutoalloftheP&CAssociationsthatentered,andwelookforward toshowcasingyourP&Cspiritthroughoutthe year.
New Plan for NSW Public Education Attheendoflastyear,IattendedaPublic EducationRoundtablewiththeNSWDeputy PremierandMinisterforEducationand EarlyLearning,TheHon.PrueCarMP,The Secretary,NSWDepartmentofEducation, MuratDizdar,andotherkeystakeholders,to discussthedepartment’snewPlanforNSW PublicEducationandsomeofthechallenges studentsandparentsarefacing.Itwasan
Thefollowingpeoplewere electedinthe2023-2025 by-electionforP&CFederation NSWElectorateDirectorand Delegatepositions,heldinlate 2023.Directors,HemaFifita, AreshaQuaassandKristyThomas (pictured)aremembersofthe P&CFederationBoardfor20232025.TheotherBoardmembers andDelegatesfor2023-2025 wereelectedearlierin2023.For afulllistofBoardMembersand Delegates,visit https://www. pandc.org.au/board-members/
opportunityformetoraisetheconcernsof ourmembersandlistentotheproposedpath forward.Thevoiceofparentsbeingheard andacknowledgedisapriorityformyselfand theP&CFederationBoardandwewelcome theopportunitytoprovidefeedbackand insight.
Attheendof2023,Iwasdelightedtohost twowebinarsonfundraisingforprimary andhighschools.Wehadsuchfantastic engagementandtherearesomeamazing projectshappeninginthecommunity.You can findrecordingsofthewebinarsonthe Federation’swebsite(https://www.pandc. org.au/pc-federation-webinar-recordings/ ) ifyou’dliketowatchorsharewithyourP&C Associations.
Building Productive Partnerships
Lastyearwesignedahistoric10-yearPartnershipAgreementwiththeNSWDepartmentofEducationandoneofthevery first initiativesisthenew Building Productive Partnerships guide.
Iknowtheimportanceandpowerof collaborationbetweenschoolsandP&C Associations,andhowthiscancreatebetter learningandwellbeingoutcomesforour children.Thishelpfulguideclarifiesrolesand responsibilities,establishesanagreedway ofworkingtogether,enhancesprocesses andpracticesforcollaboration,andsupports P&Csifissuesarise.Iencourageyouto starttheyearoffbyusingthisnewresource. Youcan findmoredetailsonpage9inthis editionofthejournal.
New Board members
InDecemberwe welcomedthree newBoardmembers– Hema Fifita representingSouth WestSydney, Aresha Quaass representingthe SouthCoastand Kristy Thomas representingtheCentralCoast–alongwith sixnewDelegates(seearticlebelow).
On the road: watch this space! Iamexcitedtoannouncethatweareworking onaplantovisitruralandregionalareas in2024.MembersoftheFederationstaff teamandBoard,plusguestspeakers,will bevisitingtheregionsthroughouttheyear.I amreallylookingforwardtohearingdirectly fromallofourmembersacrossNSW.More informationtocomesoon!!
Thank you
In2023IwasappointedtotheroleofNSW P&CFederationPresident,andIwantto thankmyfellowBoardmembersfortheir supportandguidanceasIhavesettledinto therole.Iamlookingforwardtoworkingwith ourBoard,P&CFederationstaff,members andpartnersinsupportofourstudents havingthebestpubliceducationpossible.
Yvonne Hilsz President,FederationofParentsandCitizens AssociationsofNSW
By Jane Miller
HappyNewYeareveryone!I’dliketotake thisopportunitytoremindyouthat1 MarchisP&CDay.Welookforwardtoseeing alloftheexcitingandcreativewaysyou choosetocelebrate.Pleasetagusinyour socialmediapostssowecansharetheP&C communityspirit.
Weknowthatthebeginningoftheyearisa busytimeformanyP&CAssociationswith AGMsandplanningfortheyearofactivities. BesuretoreachouttoourMemberServices teamat mail@pandc.org.au orphone1300 855982ifwecanhelp.
Webinar program
Ourwebinarprogramfor2024willkickoff on8FebruarywithTheSecretary,NSW DepartmentofEducation,MuratDizdar,and DeputyPremierandMinisterforEducation andEarlyLearningTheHon.PrueCarMP,
joiningusforawelcometothenewschool year.Youcanregisterfortheevent,and submitquestionsinadvance,atourwebsite. Thewebinarwillalsobeavailabletoviewon theP&CFederationwebsiteat https://www.pandc.org.au/pc-federationwebinar-recordings/ fromthefollowingweek.
Join our Parent Voice community
Wewantparentstobeactivelyinvolvedin theirchild’seducationbecauseweknow thatleadstobetterlearningandwellbeing outcomesforstudents.Yourparentand carerperspectivesandinsightscaninform programsandpolicy.Toensurethevoiceof parentsisheard,theFederationisworking withtheNSWDepartmentofEducationand otherkeyeducationstakeholdersonParent Voiceconsultationsandengagements.Have yoursayonthetopicsandissuesthatmatter toyou,byjoiningtheP&CFederation’s
ParentVoice community. You’ll findmore informationin thearticlebelow.
Finally,andon behalfofthe Federation’s staffteam, Iwishyoua great2024.We lookforwardto connectingwithasmanyofyouaspossible throughtheyear.
Jane Miller ChiefExecutiveOfficer(CEO), FederationofParentsandCitizens AssociationsofNSW
By Larissa Ryan P&C Federation Partnerships and Engagement Manager
TheP&CFederation’snewParentVoice referencegroupallowsyoutohavea sayaboutyourchild’seducationdirectly withthedecisionmakers.Wearecreating opportunitiesforparentsandcarerstobe activelyinvolvedintheirchild’seducation andwellbeingandhavetheirvoicesheard.
