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
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
Share your story with us
TheParent&CitizenJournalispublishedoncea termandisagreatwaytoshowcasewhatyour P&CAssociationandschoolcommunityisupto.If yourschool,studentsorP&CAssociationisdoing somethingspecialthisyear,shareyourstoryand photoswithusandfellowschoolcommunities.
Contributions and feedback to: E: journal@pandc.org.au
Advertising E: journal@pandc.org.au
T: 1300885982
Follow us on
Facebook: @NSWPandCFed
Twitter: @NSWPandCFed
Instagram: @pandcnsw
LinkedIn: FederationofParentsand CitizensAssociationsofNewSouthWales
Theviewsexpressedinthejournalarenot necessarilythoseoftheFederationofParents andCitizensAssociationsofNewSouthWales
SnapPrintSolutions 69PhillipStreetParramattaNSW2150 P:0296334808F:0296339764 E: parraphillip@snap.com.au www.parraphillip.snap.com.au
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE By Yvonne Hilsz, P&C Federation President
Asweapproachthe finaltermoftheyear,I amincrediblyproudofwhatwe’veachieved together.AcrossNSW,P&CAssociationshave demonstratedremarkablededication,andI amcontinuallyimpressedbythepassionof parents,carers,andcommunitymembers. I’vehadthepleasureofhearingcountless storiesofP&CAssociationsmakingapositive impactintheirschoolcommunities,andthis worktrulydeservestobecelebrated.
Thisterm,wemarkedPublicEducation Week,atimetoreflectonthevitalrole publiceducationplaysinoursociety. P&CAssociationsareacrucialpartof this,makingcontributionsthatrange fromfundraisingforschoolresourcesto advocatingforimprovementsinschool facilities.It’sthroughthisinvolvementthat parentsandcarersnotonlysupporttheir children’seducationbutalsostrengthen thepubliceducationsystemasawhole. TheNSWpubliceducationcommunityis special,anditishearteningtoseehowP&C Associationsfosterasenseofbelongingand collaborationinschoolsacrossthestate.
Akeyareaoffocusforusremainsthefull fundingofpublicschools.Webelievethat everychildinNSWdeservesequitable accesstoaqualityeducation,andtothat end,wehavejoinedforceswiththeTeachers Federationandkeypeakorganisationsin publiceducationinwritingtotheAustralian
EducationMinister,theHonJasonClare MPandFederalGovernment.Ourmost recentjointletterreinforcesourcall forfairandadequatefunding,whichis essentialtoensuringallstudents,nomatter theirlocation,havetheresourcesand opportunitiestheyneedtosucceed. Ouradvocacyeffortsaregroundedinour longhistoryofpromotingawell-funded publiceducationsysteminNSW,thatis fairandinclusive.Overthepast100years, theP&CFederationhasbeeninstrumental engagingwithpolicymakers,collaborating witheducationstakeholders,andrunning
A key part of the Federation’s role is to empower parents to actively participate in the public education landscape. campaignsthatpushforreformsthat addressfundinggapsineducation.Most recently,theP&CFederation’sBoardand CEOhaverepresentedtheparentsofNSW inCanberra,andinnewsmediathroughout thestate.YoucanreadmoreabouttheP&C
Federation’s workat Australian Parliamentlater inthisjournal. Akeypartofthe Federation’srole istoempower parents toactively participatein thepubliceducationlandscape.Tothat end,Iwouldliketosharemyspecialthanks withP&CFederationboardmemberand VicePresidentGlennCampbell,whohas beeninstrumentalinengagingthelocal communityoftheHunterRegioninthe campaignforFullFunding.Glenn’svoicein regionalnewsmediahasreflectedparent sentimentintheareaandcontinuedto strengthenourvoiceinadvocatingforthe needsofpublicschoolsacrossNSW.
InSeptember,wealsoheldourAnnual GeneralMeetingandBoardmeetingon-site inParramatta,withboardmembersand delegatesattendingbothinpersonand online.Thiswasavaluableopportunityto reflectonourworkoverthepastyearand tolookahead.Themanyachievements andsuccessesofthefederation,detailed inourAnnualReport,areatestamentto thecollectiveeffortsofourmembers.We continuetorefineourprocesses,always strivingtobetterservethewiderpublic educationcommunity.
Onapersonalnote,Ihadtheprivilegeof presentingawardsalongsideDepartment ofEducationSecretaryMuratDizdaratthe PublicEducationAwards.Itwasanhonour torecognisethehardworkingparentsand volunteerswhodedicatecountlesshoursto supportingtheirschools.Theircontributions arevitaltocreatingstrong,thrivingschool communities,andIamdeeplygratefulfor thetimeandefforttheypourintoensuring ourpublicschoolsremainvibrant,supportive environmentsforstudents.
Aswewrapup2024,IhopeeachP&C Associationcanreflectonasuccessfulyear andcontinuetocollaborateinthis finalterm tomaketheirschoolcommunities flourish. Wishingyouallarestfulandwell-deserved summerbreak,andIlookforwardtoseeing whatwecanaccomplishtogetherin2025.
YvonneHilsz
SECRETARY’S MESSAGE By Murat Dizdar, Secretary, NSW Department of Education
Steppingintoterm4,Iamgratefultoall parentsandcarersforyoursupportand dedicationtomaking2024aproductiveand successfulyearforourstudents.
Wrappingupthedepartment’sRuraland RegionalRoadshowinterm3,I’vebeen remindedoftheimportanceofconnectingwith schoolcommunitiesacrossthestate.Iknow theP&CFederationiscontinuingtheirown roadshowthroughouttherestoftheyear,andI amconfidentparentsandcarerswill findthese sessionstobejustasbeneficial.
Withthelaststretchoftheacademicyear uponus,withpivotalmomentslike final assessmentsandHSCexams,yourcontinued involvementandencouragementbecomes morevaluablethanever.
Showcasing talent at Schools Spectacular
Thisterm,I’mespeciallyexcitedtoattendthe All4OneSchoolsSpectacular,wherewewill showcaseabreadthofextraordinarytalent frompublicschoolsalloverNSW.Artistsfrom kindergartentoYear12,alongwithsome dedicatedteachersandsupportstaff,have beenworkingtirelesslytoputtogetherwhat promisestobeanunforgettableshow.
Thisworld-classeventbringstogetherstudents fromallwalksoflifetoshineononeofthe biggeststagesinthecountry.It’satestament tothecreativity,passion,andhardworkof everyoneinvolved,andisanamazingreflection oftheopportunitiespubliceducationprovides.
Ifyouhaven’talready,makesureyouvisitthe ArtsUnit’swebsiteatartsunit.nsw.edu.au/ schools-spectacularandgrabyourticketsfor the29thand30thofNovemberatQudosBank Arena.
