Parent & Citizen Journal Issue 77 No. 1

Page 6


TERM 1 2025

Issue 77 No 1

The Journal of the Federation of Parents & Citizens Associations of NSW 100% RECYCLED

PROMOTING YOUR P&C PAST & PRESENT

YEARLY WALL CALENDAR WITH TERM DATES

DISABILITY ADVOCACY FUTURE

WELCOME

TO OUR NEW-LOOK PARENT AND CITIZEN JOURNAL

The P&C Federation is dedicated to representing and supporting P&C Associations, and working on behalf of publicschool parents, carers, students, and school communities.

To stay up to date with us, subscribe to our fortnightly bulletin. It contains the latest news, events, grants, and information for P&C Associations.

If you need support in running your P&C Association you can find looking for help and support you can call or email us, Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm – we’d love to hear from you.

We’re proud of the great work P&C Associations do throughout NSW public schools. If you have any feedback on the journal or need a resource that doesn’t currently exist, just get in touch and let us know. Enjoy this journal and share it with your school community.

Questions and Support:

1300 885 982 mail@pandc.org.au

TIME TO UPDATE YOUR DETAILS

It’s a New Year, the peferct time to update your details. Go to the Member Portal to update your member information. Let us know if there have been any changes to your officer bearers or contact details.

P&C Q&A

Starting Thursday 27 February our Member Services team will be hosting a monthly member forum. This will be a relaxed opportunity for office bearers to ask questions about any subject related to running a P&C. Visit our website to learn more: pandc.org.au

COVER IMAGE

Congratulations Hanwood Public School P&C, winner of this year’s photo competition! Check out the winning photo of Erin and Nelli cooking up Education Week sausages on a chilly morning in Hanwood.

100% RECYCLED PAPER

We have heard your feedback. This term’s journal has been printed on 100% recycled paper. We continue to print with Snap Print Solutions Phillip Street, Parramatta, a certified Sustainable Green Printer. Cert no. L1/201150.

Snap Print Design Websites

69 Phillip Street Parramatta NSW 2150 P: 02 9633 4808 F: 02 9633 9764

E: parraphillip@snap.com.au www.parraphillip.snap.com.au

CEO’s Message

AS WE CONTINUE working to support strong public schools in every community, I would like to take a moment to reflect on our history as a Federation. For over a century, the P&C Federation has brought together parents and citizens with a shared commitment to public education, achieving significant milestones along the way.

IN RECOGNITION of this history, I am pleased to announce the launch of the newly redesigned Parent and Citizen Journal. This update is more than just a visual refresh - it highlights the Federation’s long-standing role in advocating for public education in New South Wales. It reflects the dedication of parents and citizens who have contributed to school communities and educational progress over many decades.

THE PARENT AND CITIZEN Journal is an important record of public education. Since the 1933, it has provided a platform for parents, community leaders, educators, and key stakeholders—covering issues ranging from early discussions on education access to contemporary debates on equity and innovation. The journal’s updated design acknowledges this history while reinforcing the Federation’s ongoing work. It continues to highlight the role of parents and others in shaping the public education system and supports a shared commitment to high-quality, accessible education for all children.

WE WOULD ALSO love to hear from you - to showcase your stories, perspectives and initiatives - and work together to shape this journal to be a true reflection of the stories and milestones of public education in NSW. P&C Associations play such a key role in advocating for their school communities, and this journal will explore the full spectrum of public education, from enrolment to alumni, highlighting the people and initiatives that make such a significant difference.

AS WE MOVE FORWARD, the Parent and Citizen Journal will remain a valuable resource, connecting past achievements with current and future priorities in public

education. Together, we will continue working towards equity, inclusivity, and excellence - principles that have guided the Federation for over a century.

The Parent and Citizen Journal is an important record of public education.