In2024,wearecontinuingtopartnerwith theNSWDepartmentofEducationandother governmentandcommunitystakeholders toprovideparentsandcarersofstudents inpublicschoolsopportunitiestoaddtheir voicetoissuesimportanttothem.
IfyoujoinourParentVoicegroupyoucan participateinworkshops,interviews,focus groupsandsurveystoshareyourown perspectivesandexperiences.Somerecent ParentVoiceconsultationsexploredtopicson:
•Howschoolscommunicatewithparents.
•Activetraveltoandfromschool.
•Mentalhealthresourcesforteenagersin schools.
ThisyearwewillbecoordinatingParentVoice initiativesaroundvariousissuesincluding:
•EarlyLearningandEarlyChildhood.
•Vocationaleducationtraining,skillsand pathways.
•Schoolinfrastructure.
•Vapingresourcesforparentsandcarers.
•Schoolfundingreform.
•Onlinesafetyforstudents.
What you said
In2023,theNSWDepartmentofEducation undertooksmallgrouponlineworkshops withsomeofourparentstolearnmore aboutthechallengesparentsfacewhen communicatingwithschools.Theresults highlightedwhatworkswellforpromoting goodcommunicationbetweenschoolsand parents,including:
•buildingtrustedrelationships
•providingopportunitiesforhonesttwo-way communications
•allowingeasyaccesstoinformation
•offeringexplicitguidanceonhowto supportschoollearning.
Theparentconsultationalsoidentified areasforimprovedcommunicationand foundtimeswheretheremaybemissed
opportunitiesforcommunicationabout children’slearningandhowtosupport learningathome.Someofthechallenges were:
•lackofcommunicationaboutareaswhere achildisstruggling
• insufficientand/ordelayedinformation aboutsupportingschoollearningathome
• generic[non-specific]informationin studentreportsandparent-teacher interviews
•confusionaroundhomework.
Thisinformationwillbeusedbythe departmentandschoolsindeveloping processesandpoliciesaboutclassroom conversationsandcommunicationfromthe schooltoparents.
Registernowusingthis
QRcodetoparticipate infutureParentVoice consultationsand haveyoursayorvisit ourParentHubtojoin https://parenthub. pandc.org.au/
By The Hon. Prue Car MP
Enteringthenewschoolyear,theMinns LaborGovernmentremainsfocusedon improvingoutcomesforallstudentsinNSW. ThisisacommitmentIknowissharedby theP&CFederation.Advicefromparents andcarershasbeeninvaluabletomeas MinisterforEducationandEarlyLearningand Ilookforwardtocontinuingtoworktogether throughout2024aswedeliverthebestpublic educationforourchildren.
Ifourchildrenaretoreceivethebest education,theymustbeabletolearninasafe, inclusiveandproductiveenvironment.Thatis whyNSWpublicschoolswillbeimplementing anewStudentBehaviourPolicyfromthisterm. UponbecomingMinister,Ihadheardtoomany storiesofteachersandprincipalswhofelt powerlesstoaddressdisruptiveandpersistent misbehaviourthatwasimpactingtheeducation ofallstudents.
Thenewpolicyandprocedureshave undergoneextensiveconsultationwithschools andIampleasedtosaywehaveheard resoundingfeedbackfromprincipalsfrom acrossthestatethatthiswillhelpthemto bettermanagedisruptivebehaviour.
Thispolicywillretaintheinclusiveandpositive studentbehavioursupportsthatareimportant forchildrenwithcomplexneeds,whileensuring schoolsaresafeforallourstudents.Iam confidentthesechangesstriketheright
balanceandwillprovidesafeandproductive learningenvironmentsforallstudents.
Thisterm,theNSWGovernmentalsoexpects toreleaseitsresponsetorecommendations oftheRoyalCommissionintoViolence,Abuse, NeglectandExploitationofPeoplewith Disability.TheNSWGovernmentwelcomesthe RoyalCommission’srecommendationsand isworkingtomakesureourresponsereflects ourdeterminationtoclosetheexistinggapsin education.
I am continuously grateful forthe unwavering support your partnership with our schools brings to shaping a promising future for all of our students
Whileourschoolshavemanyspecialist supportsavailable,OurPlanforNSWPublic Educationemphasisesastrongcommitmentto advancingequitableoutcomes,opportunities, andexperiencesforeverylearner.Ultimately, Iwantoursystemtobeonethatworksfor everyoneandgivesparentsandcarersthe besteducationthatsuitstheirchild’sindividual needs.
Funding for a brighter future Wecannot improvestudent outcomesifwe donothavea teacherinfront ofeveryclass,or iflessonshave tobemerged, collapsedor cancelled.That iswhythis Governmentis committedto addressingthe teachershortagecrisis.
TheHon.PrueCarMP
Inlessthanayear,theMinnsLabor Governmenthastakendecisiveactionto addressthisthroughthebiggestpayrise forNSWteachersinageneration,taking themfromtheworstpaidinthecountryto amongthehighest.Wehavemademorethan 16,800temporaryteachersandsupportstaff permanentandstartedtheworkofreducing theexcessive,unnecessaryadministrative burdenthathasbeenplacedonteachers. Iampleasedwehavealsocommittedto liftingpublicschoolfundingalongsidethe CommonwealthGovernment.In2025,wewill haveanewfederalagreement–underwhich theFederalMinisterforEducationandIhave committedtogettingallNSWpublicschoolsto 100%oftheSchoolingResourceStandard.In simpleterms,thismeansmoredollarsforour schoolstoputintoourchildren’seducation.
Aswelookaheadtoaproductive2024,Iknow parentsandcarerswillcontinuetoengagewith andsupportlocalschoolcommunitieswiththe sameenthusiasmIwitnessedin2023.