Inspiring success through our alumni
Iamstillbuzzingfromlastterm’sPublic EducationWeek,wherecommunitiesdida fantasticjobofcelebratingwhyweshouldall feelproudtobelongtoourschools.
Asweallknow,anenrichingschoolexperience supportedbyqualityteachershasthepowerto shapeayoungperson’slifeandpreparethem tomaketheirmarkontheworld.
DuringPublicEducationWeek,thedepartment wasproudtohighlightthisimpactthrough ourinauguralAlumniAmbassadorProgram.
Thesuccessesofsomeofourmostrespected graduateshelpstoshoweachandevery studentthattheycanreachanyaspirationthey settheirmindto.
Someoftheimpressivealumniwhoare sharingtheirstoriesincludetheHonourable MichaelKirby,theformerHighCourtJustice; celebritychefKylieKwong;andbestselling author,educatorandGamilaroiwomanKylie Captain.Thesedistinguishedgraduates,along withmanyothersjustlikethem,remindusthat publiceducationhasaremarkabletrackrecord ofproducingleadersinallwalksoflife.
The successes of some of our most respected graduates helps to show each and every student that they can reach any aspiration they set their mind to. Lifting student outcomes Asparents,wevalueourchildren’sacademic achievementsandunderstandthevitalrole thatstrongliteracyandnumeracyfoundations playinfuturesuccesses.
The2024NAPLANresultsrevealpositivesigns andstabilityinNSWstudentperformance,with thestateranking firstorequal firstinmosttest subjectsandyearlevels.
81%ofYear3studentsinNSWareachieving StrongorExceedingresultsinwriting,70%of Year5andYear7studentsinNSWachieved StrongorExceedinginnumeracy,and57%of Year9studentsinNSWachievedStrongor Exceedingingrammarandpunctuation.
Whileourstudentsarefaringwell,weknow therearegapsthatneedourattention.The departmentisanalysingtheseresultsclosely anddevelopingsystem-widetargetsinliteracy
andnumeracyto beimplemented in2025.
Iencourage allparentsto rememberthat NAPLANisnot aboutpassing orfailing;itis aboutmonitoring learningprogress sowecan supporteachchildtoreachtheirfullpotential.
Keeping our system accountable
TheseeffortsreflectthecommitmentofOur PlanforNSWPublicEducationtoensure everystudentlearns,grows,andbelongsinan equitableandoutstandingsystem.
Justaswedoforourstudentsmid-year,it’s importantforthedepartmenttoreflectonwhat wehaveachievedandidentifyareaswhere workneedstobedone.
Theplan’ssemester12024reportcardisnow availableonthedepartment’swebsite,with detailsonsignificantprogresswe’vemade together.Thisincludesareductioninteaching vacancies,newandupgradedschools,fee-free earlychildhoodeducation,andanexpansionof post-schoolpathways.
Thereportalsodetailswhatwe’refocusing onnext,suchassecuringfederalfunding,a continuedreductiononschoolworkload,and clearingthebacklogofschoolmaintenance.
Ourplansetsambitiousgoalsforpublic educationbecauseit’swhatourstudents, staff,andfamiliesdeserve.Oursuccess measureswillkeepusaccountableandwe lookforwardtokeepingyouupdatedwhenour nextreportcardisreleasedatthebeginningof nextyear.
Iamverygratefultoallparentsandcarersfor helpingusbringthisplantolife.Wehavemade greatstridesthisyear,andIknowthat2025 willbeevenbiggerandbetterasweelevate publiceducationtonewheights.
Iwishyouallahappyandsuccessfulterm4 andawell-deservedendofyearbreakwhenit arrives.
MuratDizdar
CEO’S MESSAGE By Gemma Quinn, P&C Chief Executive Officer
REFLECTING ON THE FIRST 100 DAYS AS CEO AND OUR VISION FOR THEFUTURE Inourlastjournalitwasmygreathonour andprivilegetobeannouncedastheCEO oftheP&CFederationofNewSouthWales. Thisroleallowsmetheuniqueopportunity torepresentthevoicesofparentsand carersacrossourstate,advocatingforthe educationandwell-beingofourchildrenand familiesinpublicschools.
Aswemarkour first100daystogether,Iam proudtoreflectonwhatwehaveachieved andsharemyvisionforthefutureofthe P&CFederationaswecontinueourcritical workofsupportingP&CAssociationsacross NSW.Ithasbeenanexcitingandrewarding journey, filledwithmeaningfulopportunities toengagedirectlywithourcommunities, advocateforchange,andimprovehowwe serveyou.
Overthepastfewmonths,Ihavehadthe privilegeoftravelingacrossthestateforour Rural,Regional,andRemoteRoadshows, whereI’vehadtheopportunitytomeet manyofyouinperson.Fromtheoutbackto thecoast,andeverywhereinbetween,I’ve listenedtothevoicesofpassionateP&C Associationsworkingtirelesslytoimprove ourschoolsandcommunities.These conversationshavebeeninstrumentalin shapingthedirectionoftheFederation, ensuringthatthesupportweprovidealigns withtherealneedsofparentsandschools.
Inadditiontotheseroadshows,Iwas fortunatetoappearbeforetheNSW ParliamentaryInquiryintoArtsandMusic Education,whereIadvocatedforthe enrichmentofcreativeprogramsinour publicschools,ensuringeverychildhas accesstoawell-roundededucation,extra-
curricularopportunitiesandmulti-purpose facilities.Atthenationallevel,Ihadthe privilegeofvisitingParliamentHousein Canberratolobbyforfullfundingforour publicschools,acausethatremainsatop priorityfortheP&CFederation.Weneed sustainedinvestmenttoensurethatevery child,regardlessofbackground,canthrivein awell-resourcedschoolenvironment.
Backonthehomefront,wehavemade significantstridesinimprovingthe proceduresaroundschoolinfrastructure
At the heart of our mission is the goal of empowering parents and carers to be strong advocates not only within their individual schools but also in the broader public education landscape. inNSW,particularlyregardingcommunity works.Throughconstructivedialogue,we securedimprovementsthatwillmakeit easierforP&CAssociationstopartnerwith schoolsonimportantprojectsthatbenefit studentsandthebroadercommunityinthe wakeofsignificanthistoricalchallenges. Thesechangesmarkanimportant firststep inmakingsureparentvoicesareheardand respectedinthedecision-makingprocess andthatP&Cinvestmentinfacilitiesis prioritised.
Ourworkrepresentingparentinterestshas extendedbeyondinfrastructure.Inresponse totheRoyalCommissionintoViolence, Abuse,NeglectandExploitationofPeople withDisability,wehaveengagedclosely withtheDepartmentofEducationtoensure theconcernsofparentsandfamilieswith childrenlivingwithdisabilitiesarefrontand centre.Weremaincommittedtoadvocating fortherightsanddignityofallstudentsand theirfamiliesintheeducationsystem.