THE EFFORTS of parents advocating for their children’s education have shaped many of the improvements we see today. The P&C Federation has been involved in key changes in public education, including ending corporal punishment and securing free and standardised textbooks, as well as broader initiatives such as water fluoridation and the national apology to Indigenous people. This latest iteration of the Parent and Citizen Journal builds on that legacy and provides an opportunity to continue important discussions about public education.

BEYOND RECOGNISING our history, the redesigned journal looks to the future. It will continue to feature articles, commentary, and updates on issues affecting schools across New South Wales. It remains a platform for diverse perspectives, providing a space for parents, educators, and policymakers to engage in discussions about education.

I WISH YOU all the best for the start of the 2025 school year and look forward to continuing this shared journey in public education with you.

Starting the Year with Purpose

ARESHA QUAASS, PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD

AS WE BEGIN the 2025 school year, I am honoured to step into the role of President of the P&C Federation of NSW. Following in the footsteps of Yvonne Hilsz, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve and represent the incredible network of P&C Associations across our state. Public education is at the heart of the work we do, and I look forward to working alongside you to support and strengthen our school communities.

THIS YEAR brings fresh opportunities to champion the voices of parents, carers, students and schools. P&C Associations play an essential role in shaping the educational experience for students across NSW, and I am committed to ensuring that your contributions are heard and valued at every level. Our work is rooted in collaboration, and I encourage every P&C Association to stay engaged, share their experiences, and be part of the ongoing conversation about the future of public education.

ONE OF OUR KEY priorities for 2025 is our ongoing advocacy for full and fair funding for public schools. This is not a new fight—it is one that has been central to our mission for generations. An article from a 1953

AS WE START this new school year, I want to express my gratitude to all the dedicated volunteers who give their time and energy to support public schools. Your passion and commitment make a real difference. I look forward to working with you throughout the year, hearing your insights, and standing together for the future of public education in NSW.

Every child in NSW deserves access to a high-quality, fully funded public education.

edition of The Northern Champion spoke to this very issue, highlighting the need for proper investment in our schools. Seventy years later, the conversation continues, and our resolve has never been stronger. In 2025, we will continue to meet with key figures in the education landscape, including members of the state and federal governments, to push for the funding our schools need and deserve.

EVERY CHILD in NSW deserves access to a high-quality, fully funded public education. This is not just about classrooms and resources; it is about giving students every opportunity to thrive. Your P&C Associations are a vital part of this vision, and together, we will keep advocating for better outcomes for students, teachers, and families.

P&C ASSOCIATIONS have a unique and privileged role in a school community. As parents, we strive for the best outcomes for our children. Involvement in a P&C gives us the opportunity to affect change, innovate, and to ensure our schools reflect the needs of everyone in our community.

WISHING ALL fantastic start to 2025 - let’s make it a great year for our schools and communities.

P. & C. Federation Will Demand More Money for Education (1953, April 28). The Northern Champion (Taree, NSW : 1913 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved January 30, 2025, from http://nla. gov.au/nla.news-article161026881

Message from the Deputy Premier

IT IS A JOY to welcome our students and their families into the school gates for a fresh school year. Whether this is your first year as a school parent or the next of many, I know Term 1 is always a time filled with both nervous anticipation and great excitement for everything that lies ahead.

At the heart of everything we do in public education is a simple but powerful commitment to give every child in NSW the best start in life.

This year, the NSW Government will continue working closely with you, the first and most enduring educators in every child’s life, at every turn.

We deeply value the voices of all local Parents and Citizens (P&C) associations, whose dedication and advocacy help us shape beautiful school communities across the state. Under the leadership of the P&C Federation, I know we can ensure that every student has success within and beyond the classroom.

This year, one of the government’s biggest priorities is to support schools to showcase the amazing opportunity we have to offer to more families. We only need to look to our incredible alumni to see why public education is not just worth choosing – it is worth celebrating.

NSW Public Schools produce extraordinary leaders in every field. You only need to look to outstanding people like Jennifer Robinson, an accomplished human rights lawyer who began her journey at Berry Public School and Bomaderry High School; Jessica and Noemie Fox, proud Blaxland High School alumni who both took home gold at the Paris Olympics; or Dr Kirsten Banks, the inspiring astrophysicist who hails from Davidson High School.