Iamcontinuouslygratefulfortheunwavering supportyourpartnershipwithourschools bringstoshapingapromisingfutureforallof ourstudents.
The Hon. Prue Car MP NSWDeputyPremierand MinisterforEducationandEarlyLearning
By Murat Dizdar
Anewschoolyearislikeafreshchapter formanyfamilies.Itcomeswithnew opportunitiestomarkgrowth,learning,and collectpreciousschoolmemories.
Asaparent,Iknowhowbittersweetitcanbeto watchourchildrengrowmoreindependentas theymovethroughtheyears.Itcanoftentake usbysurpriseastheybravenewchallenges andcelebratesuccessesthatwereonceout ofreach.Whilemanystudentsmayhave outgrownlastyear’suniforms,Iamincredibly proudtobeworkingwithourparentsand carerstomakesureoursystem fitsevery child’sneedseverystepoftheway.
Our schools are full of wonderful teachers excited
to inspire young minds
Making every day count
Ourschoolsarefullofwonderfulteachers excitedtoinspireyoungminds,buttheycan onlytrulyhavethattransformativeimpactif studentsareintheclassroomeverysingleday.
ThisyearIencourageallparentsandcarersto embracethevalueofregularattendanceand arrivingontime.Theevidenceisclearthatit helpskidsseizemorelearningopportunities andbuildbetterrelationshipswiththeirpeers.
Toooften,studentsmaythinkthey“musthave missedthatday”whentheycan’tunderstand aquestionintheirhomeworkorthey’re strugglingtopickupanewgamewithfriends intheplayground.Iwanttoseethesegaps minimisedsoeverychildcanshareinthefull richnessoflifeinsidetheschoolgates.
Schoolattendanceratesdroppedsignificantly inthewakeoftheCOVID-19pandemic,and remainedlowerthanwheretheyshouldbein 2023.Manyabsenceswereleftunexplained, andoftentookplaceonaFridayorinthelast weekofterm.Iknowadayoffhereorthere maynotseemlikemuch,buttheydoaddup: fiveabsencesatermequalsawholemonthof lostlearningoverayear.
Iknowwavesofillnesscanbeparticularly challengingandthepandemichasleftus allfeelingcautious.Wewouldn’texpecta sickchildtobesenttoschool,butpleasetry toschedulemedicalappointmentsoutside
schoolhourswheneverpossible.Keeping familytripsforweekendsandtheholidaysis alsoimportant.
Rememberthatourschoolsareheretohelp you.Ifyourchildisfeelinganxious,please reachouttooneoftheirteachersandask howtheschoolmightbeabletohelpthem feelmorecomfortableandconfidentinthe schoolenvironment.
Youcan findmoreinformationand resourcesonmakingeverydaycountonthe department’swebsiteat https://education. nsw.gov.au/parents-and-carers/initiatives/ every-day-matters
Believing in public education
ThistermI’mexcitedtobeputtingintoaction OurPlanforNSWPublicEducation–our four-yearroadmaptogivingeverylearner anoutstandingandequitableeducation.It doesn’tmatterwheretheycomefrom:every childdeservestolearn,grow,andbelonginour schools.
TheSecretary,NSW DepartmentofEducation
Byadvancing equitableand outstanding outcomes,I knowwecan beasystem thatcompetes withthebest intheworld.I lookforwardto leveragingthe department’s newformal agreementwith theP&CFederationtostrengthencollaboration betweenschoolsandthecommunitytohelp makethathappen.Our Building Productive Partnerships resourceguide,launchedin Term12024,wasa firststeptostrengthen thatrelationshipbyclarifyingourrolesand responsibilities.
Iamconfidentthisyearwillseeusgofrom strengthtostrengthingivingallkidsawarm andengaginglearningenvironmentthat unlocksawealthofpotential.
IwantparentsandcarersinNSWtochoose publiceducationbecausetheybelievein us–thesamewaymywifeandIchoseitfor ourchildren.Afteryou’vemadethatchoice,I wantyoutostaywithusateverystage.That’s whythisplancoverstheentirespectrum oflearning–accessibleearlyeducation,a rewardingprimaryandhighschoollife,and meaningfulpathwaystofurthereducationand employment.
Ihopeyouallenjoyedspendingtimewithyour familiesoverthesummerholidaysandare readyforanotherexcitingandenrichingyearin publiceducation.
TheSecretary, NSWDepartmentofEducation
By Nick Robertson Buronga Public School P&C Association President
Foroverfourdecades,theBurongaPublic SchoolInternationalFoodFestival,inthe smalltownofBurongainsouth-westNSW, hasbeenastapleeventsynonymouswith theschool’sname.
TraditionallyheldonthethirdSaturdayof Novemberfrom5pm-8pmintheschool grounds,thefestivaltookahiatusin2020, 2021and2022duetotheCOVID-19 pandemic.However,witharenewedspirit,a restructuredP&CAssociation,andseveral newdedicatedmembers,thefestivalmadea triumphantreturnin2023.
Restructure and new members
TheBurongaPublicSchoolP&CAssociation restructuredin2023,welcomingseveral newmemberswhotookonkeyroles.This dynamic13-strongteamfocusedonvarious fundraisingeffortsthroughouttheyear,with thepinnaclebeingtheInternationalFood Festival.Theprimarygoalsweretosecure sponsors,gatherdonationsforamajorraffle, andensurethefestival’ssuccessaftera three-yearhiatus.
Major raffle success
Oneofthehighlightsofthe2023festival,on Saturday18November,wasthemajorraffle, withmorethan$8,000inprizesgenerously donatedbylocalbusinesses.Notably,Motor Tech,Mildura,partiallydonatedaKawasaki 110Rmotorcycle,addinganexcitingelement totheevent.Theraffledrawingtookplace duringthefestival,addinganextralayerof anticipationandexcitementforattendees.