Atthesame time,we’ve continuedto improveand expandour servicesfor members.Iam proudofthe enhancements wehavemadetoourmemberportal, offeringmoreaccessibleresourcesand toolstoempowerP&CAssociationstobetter serveandcollaboratewiththeirschool communities.Theseupgradesarejust thebeginningofourongoingcommitment toprovidingyouwiththesupportand informationyouneedtosucceed.
Everyday,Iaminspiredbythededication andcommitmentofourmembers,who tirelesslyworktomakeadifferenceintheir schools.Yourunwaveringsupportandactive involvementarethedrivingforcesbehind ourcollectiveeffortstoensurethatevery publicschoolinNewSouthWalesreceives theresourcesitdeservesandthriveswithin aspiritofcommunityinvolvement.
Attheheartofourmissionisthegoalof empoweringparentsandcarerstobestrong advocatesnotonlywithintheirindividual schoolsbutalsointhebroaderpublic educationlandscape.Yourvoicesarevital inshapingthefutureofeducation,anditis ourprivilegetosupportyouinthisimportant role.Whetherit’sthroughengagingwith schoolleadership,participatinginP&C meetings,oradvocatingforpolicychanges, yourcontributionsmakeasignificantimpact.
Aswecontinueourwork,Iamcommittedto fosteringanenvironmentwhereeveryparent andcarerfeelsequippedandconfidentto championtheneedsoftheirchildrenand schools.Together,wearebuildingastrong, unifiedcommunitydedicatedtoadvancing thequalityandequityofpubliceducation acrossNewSouthWales.
Thankyouforyourcontinuedpassion andcommitment.Itisaprivilegetowork alongsideyouaswestrivetocreatethebest possibleeducationalexperiencesforallour students.
GemmaQuinn
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR P&C ASSOCIATIONS: CELEBRATING SUCCESS IN SECURING 2023COMMUNITY BUILDING PARTNERSHIP GRANTS Wearethrilledtoextendourheartfelt congratulationstothe151Parentsand Citizens’(P&C)AssociationsacrossNew SouthWales(NSW)whoweresuccessfulin securingaCommunityBuildingPartnership (CBP)grantin2023.Yourdedication toenhancingschoolcommunitiesand supportingthewell-beingofstudents,staff, andfamiliesistrulycommendable.
TheCBPgrants,fundedbytheNSW Government,aimtosupportcommunity infrastructureprojectsthatdeliver positiveoutcomesforlocalcommunities. Throughthesegrants,P&CAssociations canimplementprojectsthatimprove facilities,promoteinclusivity,andfostera greatersenseofconnectionwithinschool environments.
SecuringaCBPgrantisnosmallfeat.It requiresaclearvision,awell-constructed proposal,andstrongcommunitysupport. ThesuccessoftheseP&CAssociations inobtainingthisfundingspeakstothe hardworkandcommitmentthey’veshown inadvocatingfortheirschoolsandthe surroundingcommunities.Thesegrants willenablemuch-neededimprovements, fromupgradingplaygroundsandbuilding outdoorlearningspacestoinstallingbetter accessibilityfeatures,modernisingfacilities, andenhancingstudentwellbeing.
P&CAssociationsarerunbyvolunteers— parentsandcommunitymemberswhogive theirtimeandenergytomakeadifference. Theeffortsthathaveputintosecuringa successfulCBPgrantareatestamentto theirpassionforbuildingstronger,more vibrantschoolcommunities.Tothose volunteers-thankyou.Youhavenotonly createdopportunitiesforcurrentstudents, butyouhavealsolaidthegroundworkfor futuregenerationstobenefitfromimproved facilities.
YourachievementinsecuringtheCBPgrant in2023isasignificantmilestone,andit deservestobecelebrated.Thisfundingwill undoubtedlyempoweryoutocontinuethe amazingworkyoudo,ensuringthatschools
Community Building Partnership Grant Winners 2023* RECIPIENT PROJECT AnnaBayPublicSchoolP&CAssoc.YarningCircle
AnzacParkPublicSchoolP&CAssoc.PlaygroundSunShadeStructures
ArcadiaValePublicSchoolP&C Assoc. BasketBallCourtUpgrade
AshfieldPublicSchoolP&CAssoc.
InstallationofHalfSizedMulti-Sport CourtatAshfieldPublicSchool
AshmontPublicSchoolP&CAssoc.UpgradeofBasketballCourt
AsquithGirlsHighSchoolP&CAssoc.KitchenRefurbishment
AustralPublicSchoolP&CAssoc.
AustraliaStreetInfantsSchoolP&C Assoc.
AvocaBeachP&CAssoc.
BalgowlahHeightsPublicSchoolP&C Assoc.
UpdateandInstallIngroundBasket BallHoopsforPrimaryArea
CommunityGardenDevelopment ProjectatAustraliaStreetInfants School
InstallationofChilledandFiltered WaterBottleRefillStation
OutdoorFurnitureandShading
BalgowlahNorthPublicSchoolvK-2Sensory&WellbeingGarden
BalmainPublicSchoolP&CAssoc. CoolingandshadingofBalmain PublicSchool
remainacentralhubforlearning,growth, andcommunityengagement.
Welookforwardtoseeingthepositiveimpact ofyourprojectsacrossNSWandhowthey willenrichthelivesofstudents,teachers, andfamilies.Onceagain,congratulationson thiswell-deservedsuccess!
*ToseethefulllistofsuccessfulP&C Associations,clickthis link orscantheQR Code
HAVE YOUR SAY IN EDUCATION: JOIN THE PARENT VOICE TheParentVoiceisauniqueinitiativethat allowsparentsandcarerstocontribute directlytothediscussionsthatinfluence educationpolicyandpractice.It’saplatform whereyoucanshareyouropinions,be consultedonimportantissues,andhelp ensurethatthevoicesofparentsareheard bydecision-makersatthehighestlevels.
What is the Parent Voice? TheParentVoiceismorethanjustasurvey tool—it’sanengagedcommunityofparents whowanttohaveasayinhoweducation isshapedinNSW.Byoptingintothegroup, parentsbecomepartofanetworkthat theP&CFederationandtheDepartment ofEducationcanreachouttoonavariety ofimportanttopics.Whetherit’sthrough surveys,focusgroups,ortestingresources, ParentVoicemembersareconsultedon theveryissuesthataffecttheirchildren’s education.
Membersareinvitedtoparticipateinseveral activities,suchas:
• Completingsurveysonspecific educationalissuesandpriorities
•Participatinginfocusgroupsthat explorethekeyconcernsofparentsand carers
•Testingnewresourcesdevelopedbythe DepartmentofEducation
•ContributingtotheP&CFederation’s submissionsonvariouseducational topics
•Engagingmoresubstantiallyinthe policyandadvocacyworkundertakenby theP&CFederation
•-Offeringfeedbackonissuesthe DepartmentofEducationwantstohear aboutdirectlyfromparents
Thisgroupgivesparentsaplatformto expresstheirviewsonthepoliciesand
practicesthataffecttheirchildren,allowing themtomakeameaningfulimpacton decisionsmadeatthestatelevel.