With the impressive HSC results we celebrated last year, including the largest HSC honour roll in history, I know there are a raft of more remarkable success stories like these in each of our schools.

Unlocking the potential of our students begins in every classroom, with every teacher. It is with their dedication and brilliance that NSW schools become places of inspiration and opportunity for a brighter future.

Our NSW Labor Government is committed to ensuring schools have the resources and support they need to make sure every student reaches their full potential. This begins with valuing our teachers, and attracting passionate professionals ready to make a difference.

This year, you can also expect to see more friendly faces in front offices, with more than 700 new schools joining the School Administration Reduction Program. This will go a long way to freeing up teachers’ time to focus on quality teaching and learning.

Our government is also committed to ensuring every student is challenged to set aspirational goals. This year, all NSW public schools will be preparing to offer high potential and gifted education programs to help more students reach their full potential.

At the same time, we are delivering the infrastructure needed for the best possible school environments. This includes brand new builds in the fastest-growing areas and a record $1 billion investment into minor works. Over the summer break alone, more than 1,200 maintenance and upgrade projects took place across 800 schools.

I am so appreciative of the work that parents and carers do to help us create wonderful school communities all over NSW. I wish you all a happy and productive year ahead.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to public education in NSW.

Prue Car MP Deputy Premier of New South Wales

for Education and Early Learning Minister for Western Sydney

Secretary’s Message

As the school bell rings in a new year, I am filled with great optimism for everything that lies ahead in 2025. It’s always a pleasure to be welcoming back our students, their families, and our educators as they embrace the challenges and triumphs the year will undoubtedly bring.

Firstly, I hope all parents and carers had a relaxing summer break with your loved ones. With term 1 now underway, I am prouder than ever to be leading a system that is charged and ready to unlock your child’s potential.

As always, I am incredibly appreciative of the ongoing support from our parents and carers in giving students the best chance to thrive in the year ahead.

Congratulations to Aresha Quaass who begins her first year as President of the P&C Federation of NSW. I’m looking forward to working together with Aresha and Federation CEO Gemma Quinn to strengthen our school communities and ensure the views of parents and carers are embedded in what we do.

CHOOSING PUBLIC EDUCATION

Choosing public education is such an important decision, and I’m truly thankful to every family in NSW who believes in what we do.

Our schools are among the finest in the country, staffed by some of the most skilled and dedicated teachers you will find anywhere. They are also warm and engaging places where students not only learn, but forge lifelong connections.

By choosing us and sticking with us, you reinforce the strength of our system and everything we stand for.

This year, we will be doubling down on our efforts to make public schools the first choice for even more parents and carers. We will be giving greater support to schools to showcase all they have to offer and delivering system-wide messages across NSW on why families should join us.

Murat Dizdar, painted skilfully by Year 6 student Rafi Mohamed from Smithfield Public School. The portrait was received as a gift as part of a recent showcase of high potential and gifted education.

TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH LEARNING

This is our second year of delivering on Our Plan for NSW Public Education. As I travel across the state, I feel energised to see it have pride of place in school offices and staffrooms. The plan will remain at the heart of everything we do this year to bring equitable and outstanding learning opportunities to every student.

The thoughts and feedback from our parents and carers continue to play a vital part in bringing the plan to life. It’s therefore crucial that you have a transparent view of our efforts to help your children learn, grow, and feel they belong in our school communities.

This year we’ll update you on how we are tracking against the plan’s focus areas through our own report cards, highlighting new and significant initiatives underway, guided by the strategic path the plan puts us on.

HIGH POTENTIAL AND GIFTED EDUCATION

In 2025, we are setting the stage for high potential and gifted education opportunities to be available in all NSW public schools. Postcode or circumstance should never determine whether a student receives an outstanding learning experience.