Asthefestivaldateapproached,the committeefacedchallengesand uncertainties.
Ithadbeenthreeyearssincethelastfood festivalandmanyoftheP&CAssociation membersfromthattimehadleft.So, thecommitteeincludedquiteafewnew memberswhonotonlydidnothave experiencebeinginaP&CAssociation,but hadnotbeeninvolvedinpreviousfundraising attheschool.Therewereseriousconcerns thatwewouldnotbeabletopulloffthe event.Themainconcernsrevolvedaround securingenoughfoodstallholdersand outsidevendors,gettingenoughsponsors anddonations,sellingenoughraffletickets
andwhetherenoughpeoplewouldattend, giventhehiatus.
Despitetheseworries,thecommitteeworked tirelesslytoaddresseachconcernand theirhardworkandcommitmentensureda successfulevent.
The spectacular event
The2023InternationalFoodFestival exceededallexpectations.Thefestival featuredninefoodstallsrunbyparents, friends,andfamilyfromtheBurongaPublic Schoolcommunity,alongwiththreeoutside vendors,sellingNepalese,German,Italian, AmericanVietnameseandGreekfood,as wellasicecreamandotherdesserts.In additiontothediverseculinaryofferings, attendeesenjoyedmarketstalls,kids’ activitybooths,livemusic,andcaptivating performances.
Theturnoutforthefestivalwasremarkable, surpassingthecommittee’sexpectations, withmorethan1,000peopleattending. Withintwohours,mostfoodstallshadrun outoffood!Theeventraisedanimpressive $19,600,whichwillcontributetobuilding stagetwoofanewadventure/nature playgroundfortheschool’s89students.
Thesuccessofthefestivalwasatestament
tothecommunity’ssupportandthe committee’sdedication.
Gratitude and looking ahead
MembersoftheP&CAssociationcommittee expresstheirimmenseprideinthe successfulexecutionoftheInternational FoodFestival.Gratitudeisextendedtothe schoolandlocalcommunityandtheentire teamfortheirincrediblededication,hard workandtimeinvestedinmakingtheevent atriumph.
Thecommitteeeagerlyanticipatesanother successfulyearin2024,continuingthe traditionoftheBurongaPublicSchool InternationalFoodFestival.
By Gemma Quinn P&C Federation Member Services Manager
Inordertoenhancethefoundationofour schoolcommunities,theP&CFederation NSW,incollaborationwiththeNSW DepartmentofEducation,hasunveileda newresource,titled Building Productive Partnerships.Thisresourcewasdesigned tocultivaterobustalliancesbetweenP&C Associationsandschoolprincipalsacross NSW.
Developmentoftheresourcewasinformed byfocusgroupandpublicconsultationswith schoolstaff,P&CAssociationsandparents andcarersfromacrossNSW.
A structured approach
Historically,thedynamicsbetween P&CAssociationsandschoolprincipals havedifferedfromschooltoschooland fluctuatedovertime,oftendependenton thepersonalitiesinvolvedonbothsides. Despitebestintentions,personalitieshave sometimesclashed.Toaddressthis, Building Productive Partnerships wasdesignedto provideastructuredapproachforeffectively aligningtheeffortsofeveryoneinvolved.It underscoresthesignificanceoftransparent communication,mutualrecognition,and jointstrategicplanning.
Atthecoreofthisinitiativeisanexploration ofthebenefitsofworkinginpartnership.The resourcehighlightsthatrobustpartnerships leadtoenhancedstudentlearningoutcomes andoverallwellbeing.Itpointsoutthat theexperiencesofstudentsareenriched throughstrengthenedconnectionsbetween schools,parents,carers,andthewider community.
Theguidedoesnotshyawayfrom highlightingthequitedistinctroles andresponsibilitiesofprincipalsand P&CAssociations.Inourexperience, poorrelationshipsoftenstemfroma misunderstandingoftheseroles,andthe differingexpectationsofoneorbothparties. Theroleoftheprincipalisexplainedinthe contextofleadingacademicmanagement andpolicyimplementation,whileP&C Associationsarerecognisedfortheirrole inpromotingtheschool’sinterestsby supportingfamilyinvolvementinchildren’s educationandwellbeing.
Weworkcollaborativelytofosterasharedcommitmentinachieving thebesteducationaloutcomesforchildrenandyoungpeople.
Wedothisby:
• Promotingtheinterestsoftheschoolanditsstudents.
• Contributingtoapositiveschoolcultureandrepresentingtheschool inthebroadercommunity.
• Establishingandmaintainingproductiveworkingrelationships. Complyingwithlegislativerequirementsandobligationsincluding thedutyofcare,privacyanddiscriminationlaw(thoserelatingto schools,andthoserelatingtoP&CAssociations).
• Respectingtheresponsibilitiesofeach(schoolsand P&CAssociation).
• PromotingandupholdingtheSchoolCommunityCharter.
• Providingservicessuchasuniformshops,canteensandOSHC (whereagreed).
Source: Building Productive Partnerships, p8. P&C Federation NSW & NSW Department of Education
How to work together Apracticalaspectofthe resourceisitsfocuson establishingagreedmethodsof workingtogether.Itadvocates forthefosteringofaculture ofmutualrespectand collaboration,creatinginclusive environmentsforthriving schoolcommunities.This approachisintegraltobuildinga harmoniousrelationshipwhere eachparty’scontributionsare valuedandeffective–even whenopinionsdiffer.