Why Your Voice Matters Educationisoneofthemostcriticalaspects ofachild’sdevelopment,andtheexperience parentshaveoftheeducationsystemis vitalinshapingfuturepolicy.Bybeingpart oftheParentVoice,youcontributetoreal, lastingchangethatcanimprovetheschool environmentnotjustforyourchild,butforall studentsinNSW.
Yourinsightsasaparentareinvaluable. Whetheryouhaveconcernsaboutcurriculum changes,schoolfunding,studentwellbeing, ortheavailabilityofresources,theParent Voiceensuresthattheseconcernsareheard bythepeoplewhocanmakeadifference.
How Does It Work?
SigninguptobepartoftheParentVoice iseasy.SimplyvisittheP&CFederation’s website, fillouttheregistrationform,and providesomebasicinformationabout yourself.You’llalsohavetheopportunityto sharedetailsabouttheeducationalissues thatmattermosttoyou.Whetheryou’re passionateaboutearlychildhoodeducation, improvingschoolfacilities,oradvocatingfor bettermentalhealthsupportforstudents, theParentVoiceallowsyoutoindicateyour interestssothatyou’reengagedonthe topicsthatmattermosttoyou.
Onceyou’vesignedup,you’llbeginreceiving invitationstoparticipateinsurveysand focusgroups.Theseinvitationswillbebased onthetopicsyou’veexpressedinterestin, allowingyoutocontributetodiscussions thatalignwithyourpriorities.Youmightalso beaskedtotestDepartmentofEducation resources,givingfeedbackbeforethey’re rolledoutacrossschools.AsaParentVoice member,you’llhavetheopportunityto shapethefutureofeducationpolicywhile contributingtosubmissionsandadvocacy effortsledbytheP&CFederation.
Theprocessisreallysimple.Weknow parentsarebusy,sowe’vemadeiteasy tosignupandparticipateinawaythat worksforyou.Whetheryouhavetimefora quicksurveyorwanttojoinamorein-depth focusgroup,thereareplentyofwaystoget involved.Themostimportantthingisthat yourvoiceisheard.
BeingpartoftheParentVoiceisn’tjustabout makinganimpact;it’salsoaboutstaying informedandengagedwiththeeducation system.Byjoining,you’llbeamongthe first toknowaboutimportantdevelopments ineducationpolicy,newresources,and upcomingconsultationsthataffectNSW schools.Thisgivesyouthechancetostay onestepahead,knowingthatyou’reactively contributingtoshapingthepoliciesthat affectyourchild’sfuture.
ParentswhoparticipateintheParentVoice canfeelagreatersenseofinvolvementin theirchild’seducation,knowingthatthey arehelpingtomakeadifference.It’san opportunitytoconnectwithlike-minded parentswhoshareyourconcernsand priorities,creatingastrongercommunity ofadvocatesworkingtogethertoimprove educationacrossthestate.
Why Join the Parent Voice Today? Ifyou’repassionateabouteducationand wanttoensureyourvoiceisheard,the ParentVoiceistheperfectplatformforyou. Whetheryou’reconcernedaboutclassroom resources,studentwellbeing,orbroader policychanges,yourfeedbackiscriticalin shapingthefutureofeducationinNSW.
Jointodayandbecomepartofapowerful movementofparentsandcarersworking togethertoadvocateforbetteroutcomes forallstudents.Signingupissimple,and bydoingso,you’re takinganimportantstep towardmakingareal difference.
How Can Parents Bene
P&C FEDERATION TAKES STAND FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL FUNDING AT PARLIAMENT HOUSE Inalandmarkmomentforeducation advocacy,theParent&Citizens(P&C) FederationofNewSouthWalestookto ParliamentHouseinCanberraalongside otherkeystakeholderstolobbyforthefull fundingofpublicschoolsinNewSouth WalesandAustralia.Forthe firsttime,state andterritoryEducationMinistersstood alongsideparents,teachers,andstudents tocallontheFederalGovernmenttoprovide 25%oftheSchoolingResourceStandard–thefundingbenchmarksetbyGonskiover adecadeago.Thisboldmoveunderscores alongstandingcommitmentamongparents andeducatorstoensurethateverychildin thestatehasaccesstofree,quality,secular publiceducation.
The Call for Action
TheP&CFederation,astherepresentative bodyforparentsandschoolcommunitiesin NSW,hasalongandproudhistoryasvocal advocatesforfairandadequatefundingin thepubliceducationsector.Ourmission hasbeenclear:toaddressthedisparities ineducationalresourcesandtopushfor equitablefundingthatsupportstheneedsof allstudents.
DuringourvisittoParliamentHouse,P&C Federationrepresentativesmetwithfederal lawmakers,sharedcompellingstoriesfrom localschools,andpresentedadetailed caseforwhypublicschoolfundingmustbe prioritized.Ourargumentisgroundedinthe beliefthateducationisafundamentalright andthateverystudent,regardlessoftheir background,shouldhaveaccesstoquality learningenvironmentsandresources.
P&CFederationCEOGemmaQuinnsaid “TheP&CFederationrepresentsover 1800P&CAssociationsand30,000public schoolparentvolunteersinNSWwhoraised over$42Mlastyearinsupportofpublic education.
Theseparentshaveusedtheirvolunteertime andmoneytobridgecurrentfundinggaps, butwecannotrelyona‘userpays’model inpubliceducation.WeneedtheFederal Governmenttofullyfundpublicschoolsto steminequalityandprovidechildrenwitha strongstart.”
The Case for Full Funding AttheheartoftheP&C Federation’spleaistheneedto addressthechronicunderfunding ofpublicschoolsinNewSouth Wales.Overtheyears,many schoolshavefacedbudget cuts,leadingtoovercrowded classrooms,outdatedfacilities, andlimitedaccesstoessential educationalresources.These issuesarecompoundedin schoolslocatedinsocioeconomicallydisadvantaged areas,wherestudentsmayface additionalbarrierstolearning.
TheP&CFederation’sposition issupportedbyparentsinNSW, andseekstoensurethatpublicschools receivethe financialsupportnecessaryto:
1. ReduceClassSizes:Smallerclasssizes arecrucialforindividualizedattentionand improvedstudentoutcomes.Adequate fundingwouldallowschoolstohiremore teachersandsupportstaff,creatinga betterlearningenvironment.
2. UpgradeFacilities:Manypublicschools operateinagingbuildingswithoutdated infrastructure.Investmentinmodern facilitieswouldenhancethelearning experienceandensurestudentsafety.