Recognising that every young person has unique talents and capabilities, our HPGE strategy is designed to foster potential in myriad ways, whether they shine brightest in academia, the arts, sports, or leadership.

All school staff will be engaging in new professional learning to ensure they are equipped and ready to nurture high potential and gifted learners effectively.

The aim is to see this ingrained in our system at every level. In the classroom, it will involve differentiated explicit teaching strategies or advanced learning pathways that cater to diverse intellectual needs. At a school level, we will offer extracurricular, extension or enrichment programs. We’ll also continue to open up our system-wide initiatives like representative sporting pathways or signature events like Schools Spectacular and the Game Changer Challenge.

NEW PUBLIC SCHOOLS SURVEY

The perspectives of your children, our teachers, and you as parents and carers matter deeply to shaping the course of public education.

This year, we are excited to be launching a new format for gathering information about the thoughts and experiences of our students. A new model for parents and carers and teachers will then follow in 2026.

This means we are moving away from the Tell Them From Me surveys and introducing a new model. These surveys will be more concise, faster to complete, and will run annually on a new platform.

Feedback collected through these surveys around equity, wellbeing, sense of belonging, and teaching practices will be invaluable to supporting the goals set by Our Plan for NSW Public Education. Ultimately, we want to uphold a responsive and supportive educational environment for every student and their family.

I hope you all have a terrific term and a year filled with learning, growth, and success.

By choosing us and sticking with us, you reinforce the strength of our system and everything we stand for.

What are you interested in helping out with? or five?

Celebrating P&C Day 2025

The first Wednesday in March is P&C Day, and this year, on March 5, we’re celebrating with the theme Together For School Communities. It’s a chance to shine a light on the incredible contributions of P&C Associations and the amazing volunteers who bring so much energy, heart, and dedication to our public schools.

At their heart, P&Cs are all about building community and creating schools where everyone feels included. They represent the voices of parents, carers, students, and staff, ensuring everyone has a seat at the table and a chance to contribute to the school’s culture and direction.

TOGETHER FOR SCHOOL COMMUNITIES

This year’s theme, Together For School Communities, is a celebration of the connection and collaboration that P&Cs champion every day. P&Cs play a vital role in school life by bringing everyone into the conversation and fostering a sense of shared ownership in the school’s success. Together, these efforts create schools that are vibrant, inclusive, and full of possibility.

P&C Day is our moment to say thank you. Thank you to the volunteers who give their time, energy, and ideas. Thank you to the leaders who step up to represent their schools. Thank you to the teachers, principals, and staff who collaborate with P&Cs to make schools places where everyone can thrive.

MARCH 5

On March 5, join us in celebrating the incredible work of P&C Associations. Whether it’s a post on social media, a note of appreciation, or simply taking a moment to reflect on their impact, P&C Day 2025 is a day of gratitude and connection throughout school communities.

Equity in our Public Schools

STUDENTS AND FAMILIES will enjoy more equitable access to NSW public schools from this year following changes to the NSW Department of Education enrolment policy. Under the changes, students on temporary resident visas are now entitled to enrol at their local public school. Tuition fees will also be waived for parents in regional areas holding a Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482), saving them up to $7,400 a year.

THE POLICY CHANGES also include adjustments to the way schools manage enrolments from outside a school’s local intake area. Schools will prioritise non-local enrolments for siblings of current students and consider non-local enrolments for children of school staff. First priority will be given to non-local enrolments for siblings of students in support classes, supporting family-friendly options for those who need it.

THESE POLICY changes are now in effect and could benefit more than 3,500 students and their families, making enrolling in public schools easier and giving parents and carers confidence in their children’s education into the future.

IF THESE CHANGES apply to your child, speak to your preferred school and submit or resubmit an enrolment application.

School Community P&C

Starting school for the first time isn’t just a big deal for the kids, it’s a huge milestone for parents too! The first day, the first lunchbox packing disaster, the first ‘what-on-earth-isthis-homework’ moment—it’s all part of the adventure. Who else will help them navigate this new world than their P&C Association? Here’s how you can make sure new parents feel like they belong from day one.