P&C ASSOCIATION
Building Productive Partnerships alsoprovidesstrategiesfor raisingconcernsandresolving conflicts.Itunderlinesthe importanceofaddressing issuesearlyandconstructively. Thatsectionoftheguideoffers practicaladviceandprotocolsforconflict resolution,acrucialaspectofmaintaininga healthyandproductivepartnership.
Oursharedfocusonparentand communityengagementto enhancestudentoutcomes.
Source: Building Productive Partnerships, p7. P&C Federation NSW & NSW Department of Education
Access the resource P&CAssociationscanaccessthe Building Productive Partnerships resourceviatheQR codebelow.
Ongoing guidance and support Tosupportourmembersinimplementing theseguidelines,the Building Productive Partnerships guideincludesalist(onp25) ofresourcesandreferencesfromtheP&C FederationandtheNSWDepartmentof Education.
By Paul Martin
AswecommenceTerm1,I’dliketobegin bysendingabigshout-outtotheClass of2023whoreceivedtheirHigherSchool Certificate(HSC)resultsandcredentialin December.
WewerejoinedbytheNSWDeputy PremierandMinisterforEducationand EarlyLearning,PrueCar,on13December tocelebratestudentswhoachievedthe extraordinaryresultofplacing firstorequal firstinaHSCcourse,beforereleasingresults toallHSCstudentsthefollowingday.
Regardlessoftheir finalmarks,allHSC studentsshouldbeproudtohavecompleted theirstudies,astheynowembarkonthe nextchapteroftheirliveswithavaluable credentialundertheirbelt.
Curriculum Reform update
I’mpleasedtoreportthatNESAthisyear continuesdeliveryofthestate’smost comprehensiveCurriculumReformprogram in30years.ThereleaseoftheScienceYears 7-10andTechnologyYears7-8syllabuses takeusclosertothedeliveryofanentirely updatedmandatoryKindergartentoYear 10(K-10)curriculum.Thesenewsyllabuses willbetterequipstudentsforsuccessinour modern,digitallyconnectedworld.
NESAiscurrentlyworkingthroughfeedback receivedintheTerm4consultationperiod forEnglish,MathematicsandHistory Years11-12syllabuses.Thesesyllabuses followthereleaseofthreeadditionalHSC syllabusesinComputingTechnologies.
Anumberofsyllabuseswillbereleasedfor consultationinthe firsthalfofthisyearand weencourageyoutoprovidefeedbackwhere relevant,viathislink https://www.nsw.gov. au/education-and-training/nesa/news/ syllabus-consultations
TheNSWEducationStandardsAuthority (NESA)isanindependentstatutory authorityreportingtoanindependent BoardandtheNSWMinisterforEducation andEarlyLearning.Wesupportthe schoolsectorstodeliverthebestpossible outcomesforstudentsthroughhighqualitysyllabuses,assessment,teaching standardsandschoolenvironments.
NESAisalsoworkingtosupport improvementsinAboriginaleducation; reducetheadministrativeburden onschoolsandteachersrelatingto accreditation;engagewithallstakeholders andschoolsectorsonseniorhighschool reform;andactionrecommendations fromtheQualityInitialTeacherEducation Review.
ViewtheNSWCurriculumReformtimeline here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/educationand-training/nesa/about/strategies-andreforms/curriculum-reform/timeline
Anexciting,new-look HSC Showcase Season beganon5February,whenNESAlauncheda seasonof fiveeventstakingplaceatvenues throughoutNSWandonline.
Celebratingtheexemplaryachievements ofmorethan400students,selectedfrom thousandsofnominations,theshowcases revealtheremarkablecreativityand innovationthatemergedfromlastyear’sHSC.
Theseason launchedwitha red-carpetevent attheRoslyn PackerTheatrein Sydney’sWalsh Bay,showcasing studentsfeatured inthe OnSTAGE, Callback and Encore eventsand performances.
Theever-popular ArtExpress launchedattheArt
GalleryofNSW on7February andcontinues inexhibitions atgalleries throughoutthe stateandonline overthecoming months.
PaulMartin,CEO NSWEducation StandardsAuthority
Thisyear, theSeymour Centrewillhost two OnSTAGE programs,from10-16February,featuringa selectionofexemplarygroupandindividual projectsfrom2023HSCDramastudents includingperformances,videodramaand readingascriptwhichexploresrelationships betweencharacters.
Outstandingindividualprojects,suchas costumeandsetdesign,promotionand programs,andtheatrereviews,willalsobe exhibitedonthesamedatesinthetheatre’s foyer.
TheSeymourCentrewillalsohostthe finest performancesfrom2023HSCDancewhen the Callback showcaseispresentedon15 and16February.
Theannual SHAPE exhibition,whichfeatures aselectionofexemplarymajorprojects fromDesignandTechnology,Industrial TechnologyandTextilesandDesign,willhave adedicatedlaunchatthewonderfulnew hostvenue,Pier2/3intheWalshBayArts Precinct,on19March.Theexhibitionwill continuethereuntil17May.
Finally,musiciansandmusicloversshould ensuretheybooktheirticketsfortheonly Encore performance,beingheldatthe SydneyOperaHouseon4March.
Forfulldetailsofallshowcases,visit https:// www.nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/ nesa/awards-and-events/showcasescourses-events/resources
Bestwishesforagreatyearoflearning, Paul Martin ChiefExecutiveOfficer, NSWEducationStandardsAuthority(NESA)
By Larissa Ryan P&C Federation Partnerships and Engagement Manager
TheP&CFederationwashonouredto attendthe18thAnnualNangaMai AwardscelebratingexcellenceinNSW Aboriginaleducation.
Theawards,heldon27November2023at Sydney’sTumbalong(DarlingHarbour)on DharugCountry,recognisetheoutstanding achievementsofAboriginalstudents, Aboriginalandnon-Aboriginalteachers,other staff,Aboriginalcommunitymembersand schoolsinarangeofareas.