3. ExpandResources:Fromtechnologyand textbookstoextracurricularprograms, enhancedfundingwouldprovideschools withthetoolstheyneedtoofferawellroundededucation.
4. SupportSpecialNeeds:Adequatefunding wouldenableschoolstobettersupport studentswithspecialneeds,ensuring thatallstudentsreceivetheappropriate assistanceandresourcestothrive.
A Strong Coalition TheP&CFederationhascollaboratedwith abroadcoalitionofstakeholders,including theNSWTeachersFederation,thePrimary Principals’AssociationandSecondary Principals’CouncilandtheNSWAboriginal EducationConsultativeGroup,onaunified callforFullFunding.Thisunifiedfront amplifiesthecallforactionandhighlights thewidespreadrecognitionoftheissues facingpublicschools.
Moreover,theFederation’slobbyingefforts reflectabroadertrendofincreasedparental engagementineducationpolicy.Parents, educators,andcommunitymembersare increasinglysteppinguptoadvocatefor systemicchangesthataddresslong-standing inequalitiesandensurethatpubliceducation meetsthehigheststandards.
Looking Ahead AstheP&CFederation’smessage reverberatesthroughParliamentHouse, thehopeisthatitwillsparkarenewed commitmentfromlawmakerstoinvestin thefutureofAustralia’spublicschools.The discussionsanddebatesthatfollowwillbe criticalinshapingthedirectionofeducation fundingpoliciesinNewSouthWales.
Fornow,theP&CFederation’ssuccessful lobbyingvisittoCanberrarepresentsa significantmilestoneintheongoingstruggle foreducationalequity.Itservesasa reminderofthepowerofcollectiveadvocacy andtheenduringimportanceofprioritising theneedsofallstudents.
Thejourneytowardsfullfundingforpublic schoolsisfarfromover,butwithcontinued advocacyandcommunitysupport,thereis ahopefulpathtowardamoreequitableand supportiveeducationsystemforallstudents inNewSouthWales.
BUILDING CONNECTIONS AT OUR REGIONAL ROAD SHOWS ThroughTerm3ourRoadShowevents havecontinuedthroughvariousregionsin NSWandtheyhavebeenagreatsuccess. Wehavethoroughlyenjoyedgettingoutto variouspartsofNSWtomeetmembers andoffice-bearersoflocalP&Cs,toshare informationandtoheartheirstories.We greatlyvaluetheworkofsomanywho contributetoP&CAssociationsandtheir schoolcommunitiesthroughhoursof volunteerwork.
Riverina TheRoadShowfortheRiverinaRegionwas heldatKooringalHighSchoolinWagga Wagga.ThiseventbroughttogetherP&C Associationmembersfromacrosstheregion todiscusslocalissues,schoolcommunity engagement,andvolunteerefforts.A greatgroupofmembersappreciatedthe opportunitytosharetheirchallengesand successesinmanagingtheirlocalP&Cs. Oneofthekeythemesdiscussedwasthe importanceofprovidingmoresupportand resourcestohelpsmallerandruralP&Cs overcomebarriers,particularlyinterms offundraisingandattractingmoreparent involvement.Asalways,theface-to-face interactionswereinvaluable,andmany attendeesexpressedtheirappreciationfor theopportunitytonetworkwithothersin theirregion.
New England FromthereweheadedNorthtotheNew Englandregion,oureventtookplaceatOxley HighSchoolinTamworthandwelcomedP&C membersfromacrosstheregion.Thisevent wascharacterisedbylivelydiscussionsabout howtostrengthenP&Coperations,witha particularfocusongovernance, financial management,andeffectivecommunication withintheschoolcommunity.
Weheardfromseveralattendeeswhowere gratefulfortheopportunitytoaskspecific questionsandseekadviceonimproving theirP&C’soperations.Manysharedstories aboutthechallengesofrunningsuccessful fundraisersandengagingabroaderrangeof parentsinP&Cactivities.Thesediscussions remindedushowcrucialitistooffer continuedtrainingandsupport,andwe’re workingonprovidingmoreresourcestailored totheneedsofregionalP&Cs.
Far West FromNewEnglandweheadedWestfor ourFarWestregionRoadShowevent,held atDubboWestPublicSchool.Despitethe challengesofdistance,wewereencouraged bytheturnoutandtheenthusiasmof attendeestosharetheirexperiencesand seekadviceonhowtostrengthentheirP&Cs.
TheissuesfacedbyruralP&CAssociations, suchaslimitedaccesstoexternalfunding andthepressureonasmallgroupof volunteerstomanageavarietyoftasks,were arecurringtheme.Wewereabletoprovide adviceonwaystodiversifyfundraising effortsandengagealargerproportionof parentsandcarersinschoolactivities. Attendeeswereparticularlygratefulforthe face-to-facediscussionsandexpressed howimportantitwastofeelsupportedand connectedtothebroaderP&Ccommunity.
Southern and Central Tablelands FromFarWesttotheSouthernandCentral Tablelands,weheldoureventatCanobolas RuralTechnologyHighSchoolinOrange wasawonderfultime.P&Cmemberscame togethertodiscusstheirworkandshare ideasonhowtosupporttheirlocalschools.
Therewasgreatdiscussionbetweenthe attendees,withsometravellingfourandhalf hourstobethere.
Attendeeswerekeentolearnmoreabout howtoengagetheirlocalcommunities,how toapproachrelationshipswithintheirP&C Associationandschoolcommunitytoensure maximumimpactandbenefitforouryoung people.Onceagain,theopportunitytomeet inpersonandhavethesediscussionswas seenashighlyvaluablebyall,andweshared alotofinformationaswellasafewlaughs together.
Building Connections and Looking Ahead Oneofthekeytakeawaysfromeach RoadShowhasbeenhowvaluableitis tomeetpeopleface-to-face.Whileonline resourcesarehelpful,nothingcomparesto thepersonalconnectionsmadeatthese events.Wearegratefultoeveryonewhohas attended,participatedindiscussions,and sharedtheirstories.Theseeventsprovidean essentialplatformforbuildingstronger,more connectedP&CAssociationsacrossNSW.
Lookingahead,weareexcitedtoannounce thatourupcomingRoadShowevents willtakeplaceinPortMacquarieforP&C AssociationsintheMidNorthCoastregion andinWollongongfortheMacarthurregion. We’reeagertocontinuetheseimportant
conversationsandtoofferfurthersupportto P&CAssociationsacrossthestate.
Inadditiontothein-personRoadShows, wearealsoworkingonlaunchingaseries ofregion-specificwebinarsandonline forums.ThesewillprovideaplatformforP&C memberstoconnectregularly,sharebest practices,andseekadviceonamore flexible schedule.Wehopethattheseinitiativeswill provideP&CAssociationswithevenmore opportunitiestoaccesstheresourcesand supporttheyneedtothrive.