1. BE PART OF ORIENTATION

Orientation isn’t just for students, it’s the perfect opportunity to introduce new parents to the P&C. Set up a welcoming stall, offer a cuppa, and have some friendly faces available to answer questions. Better yet, have a seasoned P&C member share a few words at the orientation meeting (for example, the President could speak after the Principal) about what the association does and how parents can get involved.

2. DEVELOP A NEW PARENT PACK

New parents are often overwhelmed with information (and rules they never knew existed). A simple, well-designed P&C Welcome Pack can be a lifesaver! Include FAQs, a calendar of events, contact details, and a few personal stories from active P&C members to show the value of getting involved.

3. UTILISE TECHNOLOGY – GATHER DETAILS OF NEW PARENTS AS THEY ENROL

Gone are the days of paper sign-up sheets getting lost in the school bag abyss. Use digital forms to capture new parents’ details at enrolment, making it easy to connect with them from the get-go. A simple email or WhatsApp message saying, ‘Hey, welcome to the school community! Here’s how you can get involved…’ sets the tone for inclusivity and involvement.

4. WEBSITE? FLYERS? PROMOTE!

If parents don’t know about the P&C, they can’t join the fun! A well-maintained website, eye-catching flyers, and engaging social media posts can make a huge difference. Make sure new parents know how to find out about P&C events, fundraising initiatives, and volunteering opportunities. And don’t forget, wword of mouth is powerful! Encourage existing members to spread the word.

5. OPEN MEETINGS TO OPEN THE YEAR

The first P&C meeting of the year is a great opportunity to showcase what you're about and bring people into the fold. Create a relaxed atmosphere—think coffee, snacks, and a friendly chat rather than an intimidating boardroom vibe. Keep the agenda light, introduce key P&C members, and highlight fun ways parents can contribute.

Have some ideas we haven't included? Keep the conversation going! Contribute here: journal@pandc.org.au

Shading Australian schools since 1997

Robust. Reliable. Appealing.

Offering up to 99.7% UV block and individualised site specific structural design by Northrop Engineers, Sun Shade structures are the best choice for covering large areas at your school.

Our superstructures are the most cost effective solution to covering sports courts and assembly areas. Strong, durable and lightweight shadecloth canopies help to minimise the number of support posts, allow heat and noise to dissipate and provide moderate rain protection.

Available in a range of striking colours you can enhance the aesthetic of any outdoor space. Our experienced consultants work closely with you to create the best designs for your environment. The result is sun-safe spaces which are welcoming and attractive and most importantly, protect you students and staff from the harsh Australian sun.

Disability Advocacy Future Programs

NSW PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS with disability, and their families, are set to receive continued support through the Disability Advocacy Futures Program (DAFP), with funding extended for an additional two years.

TOP TIPS FOR PARENTS & CARERS WHEN WORKING WITH ADVOCATES

• WORK COLLABORATIVELY WITH THE ADVOCATE AND SCHOOL

The DAFP is designed to foster collaboration between families, schools and advocates. Share your insights and goals with your advocate and stay open to their suggestions to achieve the best outcomes for your child.

• BE CLEAR ABOUT YOUR CHILD’S NEEDS

Clearly communicate your child’s strengths, challenges and support needs. Providing specific examples can help your advocate and school understand your child’s needs and work towards practical solutions.

• ASK QUESTIONS

If you’re unsure about something, don’t hesitate to ask. Advocacy is a learning process and understanding the steps and decisions along the way empowers you to contribute to the outcomes.

• USE DAFP AS A LEARNING OPPORTUNITY

The DAFP aims to empower parents and carers to effectively self-advocate in the future. Take note of strategies and approaches used by the advocate so you can feel more confident handling similar situations in the future.

KEY BENEFITS FOR PARENTS & CAREGIVERS

• EXTENDED SUPPORT:

The extended DAFP funding ensures ongoing individual advocacy for students with disabilities and their families who attend or wish to attend NSW public schools.

