Enrolment Policy Changes Boost 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.

New Year, New StartHow to Enagage New Parents in You 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