Sofar,theRoadShoweventshaveproven tobeavitalinitiativeinstrengtheningthe workofP&CAssociationsacrossNSW. Byprovidingpracticaltools,fostering connection,andofferingpersonalised advice,wearehelpingtoensurethatevery P&CAssociation,regardlessoflocation,has thesupporttheyneedtothrive. Weextendoursincerethankstoeveryone
whohasattendedandtotheschoolsthat havehostedus.Theseeventsareatrue testamenttothepassionanddedication ofP&Cmembersacrossthestate.Welook forwardtocontinuingthisjourneyandto supportingP&CAssociationsintheirvital roleinpubliceducation.
DOVES MINISTER’S COUNCIL: SHAPING THE FUTURE OF STUDENT ADVOCACY Supplied by the NSW Department of Education
The Department of Student Voices in Education and Schools (DOVES) program is dedicated to amplifying student voices and advocating for better public education across New South Wales
DOVESisacouncilof27passionate studentsfromhighschoolsacrossNSW. Thecouncil,guidedbyaformalconstitution, meetsquarterlywiththeDeputyPremierto discusspressingissues,proposesolutions, andreviewoutcomesfromthestudent forumstheyhostbothonlineandinperson. Thediversecouncilrepresentsawiderange ofschools,regions,andagesfrom12to18 yearsold.Eachmemberservesatwo-year term,providingabalanceofnewideasand experiencedinsights.
The DOVES Journey in 2023/2024 TheworkoftheDOVESdirectlybenefits studentsacrossNSWbyfosteringasafer andmoresupportivelearningenvironment. Theiradvocacyleadstobetterpoliciesand resourcesthatimpactstudents’dailylives.
In2023/2024,theDOVESembracedseveral significantchallengesandopportunities. Onemajorgoalhasbeentoenhancesun safetyawarenessinhighschools,addressing increasingconcernsoverskincancer rates.Additionally,thecouncilhasfocused onimprovingmentalhealthsupportfor students,increasingstudentengagement inschool,andhowbesttocreateasenseof belonging.
Thesefocusareaswereselected afterthoroughresearchandinsightful consultationswithstudents,educators,and healthprofessionalsandaimtoaddress pressingissuesthataffectstudents’wellbeingandeducationalexperience.
Oneofthemostexcitingdevelopments
thisyearhasbeenthecreationof DistrictRepresentativeCouncils.This newinitiativeintroducesatieredmodel ofstudentrepresentation,featuring SchoolRepresentativeCouncils(SRCs), DistrictRepresentatives,andtheDOVES. Thisstructurefostersastrongersense ofcommunityandensuresamore comprehensivestudentvoicereportingto theDeputyPremier.
TheDOVESareparticularlyproudoftheir successfulcampaignsandthetangible improvementstheyhavebroughttotheir schools.Whileindividualmembersmayhave theirpassionprojects,thecouncilworks collaborativelyonsharedgoalsandprojects, ensuringaunifiedapproachtostudent advocacy.
Applicationshaveopenedforthe2025/ 2026Council.Asaparentorcarer,your supportcanmakeaworldofdifference. Encourageyourchildtoexploreopportunities withtheDOVESanddiveintotheworldof studentadvocacy.
Whenapplying foraposition ontheDOVES Councilvia theNSW Department ofEducation’s website,we’re lookingfor passionate studentswhoarereadytobeachampionof educationinNSW.
Studentsareselectedbasedontheir advocacyskillsandcommitmenttopublic education.Interestedstudentswillneedto submita90-secondvideoexplainingwhy theywouldbeagreat fitfortheDOVES. Currentcouncilmemberswilltheninterview andassesstheapplicants.
Newmemberswillbe officiallysworninat ParliamentHousein March2025byThe HonPrueCar,Deputy PremierandMinister forEducation&Early Learning.Ifyourchild, orsomeoneyouknowwantstostepupand makearealimpactaspartoftheDOVES, scantheQRcodetoapply.
TheDOVESaremakingasubstantialimpact intherealmofstudentadvocacyandpublic education.Yoursupportandinvolvementcan helpfurthertheirmissionandcontributetoa brighterfutureforstudentsacrossNSW.
ACCESS THE LATEST SKILLS NEWS Parents and carers with children undertaking or considering school-based apprenticeships or traineeships, vocational education and training at school, or qualifications as part of their studies, can now subscribe to the new Skills NSW newsletter to receive industry updates, news and opportunities from across the skills sector.
You’llaccessvaluableinformationto helpmakeinformeddecisionsaboutyour children’seducationandlearnhowVET
pathwayscansetthemupforsuccess. SkillsNSWprovidesaccesstocourseand traininginformation,adviceandguidance forNSWresidentsatanystageoftheir career,throughoutNSW,toensurethat individualsareequippedwiththerightskills andknowledge.
Subscribenowat shorturl.at/yMDBr TolearnmoreaboutSkillsNSW, visit https://skills.education.nsw.gov.au/ followSkillsNSWatfacebook.com/ SkillsNSWformoreinformation.
THE 1000 NSW PUBLIC SECTOR APPRENTICES AND TRAINEES PROGRAM Helping your high school graduate or school leaver decide on a post-school pathway can be both challenging and exciting, involving consideration of their personal interests and skills.
Is your school leaver interested in vocational pathways?
The1000NSWPublicSectorApprentices andTraineesProgramisaNSWGovernment commitmenttoemployanadditional1000 apprenticesandtraineesacrossNSW Governmentagenciesandstate-owned corporationsuntil30June2026,providing avastarrayofpost-schoolcareeroptionsall acrossthestate.
Theprogramsupportsawiderangeof apprenticeshipsandtraineeshipsin fieldssuchasbuildingandconstruction, automotive,informationtechnology,business administration,healthcareandmore.
Publicsectorapprenticeshipsand traineeshipsprovidemeaningful,hands-on experienceandavarietyofbenefits.
Yourschoolleavercould:
Get qualified
Yourchildwillreceiveanationallyrecognised qualificationuponcompletion,givingtheir careerakickstart.
Earn and learn
Apprenticesandtraineeswillearnawage whiletheylearntheirqualification,aswellas havingaccessto financialassistance.
Acquire practical experience
Yourchildwillbuildreal-worldbyexperience applyingwhattheylearnindiverse fields, regardlessofwhetheritismarketingora technicaltrade.
Build valuable skills
Theprogramteacheshighlyvaluedskills, suchaseffectivecommunication,teamwork, andproblemsolving,settingupyourchildfor successintheircareerandlife.
Contribute to the community
Publicsectoremployeesdeliveressential servicestoallofNSW.Yourschoolleaver couldcontributetotheseefforts.
Work in a sector where diversity and inclusion are central
Yourschoolleaverwillenjoythewelcoming environmentofthepublicsector,where diversityandinclusionarepivotaland prioritised.
Enjoy ongoing support
Yourschoolleaverwillbenefitfromongoing support,andregularfeedbackontheirwork.