• DIVERSE SERVICES:

The program includes state-wide services for students from culturally and linguistically diverse and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.

• ADVOCACY SUPPORT: Independent advocates act as an intermediary between the school and family.

• EQUITABLE OUTCOMES: Reaffirms the department’s commitment to advancing equitable outcomes, opportunities, and experiences for students and families.

For more information, contact: dafp@det.nsw.edu.au

P&CS AS ADVOCATES FOR EVERY CHILD AND PARENT IN THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY

A strong, engaged P&C can ensure the voices of parents and students are heard, shaping the culture and driving initiatives that reflect the needs of the entire school community. P&Cs can use their unique position to champion inclusion, equity, and support for all by:

1. REPRESENTING EVERY FAMILY’S NEEDS

P&Cs should work to ensure that every parent— regardless of background, culture, or circumstance—feels represented and valued. Actively seeking diverse voices, inviting feedback through surveys, and maintaining open communication channels are great ways to identify what families truly need from their school.

2. ADVOCATING FOR INCLUSIVE POLICIES

From supporting students with disabilities to ensuring culturally inclusive events, P&Cs can push for policies that make schools more welcoming and accessible for all. By working alongside school leadership, the P&C can drive changes that promote a genuinely inclusive environment. P&Cs have sought knowledge from specialist groups and experts, organised speakers at P&C meetings to inform their membership on key topics, and started Inclusion Subcommittees to support their advocacy efforts.

3. CREATING COMMUNITY-CENTERED INITIATIVES

A thriving school community reflects the interests, cultures, and aspirations of its families. P&Cs can take the lead in organising events that celebrate diversity, providing translation services for non-English speaking parents, and advocating for programs that benefit underrepresented groups. Hosting cultural festivals,

family support programs, and student mentorship initiatives can help strengthen school-community bonds.

4. KEEPING PARENTS INFORMED AND EMPOWERED

An informed parent body is an empowered one. P&Cs can ensure parents are up to date on school decisions, educational reforms, and student wellbeing initiatives. Hosting information sessions, sending newsletters, and using social media can help bridge gaps in communication and encourage more parents to get involved in advocacy efforts. Consider sharing this journal and emailed Bulletins from the P&C Federation and encouraging parents to join our Parent Voice initiative.

5. ENCOURAGING OPEN DIALOGUE AND PARTICIPATION

A truly inclusive school environment starts with conversation. Creating safe spaces for parents to share their concerns, holding regular community forums, and fostering open discussions with school leadership ensures that no family feels unheard or isolated.

FINAL THOUGHTS

By advocating for every child and family, P&Cs play a crucial role in shaping school communities that are equitable, inclusive, and supportive. Whether it’s pushing for resources, celebrating diversity, or ensuring every voice is heard, the P&C is a powerful force for positive change. Let’s work together to make our schools places where every child—and every parent—feels they belong!

NSW Department of Education

Minister’s Student Council (DOVES)

The Minister's Student Council (DOVES) is the peak forum for NSW public school students to engage with the Minister for Education and the Department of Education. Together they help shape the way education programs and policies are made and delivered. The council is made up of 27 students in years 7 to 11 from across NSW who: Your education. Your voice!

Provide feedback on NSW public education programs

Meet quarterly with the NSW Minister for Education

Represent and advocate for students at government events

Host student forums to gather insights

Find solutions to issues that matter to students

Advocate for positive change

Applications open in Term 4. Find out more.

Standing on the Shoulders of Giants

Advocate, Lawyer and Mother - Totti Cohen

THE P&C FEDERATION’S HISTORY as advocates on the forefront of change and innovation is well known, but the names that built that story are less so. Reading copies of Parent and Citizen from the late 1960s to 1980s, you’ll be hard pressed to miss the name Totti Cohen, and you would be forgiven for double checking the dates. Ahead of her time, Cohen championed the voice of parents in public education with tenacity and vision.