NSWDeputyPremierandMinisterfor EducationandEarlyLearningTheHon. PrueCarMP,andTheSecretary,NSW
DepartmentofEducation,MuratDizdar, presentedAboriginalstudentsfromacross NSWwithawardsincludingOutstanding StudentLeadership,Outstanding AchievementinPublicSpeaking,Outstanding AchievementinSport,OutstandingAcademic ExcellenceandOutstandingAchievementin Performing/CreativeorVisualArts.
Theaudiencewastreatedtoamovingsolo performancebyYear10studentSymphony Riley,fromHunterSchoolofthePerforming Arts,whoplayedanacousticguitarand sangasongshehadwrittencalled Forgive But Never Forget.TheNSWPublicSchools
AboriginalDanceCompany,comprising studentsfrommetropolitan,ruralandremote publicschools,alsoperformed.
TheNangaMaiAwardswerecoordinated bytheNSWDepartmentofEducation’s AboriginalOutcomesandPartnerships Directorate(AOPD)andhostedbytwo deadlyYear12students,ZaliReynoldsfrom NorthlakesHighSchoolandMaxMcKimm fromTheJannaliHighSchool.
CongratulationstoalloftheNangaMai nomineesandawardwinnersfromacross NSW!
Supplied by the NSW Department of Education
Schools Spectacular istheworld’slargest annualvarietyshow,producedbythe NSWDepartmentofEducation’sArtsUnit. Itisaniconicculturaleventandoneof themostanticipateddatesonthepublic educationcalendar.
40th anniversary celebration
The2023SchoolsSpectacular,atSydney’s QudosBankArenainNovember,was anextraspecialone–celebratingthe varietyshow’s40thanniversary.Thefour performancesfeatureda2,600-voicechoir, 2,300dancers,an80-piecesymphony orchestra,astageband,theD’ArtsEnsemble forstudentswithdisability,theAboriginal DanceEnsemble,CircusArtsEnsemble, morethan100StudentProductionCrewand the149featuredperformers–allunderthe guidanceofmorethan600teachersand supportstaff.
Theshow,titled FABULOus,incorporated studentsfromdiversebackgroundsand communitiesfromKindergartentoYear12 fromacrossNSW.Studentcreativitywas interwoventhroughoutwithtwooriginal songsincluded,eightoriginalartwear costumedesignsandsixstudentsleading thechoreographyoftheshow’sall-in finale. Schools Spectacular 2023wasairedon Channel7andisavailabletowatchon 7Plus.
SingerAlexBillett,fromRiverstoneHigh SchoolinSydney,saidbeingnameda featuredartistwas“everything”.TheYear 11student,whofeaturedinfoursegments attheshow,saidhe firstparticipatedinthe Schools Spectacular massedchoirwhenhe wasinYear5.
“Irememberbeinginthemassedchoirand lookingdownseeingthefeaturedartists performandthinking:‘Ohyes,Iwanttodo that’.”
ExecutiveProducerRichardSpiewaksaid, “Tobechosentoperformatthisworld-class eventistestamenttothestudents’talent andanopportunitytonurturetheirlovefor performing,whileworkingalongsidesome ofthe finesttalentsintheentertainment industry.”
Congratulationstoallstudents,teachers, educators,parents,carers,families,staff, volunteersandschoolcommunitieswho madethe2023 Schools Spectacular ‘Fabulous’!
Schools Spectacular 2024
Schools Spectacular 2024, All For One,at QudosBankArena,isalreadywellintothe planningstages.Staytunedtothe Schools Spectacular website(https://artsunit. nsw.edu.au/schools-spectacular )formore details.
Supplied by LivingWorks Australia
Parentsandcarersdoaphenomenaljob supportingyoungpeopletonavigatelife, andarenowbeingofferedfreeaccredited suicidepreventiontrainingbyLivingWorks Australiatogivethemextraconfidenceto haveall-importantand,potentially,life-saving conversations.
“Imaginethatwhenayoungpersonisin crisis,theirteachers,theirparentsandtheir peersknowwhattodotoconnectthemto careandhelpthemsurvive–andthrive. That’swhatLivingWorkstrainingisbuiltto do,”LivingWorksAustraliaCEOandfatherof three,ShayneConnellsaid.
Suicideistheleadingcauseofdeathfor youngpeopleinAustralia.ThisLivingWorks trainingisfundedbytheNSWGovernment andwillhelpparentsandcarersrecognise whenayoungpersonclosetothemis havingthoughtsofsuicide,engagewiththat person,andconnectthemtofurtherhelp, suchasaschoolcounsellororacommunity mentalhealthprovider.
Availabletrainingoptionsincludea 90-minuteonlinetrainingmodulewhich canbecompletedatyourownpace (LivingWorks Start ),andanin-personhalf dayworkshop (LivingWorks safeTALK).
AllP&CAssociation members,parentsand carersareencouraged toattendthissuicide preventionskillstraining, currentlysubsidisedbythe NSWGovernmentuntil30 June2024.
Kirstynisamotheroffour fromSydneyand,afterthe lossofhersonin2020, isavocaladvocatefor suicidepreventionandan ambassadorforLivingWorksskillstraining.
“Ilearnedhowtoaskappropriate questions,howtolistenandmanagemy response,andactaccordingly.Ifeelmore incontrolnow,andasaresultIfeellike mychildrenhavefeltmorecomfortable talkingandseekinghelp,knowingthat thereisnopanic,”Kirstynsaid.
“Ifwelearntheseskillsasacollective, wearesupportingawholegenerationof childrentomanagethesefeelingsand seekthenecessaryhelpthattheyandwe deserve,”shesaid.