Matthew finds his pathway as a public sector pathology trainee
Needingacareerchange,Matthewdecided tomoveintoapathologytraineeshipwith NSWHealthPathology,wherehe’senjoying ongoingsupporttoachievehisbest.
“IamoverwhelmedwiththeopportunityI havebeengiven.ThelevelofsupportIhave receivedissettingmeupforagreatcareer inNSWHealth,”Matthewsaid.
“Iwould encourageanyone topursueacareer inhealth,asI havefounditso rewarding.”
Matthewwould liketogain experience indifferent aspectsof pathologybeyond phlebotomy (bloodand samplecollecting frompatients).
“Icanseemyself havingacareer inhaematology-somethingIamvery passionateabout.”
Public sector apprenticeships and traineeships – expressions of interest open!
Encourageyourschool leavertoconsidera NSWpublicsector apprenticeshipor traineeshiptoday.For moreinformationorto helpyourschoolleaver submitanexpression ofinterestinapublicsectorapprenticeship ortraineeship,scantheQRcode
NESA NEWS By Paul Martin, CEO NSW Education Standards Authority
Thisyear’sHigherSchoolCertificate(HSC) isnowinfullswingforarecordnumberof studentsacrossthestate–over80,000. PerformanceandLanguagesOralexams startedinAugustandarenowcomplete, whilewrittenexamshavejustbegun.
HSC underway
ManagingtheHSCisamammoth undertakingforNESAeachyear:around 400,000uniqueexamsessions,124exams overfourweeks,withpaperswrittenbymore than300examdevelopersandmarkedby over5,000markers.
Thisyear,71,619studentsareworking towardscompletingtheirfullHSCwhile 8,547willcompleteatleastoneHSCcourse. 81,166studentsarestudyingoneormore HSCcoursesand76,221studentswill completeatleastonewrittenexam.
Therearestudentsasyoungas11getting inearlyandundertakingatleastoneHSC course,whilewealsohavematureage studentscompletingtheirfullHSC.
ForfamilieswithanHSCstudentathome,I encourageyoutocheckoutadvicefromour wellbeingpartnersatReachOut.Thisyear theyprovidedtheirtop5tipsforstudents andtheirfamiliesmanagingstudystress: https://bit.ly/3ZijPb7
Iwishthoseinyourfamilyundertakingthis valuablecredentialalltheverybestwith theirexams.
WHAT IS NESA? TheNSWEducationStandardsAuthority (NESA)isanindependentstatutory authorityreportingtoanindependent BoardandtheNSWMinisterfor EducationandEarlyLearning.We supporttheschoolsectorstodeliver thebestpossibleoutcomesforstudents throughhigh-qualitysyllabuses, assessment,teachingstandardsand schoolenvironments.
NESAisalsoworkingtosupport improvementsinAboriginaleducation; reducetheadministrativeburden onschoolsandteachersrelating toaccreditation;engagewithall stakeholdersandschoolsectorson seniorhighschoolreform;andaction recommendationsfromtheQualityInitial TeacherEducationReview.
Mathematics curriculumin NSW.Themaths pathsinYears 9-10allowmore studentsthan evertostudy thesenewYear 11and12 Mathematics syllabuses, whichalignwith andbuildonthe mandatorycontentinKindergartentoYear 10.
Thereisaclearandlogicalsequenceof learningforallstudents,developinga practicalunderstandingofmathsandits everydayuse–andsupportingthosewho seektotakethenextstepwithhigher-level mathsstudyintheHSC.
ThenewYear11–12Englishsyllabusesalign totheKindergartentoYear10syllabusand focusonliteratureastheparentdiscipline ofEnglish.NewHistorysyllabusesforyears 11-12werealsoreleased.
Primary school writers celebrated Afterreceivingarecordnumberofentries fromprimaryschoolsacrossNSW,54young writershavebeenannouncedaswinnersof the2024WriteOncompetition.
Nowinits15thyear,WriteOnencourages teacherstoincorporatethewriting competitionforstudentsfromYears1to 6intotheirteachingprograms,tosupport writingacrossthecurriculum.
Thisyear,judgessaidthecalibreofentries wasveryhigh,makingselectingjust54 worksatoughjob.
Childrenasyoungassixweretackling themesoftimetravel,kindness,hope, self-discovery,belonging,hardworkand determination.
Goldawardswerepresentedtostudentsat aspecialceremonyheldattheArtGalleryof NSWandwasattendedbyfamilies,teachers andprincipals.
Iinviteyoualltobuythee-bookoraprinted copyof The Best of WriteOn 2024,andenjoy someoftheoutstandingwritingcomingfrom ourprimaryschoolstudents: https://shop. nesa.nsw.edu.au
New syllabuses released AspartofthebiggestoverhauloftheNSW curriculuminageneration,lastmonthwe releasednewEnglishandMathematics syllabusesforYears11to12,marking thecompletionofanewEnglishand
Meanwhile,the finalreformedmandatory syllabusesforyears7-10havealsobeen releasedtoNSWschools,coveringHistory, GeographyandVisualArts,withexplicit emphasisonlearningthatbuildsonthe newprimaryschoolsyllabusesandprepares studentsforseniorhighschool.
ThenewVisualArtssyllabusemphasises safe,inclusiveandethicalpracticeswhen makingorsharingart,whilethenewHistory syllabusincludesmandatorycivicsstudy onthemakingofAustralia–includingthe Constitution,votingandreferendums.History studentswillalsoexploretheimpactsof Europeanexplorationwithadepthstudyon AboriginalPeoples’experiencesofAustralian colonisation.
ThenewGeographysyllabusenables studentstobecomeinformedglobalcitizens andparticipantsinAustraliansociety,with around10hoursof fieldworkineachstage oflearning.
Schoolsandteacherswillbeprovidedwith newsupportmaterialsandresourcestohelp getthesenewsyllabusesupandrunning. VisittheNSWCurriculumwebsitetoview thesyllabusesandsupportmaterialsfor teachers,studentsandfamilies: https:// curriculum.nsw.edu.au/
PaulMartin
WriteOn winners from Years 1-2 were among the 56 students celebrated at the event.
ADVOCATING FOR CREATIVE EDUCATION: P&C FEDERATION CALLS FOR GREATER SUPPORT IN ARTS AND MUSIC AT NSW INQUIRY OnFriday23August2024,theP&C FederationappearedbeforetheJointSelect CommitteeonArtsandMusicEducation andTraininginNSWtorepresentthe interestsandconveytheexperienceof P&CAssociationsandparentsinpublic education.
Theinquiry,whichfocusesonassessing thestateofcreativeeducationinschools, highlightsgrowingconcernsaboutthe lackofemphasisonartsandmusicinthe curriculum.TheP&CFederationadvocated forincreasedinvestmentinartsandmusic education,callingonpolicymakersto recognizeitsimportancealongsidecore academicsubjects.