TEOFILA “TOTTI” COHEN (5 March 1932 – 29 August 2010) was a trailblazing solicitor and a passionate advocate for public education in New South Wales. A first generation Australian born in Paddington, Sydney, Cohen’s academic brilliance was evident early. An esteemed alumna Paddington Primary and Woollahra Opportunity School, Parramatta High and Sydney Girls’ High School, Cohen held a deep gratitude for public education that continued with her throughout her life. “She always recognised that the State had given her the opportunity for tertiary education,

lawyer at Minter Simpson (the biggest firm in Sydney at the time, later to merge to become top law firm Minter Ellison). Cohen’s 54 year legal career is something to behold and too rich a tale to do justice here - it would leave many of us speechless (something that as an awarded debating champion, it seems Cohen rarely was).

and throughout her long and successful career she devoted much of her time to repaying that debt.” (online: https://de.respectance.co m/tribute/totti-cohen)

Cohen accepted a scholarship to the University of Sydney, where she completed degrees in Arts and Law. She took her first role as a solicitor at Jenkins & Harmer in 1956, and before blazing the trail as the first female

LIKE SO MANY parents today, Cohen joined her local P&C Association when her sons began primary school at Coogee PS - a P&C that continues to innovate and excel to this day. Cohen quickly escalated her advocacy to the district and council, and in 1973 she was elected to the role of president of the P&C Federation.

THE DIRECTION that Cohen set for the Federation demonstrates remarkable foresight. She is credited with transforming the organisation as representative of a new generation - a strong, modern voice for parents in public education from a working mother with an extensive and demanding career. She tirelessly advocated for greater parental participation in educational policy and decision-making not only at their local schools, but at all levels of government.

”Ministers for education and the NSW Education Department might at times have seen her as a mixed blessing but never again could the views of the federation be ignored.”

- Malcolm Brown ‘Cohen, Teofila (Totti) (1932–2010)’, Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/ obituary/cohen-teofila-totti-16852/text28748, accessed 9 January 2025.

UNDER HER LEADERSHIP the Federation became a key stakeholder in discussions with government officials and education authorities - a legacy that remains to this day. Her efforts significantly bolstered resources and funding for public schools, addressing systemic inequalities

Parent & Citizen, 1973

and improving educational opportunities for countless students. In a world where women faced significant challenges navigating evolving attitudes towards working mothers, and balancing societal expectations with professional and family obligations, Cohen’s ability to lead transformative change in public education is all the more striking.

Heartfelt connections at every stall.

Discover Australia’s largest Mother’s Day Stall range!

Visit our website www.moonandback.au or contact us on 03 9454 4000

P&C Q&A

Starting Thursday 27 February our Member Services team will be hosting a monthly member forum. This will be a relaxed opportunity for office bearers to ask questions about any subject related to running a P&C. Visit our website to learn more: pandc.org.au

TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO READ IN THE PARENT & CITIZEN JOURNAL?

We’d love to hear what you think of the Parent & Citizen journal published by the P&C Federation of NSW. We’ve made a lot of changes, and your feedback will help us to continue to improve and to create a better product for you.

Please scan the QR code to take a brief survey. Let us know what you want to read in future versions of the journal.

HELP SPREAD THE WORD

We found this text in a copy of the Parent & Citizen journal from 1966. We think it is still useful today. Once you’ve read this edition of the journal, pass it along! This can be a great way to introduce new parents and citizens to P&Cs and their work. A common reason that people do not join a volunteer group is simply that they are not aware of it.

WORD SEARCH

FEDERATION

PARENT

CITIZEN

CANTEEN

GOVERNANCE

FUNDRAISING

FINANCIAL

MEMBER

VOLUNTEER UNIFORM EDUCATION COMMUNITY PUBLIC SCHOOL FULL FUNDING CARERS

answers on page two

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.
Parent & Citizen Journal Issue 77 No. 1 by pandcfed - Issuu