CongratulationstothelatestP&CAssociations incorporatedunderthe Parents and Citizens Associations Incorporation Act 1976.Thisisan excitingstepforaP&CAssociationthatprovides benefitsforyearstocome.IfyourP&CAssociation isnotincorporated,thisistheperfecttimetolearn moreaboutincorporationandwhatitwillmeanfor you.IncorporationofferslegalprotectiontoP&C Associationmembers,makesregistrationwith agenciessuchasbanksandgovernmenteasier, andprovidespeaceofmindforofficebearers.See https://www.pandc.org.au/incorporation formore information,orcontacttheP&CFederation’sMember SupportTeamat mail@pandc.org.au orcalluson 1300885982.
How to access the training Tocompletethe90-minuteonline LivingWorks Start trainingforfree,please fillouttheonlineformat https://bit.ly/ signup-livingworks-nsw
Tolearnmoreaboutthehalf-day,in-person LivingWorks safeTALK workshoportobook, visitlivingworks.com.au/nsw
ViewthewebinarhostedbytheP&C FederationwithLivingWorksat https:// www.pandc.org.au/keep-safe-and-find-hopewebinar-recording/
If you have immediate concern for yourself or a loved one, call Lifeline 13 11 14, 13YARN 13 92 76 or Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800.
Brewarrina Central School Far West
Edmondson Park Public School Macarthur
Euabalong West Public School Far West
Gordon West Public School North Sydney
Gregory Hills Public School Macarthur
Kitchener Public School Hunter
Medlow Public School
Ngarala Public School
Prestons Public School
Punchbowl Public School
Mid North Coast
North West Sydney
South West Sydney
South West Sydney
Wallacia Public School Macarthur
Wanaaring Public School Far West
William Dean Public School West Sydney
Willmot Public School West Sydney
Supplied by the NSW Department of Education
Twenty-fourteamsofpublicschool studentsfromacrossNSWtookpartin theaward-winningandeagerlyanticipated 2023GameChangerChallengeGrandFinal inNovember,withstudentschallengedto comeupwithdesignstosolvereal‘wicked’ problemsfacingourcommunities.
Thisyear’swickedproblemaskedstudents to‘inventorinnovatesomethingthatwill changeourworldandleavealastingimpact’. TheproblemwasinspiredbytheUnited NationsSustainableDevelopmentGoal9 tobuildresilientinfrastructure,promote inclusiveandsustainableindustrialisation andfosterinnovation.
Initssixthyear,theGameChangerChallenge for2023startedwitharecordnumberof submissionsfrom400NSWpublicschools. Ofthose,120teamsmadeitthroughtothe semi-finalsinAugust,and24schoolteams participatedinthegrand finalattheNSW DepartmentofEducation’sParramattaoffice from7-9November.
Thestudentsonceagainexcelledin presentinganincrediblerangeofsolutions fromaffordablehousingandmosquito-
repellentclothingtosocialconnections fortheelderlyandforpeoplelivingwith adisability.Thestudentinventionsreally demonstratednotonlytheirinventiveness buttheirdeepconnectiontotheir communities.
ThemumofManiPollard,oneofthe2023 GameChangers,saidshesawherson’s confidencereallygrowduringthetwoyears hehasparticipatedintheGameChanger Challenge.
“Manihastoldmehowmuchheenjoyed meetingthecompetitionexpertsandalso makingfriendswithteamsfromotherparts ofthestate,”shesaid.
“He’salsobeenexposedtousingdifferent technologiesanditwasgreattosee howmuchheenjoyedworkingwithhis teammatesontheirideasandpulling togethertheir finalstall.”
NSWDepartmentofEducationSecretary MuratDizdargaveaspecialshout-outto theteacherswhomentoredthestudents indesign-thinkingmethodologythat “broadenedourstudents’horizons”.
“TheGameChangerChallengeshowcases someofthebestaspectsofpubliceducation –innovation,creativityandawillingnessto learnandadjustideas,”MrDizdarsaid.
The five category winners were:
•PrimarySchoolCategory:OysterBay PublicSchool(TheCrazyCollaborators).
•HighSchoolCategory:ThePondsHigh School(Innvisioneerz).
•DesignAward–ImpactandAwareness: AlstonvillePublicSchool(TheChange Gamers).
•DesignAward–TeamworkandResearch: ClovellyPublicSchool(ClovellyCreators).
•DesignAward–Innovationand Implementation:AsquithGirlsHighSchool (ASQUITHF.R.I.E.N.D.S).
Primary School Category:Oyster Bay Public School (The Crazy Collaborators) AverydifferentkindofappfromOyster BayPublicSchoolinthecity’ssouth impressedthejudgesintheprimaryschool category.Despitebeingamongtheyoungest competitors,TheCrazyCollaboratorscame upwithanapptoalertlocalpetowners
whentheircatordogescapedandnotify authoritiesifitstrayedintothenearby RoyalNationalPark.Year4studentAdelyn Gouldsaidtheteamwaspassionateabout protectingnativewildlife.
“Weallhavepetsofourownandsometimes theybringbackdeadanimals,andwe wantedtopreventthatfromhappening,”she said.
Theapplinkstoamicrochiponadomestic pet’scollarandanalertonthehousehold fence.Ifthepetcrossesthefencetheapp notifiestheownerandwildlifeauthorities. ComputersoftwarecompanyAdobehas offeredtheOysterBaystudentsaworkshop tocontinuedevelopingtheirapp.
High School Category: The Ponds High School (Innvisioneerz)
TheInnvisioneerz,agroupoffriendsat ThePondsHighSchool,workedallyearto developthewinningentryinthehighschool category.
“Wehopethatthisapphelpspeople;that wasourmaingoal,”Year9studentSaanvii Yadirajsaid.“Wewantthemtotakethe conceptsfromtheappandusethemforthe restoftheirlives.”