GemmaQuinn,theCEOoftheP&C FederationNSW,andRobertHunt,Headof MemberServices,appearedatparliament housetoelaborateontheP&CFederation’s writtensubmissiontotheinquiry.They emphasizedthewidespreadparental supportforbolsteringcreativeeducation toensuretheirchildrenhavediverseand enrichinglearningexperiences,underscored
bytheprogrammescurrentlyoperatedby P&CAssociationsacrossNSW.
“[P&C Association volunteers] are all there with a view to make sure they provide a rich and healthy public education landscape for our children. But we cannot continue to engage parents in the role of the Department of Education providing arts and music in public schools.”
Duringhertestimony,MsQuinnspoke aboutthebroadimpactofartseducationon studentwell-being,explaininghowcreative subjectscanbooststudentengagement, improvementalhealth,andenhance academicoutcomes.Shestressedtheneed forconsistentartseducationopportunities acrossallschoolsinNSW,regardlessof locationorresources.
MsQuinnstressedtheneedforequitable accesstoqualityartsprogramsacrossall NSWschools,particularlyinregionaland under-resourcedareaswherestudentsoften lacksufficientopportunitiestoengagein creativepursuitsinpublicschools.
MrHuntemphasizedthevitalroleofarts andmusiceducationinfosteringcreativity, criticalthinking,andemotionaldevelopment amongstudents.Hespokeaboutthe practicalneedforlong-terminvestmentand planningregardingthefacilitiesavailablein schoolstosupportartsandmusiceducation.
“From the P&C Federation’s point of view and our members, we’re challenged all the time about funding facilities and equipment for the schools. That is one of the two major objectives of a P&C. Our members are regularly challenged about funding facilities.”
“Part of our submission was: could we start thinking ahead about all of our asset developments with some of these otherpolicy areas in mind.”
TheP&CFederation’sappearanceatthe inquirymarksanimportantstepinthe ongoingconversationabouthowtoprioritize andsupportartsandmusiceducationinthe schoolsystem.
We’dlovetoseewhatyourP&CAssociationhasbeen gettingupto,andtocelebratehowP&Csacross NSWarehelpingtheirschoolcommunitiestothrive. Whetherit’sasnapshotofyourmeetings,fundraising, communityeventsorgeneralschoollife–wewantto seeyourP&CAssociationinaction.
ThewinningentrywillreceiveaBunningsvoucher valuedat$500andeveryentryautomaticallygoesinto thedrawtowinoneof five$50Bunningsvouchers!
Getsnappingandshareyour P&CAssociationinaction!
Toentervisit pandc.org.au/photo-comp OrscantheQRcode Entriesclose30th,Nov2024
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2024 PUBLIC SCHOOL PARENTS OF THE YEAR Supplied by the NSW Department of Education
In August, the NSW Department of Education recognised the outstanding individual achievements of 11 parent volunteers who work tirelessly for their school communities.
The 2024 Public Education Awards were held during NSW Public Education Week where the theme Proud to Belong was well and truly celebrated in the dedication shown by the winning parent volunteers.
Itwasthe firsttimetheawards,formerlythe NSWMinister’sandSecretary’sAwardsfor Excellence,havetakenplaceduringPublic EducationWeek.
Eachyear,theAwardsrecogniseexcellence andtheextraordinaryindividualsand incredibletalentsofstudents,teachers, employees,familiesandpublic-school communitiesinNSW.Theirimpact isshowcasednotjustinthepersonal storiesandperformances,butalsointhe achievementsofeverypublicschoolacross thestate.
DeputyPremierandMinisterforEducation andEarlyLearningPrueCarsaidshewas thrilledtocelebratethemanyextraordinary initiatives,achievementsandpeopleinNSW publiceducation.
“ThePublicEducationAwardsarean importantopportunitytoacknowledgeand celebratetheamazingworkofourteachers, schoolcommunitiesandotherstaffwho eachdayworktogethertobringoutthebest inourstudents,”shesaid.
ThegalaeventatSydneyTownHall recognised112primaryandsecondary schoolswith27schoolsreceivingmultiple awards.Amongthose,south-westSydney’s PrairiewoodHighSchoolandUlladullaHigh SchoolontheSouthCoasteachreceived five
WINNERS OF THE 2024 PUBLIC SCHOOL PARENT OF THE YEAR AWARD
Sally Bate,BeaconHillPublicSchool
Paul Brooks,ElizabethMacarthurHigh School
Stephen Brown,DuriPublicSchool
Saiv Mouv Cheng,CanleyValePublic School
Amy Eaton,MimosaPublicSchool
Julie Parsons,BlackwellPublicSchool
Joanne Paterson Kinniburgh, AsquithGirlsHighSchool
Jimmy Sisopha,HarringtonStreet PublicSchool
Maryanne Thompson,Rydalmere PublicSchool
Fiona Tisdale,ElizabethMacarthurHigh School
Kylie Tisdell,PrestonsPublicSchool
awards.TheNSWDepartmentofEducation Secretary,MuratDizdar,saidtheawards wereanannualhighlight.
“Throughtheseawards,wehonourthebest ofthebestinoursystemandshowcase theincredibleworkofourschools,support staffandparentsingivingourstudentsan incredibleplatformonwhichtosoar,”hesaid.
Theparents’activeparticipationinso manyaspectsofschoollifetakesgreat commitment,tirelesseffort,leadership, andanunstoppablepositiveenergytoget thingsdone.Whetheritisvolunteeringon localP&CAssociations,fundraisingthrough grants,grassrootsactivitiesorinpartnership withlocalbusinesses,runningtheuniform shop,workingbees,oradvocatingfor studentsafetywiththelocalStateMember, thewinnersdemonstrateoutstanding contributionsandarealdeterminationto fostercommunitysupport.
Thedepartmentdeeplyappreciatesthe expertiseandconnectiontheseparents bringtomorethan2200schoolcommunities acrossNSW.Theyareeachashining exampleofwhatitmeanstobeaparent volunteer.Theirwelcomingandinclusive advocacyfortheirschoolbenefitsthegreat diversityofourschoolcommunities,whichin turnsustainsparentandstudentwellbeing, belongingness,lifelongparentfriendships, andcherishedmemories.
Thankyoutoeachandeveryparent volunteerinNSW!
TolearnmoreaboutthePublicEducation Awards,ortoreadabouteachwinnerofthe 2024PublicSchoolParentoftheYearAward, visit https://www.publiceducationfoundation. org.au/scholarships/public-education-awards/
Winners of the 2024 Public School Parent of the Year Award with Yvonne Hilsz, President, P&C Federation NSW and Murat Dizdar, Secretary, NSW Department of Education
Photo: The Public Education Foundation
The Millennium Marching Band welcoming guests to the Sydney Town Hall