Thestudentsusedartificialintelligence andaugmentedrealityfortheirErgovision app,whichdetectsslouchingwhenpeople areusingacomputerorotherdevicewith ascreen.Theappincludesballoongames
encouragingtechnologyuserstostopand stretch.Theresearchphaseoftheapp includedasurveyof150secondaryand universitystudents,whichrevealedthat 80%ofparticipantswerenotawareof ergonomics.
TeammemberSanjanaChandramohan,Year 10,summedupthepitchwithaneffective slogan:‘Don’tslouchbutstandtallwith Ergovision’.
“Asyoungpeopleinthe21stcenturywe overlookergonomicsanditsimportanceto health...whetheryou’reagamerorstudying longhours,”shesaid.
Amazonhasexpressedinterestinsupporting thestudentsfromThePondsHighSchool tocontinuedevelopingtheirergonomic app,usingcurrentandemergingcloud technology.
Gamers)
ThestudentsatAlstonvillePublicSchool tookhometheImpactandAwareness Awardforanamazinginnovationaddressing housingaffordability.Drawingonreal-world experience,thestudentsfromtheNorth Coastschoolputforwardanincredible concepttomakeaffordablehousingfrom fast-growingbamboo.
Theideaofusingbambootoaddress
housingaffordabilitywasdrivenbylocal concernsaboutthestudent’scommunity intheNorthernRiversfollowinglastyear’s devastating floods.
“Bamboohasalotofelasticity,anditcan withstandnaturaldisasterslike floodsand bushfiresandit’sreallycheaptomake houseswith,”Year6studentManniPollard said.
Award – Teamwork and Research: Clovelly Public School (Clovelly Creators)
ThestudentsfromClovellyPublicSchooltook hometheTeamworkandResearchAward intheDesigncategoryfor‘awalktoschool safely’appthataddresseschildren’smental healthneedsandhelpsthemsocialise. Theappnotonlyencouragesexerciseand regularmovementbutalsoenvironmentally sustainableactionsbyfacilitatingchildren walkingtoschool.
Design Award – Innovation and Implementation: Asquith Girls High School (ASQUITH F.R.I.E.N.D.S)
Thisyear’scovetedInnovationand ImplementationDesignAwardwentto AsquithGirlsHighSchool.TheAsquith F.R.I.E.N.D.Senvisagedbeingthebroker inthereuseofsapandwasteproductsto createasustainableenergysource.Their ‘zaptosap’planwassingledoutforits innovation.
ThankstoalltheP&CAssociationsfeaturedonthispageforenteringtheinaugural2023P&CFederationPhotoCompetitionand showcasingthefantasticanddiverseworkofourP&CAssociationsintheirschoolsandcommunitiesacrossNSW.Thetwocompetition winners–HanwoodPublicSchoolP&CAssociationandLindfieldLearningVillageP&CAssociation–eachreceiveda$200Bunningsvoucher. HonourableMentionswenttoLugarnoPublicSchoolandMatravillePublicSchoolP&CAssociationsfortheirphotoentries.
1. Winner: Hanwood Public School P&C Association
The school’s newYarning Circle, painted by local Wiradjuri people, has many different uses. The project was funded by the Hanwood Public School P&C Association
2. Winner: Lindfield Learning Village P&C Association
The P&C Association’s 2023 FOTV Family Play Day was an event full ofall things playful. The P&C threw open the school gates, welcomed the local community and had a wonderful afternoon together, raising money for the school
3. Honourable Mention: Lugarno Public School P&C Association
P&C Association Dads (and a Grandad) cooking bacon and eggs for the Father’s Day breakfast
4. Honourable Mention: Matraville Public School P&C Association
Matraville Public School community members having fun at a P&C Association barbecue fundraiser
5. Beechwood Public School P&C Association
P&C Association members in action at the annual Father’s Day BBQ breakfast, where they served almost 200 bacon and egg rolls to members of their small rural community and
provided a space for people to connect
6. Biddabah Public School P&C Association
Biddabah Public School and its P&C Association worked together to hold a hugely successful colour run fundraising event in 2023
7. Elderslie Public School P&C Association
The uniform shop before and after a tidy-up by P&C Association members to make it safer and easier to work in
8. Epping West Public School P&C Association
Day one of the school’s successful Father’s Day gift stall. P&C Association committee members organised gifts for the stall and managed the
set-up, while many volunteers helped sell the gifts throughout the week
9. Hurstville Grove Infants School P&C Association
Hurstville Grove parents are only at the school for a maximum of three years so the P&C Association members aim to leave a legacy and something for incoming P&C committees to work towards – suchas the school’s new playground, built over a five-year period. The incoming and outgoing P&C Association members had this photo takentogether at the playground opening in July 2023
10. Kahibah Public School P&C Association 400 sausage sandwiches were made with
loving care by the P&C Association’s canteen supervisor and volunteers at the 2023 Education Week Open Day. All money raised from went towards new team sports shirts
11. Kotara South Public School P&C Association
P&C Association volunteers and staff at the 2023 ‘Kindy Expo’ – a one-stop shop for information for new families to the school. As parents visited stalls, they filled their goodie bag with giveaway school itemsand information. The KSPS P&C ran the P&C, canteen and uniform shop stalls
12. Picnic Point Public School P&C Association
The P&C Association’s 2023 Father’s Day stall
attracted plenty of volunteers
13. Turramurra Public School P&C Association
The P&C’s Democracy Sausage and Cake Stall at the 2023 State Election raised over $10,000 for the school and brought together over 60 volunteers within the community
14. Westport Public School P&C Association
The P&C Association’s hard working and dedicated members selling lamingtons on National Lamington Day on 21 July 2023