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Secretary’s Message

BY MURAT DIZDAR, Secretary of the NSW Department of Education

This year is already shaping up to be one of growth and opportunity for students, teachers, and families across NSW. The important role parents and carers play in our schools is deeply evident in our regional, rural and remote schools, where community ties enrich student learning and create a deep sense of belonging.

Every regional, rural and remote school has its own unique perspectives and experiences, which collectively shape the lives of 1 in 4 students in the public school system.

I’m looking forward to hitting the road again this term with the department’s executive team to visit schools across regional NSW for our annual Schools Roadshow. These conversations are invaluable opportunities to hear directly from school leaders about what’s working well and where the system can better support them in transforming lives through learning.

A FAIRER FUTURE FOR EVERY SCHOOL

Last term, the state and federal governments took a historic step for public education in NSW when they signed the Better Fairer Schools Agreement. Over the next decade, we will finally see every single public school in NSW reach 100 per cent of the Schooling Resource Standard. This means they will all receive the funding they need to meet the needs of every single one of their students.

This Agreement is tied to reforms that will make a real difference to every student in every classroom. It will support teachers to identify students at risk of slipping through the cracks, solidify evidence-based teaching practices, and bring more wellbeing support to schools. Importantly, it will also fund initiatives to attract and retain more teachers, which I know is especially critical for our regional, rural and remote areas. I want to thank the P&C Federation and its members and volunteers for your continued support in seeing every single one of our public schools stand on the same starting block.

STRENGTHENED SUPPORT FOR REGIONAL, RURAL AND REMOTE SCHOOLS

This year, we’re building on the progress of our 2024 Rural and Remote Education Implementation Plan, driving practical initiatives that strengthen schools, support teachers, and improve outcomes for students and communities.

Under the new Education Housing Strategy and Action Plan, we are making improvements to teacher housing to ensure we can attract and retain teachers in the communities that need them most.

At the same time, we are expanding tailored recruitment support to cut vacancies in hard-to-staff areas and ensure all students have the teachers they need in their classroom. Programs like Grow Your Own encourage more locals to take up a career in teaching, building stronger school communities by investing in the people who know them best.

The department is proud to provide financial support for regional, rural, and remote teachers to undertake a new postgraduate course at the University of Canberra. This new course will equip them with specialised skills to improve their practice across a range of rural contexts.

Additionally, through our own Principal Connection and Early Career Teacher Days, educators across the state come together to share expertise and build networks. These opportunities help to reduce isolation and allows the profession to learn from each other’s experiences. They then take this knowledge back to their own classrooms to enrich the learning of students in their care.

This term, regional, rural and remote schools are also taking part in tailored professional learning to support the rollout of High Potential and Gifted Education. Talent exists in every part of NSW, and our focus must always be on ensuring opportunity exists everywhere too.

Public education is at its best when every child, no matter their postcode, can thrive. Thank you for everything you do to support your schools and communities, and I look forward to another great term ahead.

Secretary’s Message Oyster Bay Art & Craft Festival

FOR MORE THAN 50 YEARS, the last weekend in May has seen Oyster Bay Public School’s grounds transformed into the vibrant Oyster Bay Art & Craft Festival. This three-day event is a beloved community tradition and is now raising an impressive $60,000 to $70,000 annually. These funds go support our students and have enabled the purchase of specialist learning resources and programs, funded the upgrade of facilities, and created specialised play spaces for the school.

FROM ITS HUMBLE BEGINNINGS flyers in the 1970s, the festival has grown exponentially while staying true to its roots. The festival opens with a ticketed Friday night launch party event for an evening of auctions, entertainment and art sales. Saturday and Sunday is open to the wider public to enjoy and today, it features an extensive art gallery showcasing hundreds of pieces by local artists and a kids art gallery too, aisles of unique craft stalls with handmade wares, carnival rides, food, and entertainment including special performances by the Oyster Bay Public School bands, choirs and dance groups.

LOCAL BUSINESS sponsorship plays a crucial role in the festival’s success. Businesses not only donate funds and items for auctions and raffles but also provide essential services that minimise overhead costs. This allows more funds to be given back to the school, directly benefiting the students.

THE FESTIVAL is organised by a dedicated and hardworking volunteer committee of over 30 members, who take on various roles big and small; from running book stalls and BBQs, recruiting artists and crafters, selling raffle tickets, driving sponsorship and auction sales, Friday night event planning, treasury, communication, social media and much more. Most of the parents even the staff contribute their time and efforts across the weekend to keep the event running smoothly, which is a huge credit to the school’s community spirit.

The Oyster Bay Art and Craft Festival is a subcommittee of the Oyster Bay P&C Association.

www.oysterbayartandcraftfestival.co.au

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR - METRO

Rebekkah Hagstrom – Bardia Public School P&C Association

Rebekkah has been a driving force in the creation and growth of Bardia Public School P&C Association since its formation in 2021. She has served in multiple roles and has made a significant impact in volunteer recruitment, communications channels, event and project management, and fundraising and sponsorships. Under her leadership, the P&C has raised significant funds for educational resources, set up a preloved uniform stall to reduce waste and costs for families, and expanded support for Indigenous students, students with disabilities, and neurodivergent students. Rebekkah also leads cultural initiatives, including weaving and bush tucker workshops, and has contributed to school and community NAIDOC planning efforts.

ASSOCIATION OF THE YEAR - METRO

Murray Farm Public School P&C Association

Murray Farm Public School P&C Association is diverse P&C Association of various backgrounds and languages, with a membership of 160. Together they share the unifying goal of making their school a better place for all. They have led significant initiatives together, including fundraising, library renovations, governance policies, and expanding on their canteen and uniform shop operations and employees. They have provided financial support for many classroom resources, excursions, and school events while maintaining strong community engagement. They have run large scale events, supported music ensembles, sports events and wider community initiatives

Hayley Lam (Vice President), Sophia Kim (President) and David Smith (Principal)

PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR - METRO

Kathy Melky – Cammeraygal High School

Kathy Melky has developed a unified and collaborative school community, with a very close working relationship with Cammeraygal’s P&C Association, it’s staff, students, and parents. She has worked to foster academic excellence with strong student outcomes, including high HSC performance. Kathy has led student support initiatives, including the creation of a Girls Committee to address peer concerns, and collaborated with the P&C and local artists on school improvement projects. Her leadership has promoted inclusivity, Aboriginal cultural recognition, and student well-being programs while strengthening the school’s arts and sports offerings. She maintains strong, open and warm connections with the entire Cammeraygal community through regular meetings and proactive communication.

facilities and equipment for

EducationAct 1990

facilities and equipment for the school and in promoting the recreation and welfare of the students at the school.

(c) to encourage parent and community participation in curriculum and other education issues in schools where there is no school council.

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Enhancing Our Digital Presence

A NEW WEBSITE & UPDATED MEMBER PORTAL

We are committed to continuously improving our services to make sure P&C Associations across the state have access to the resources, information, and support they need. We are excited to share that we have been working on significant updates to our website and member portal to better serve our community.

REFLECTING THE SPIRIT OF P&C ASSOCIATIONS

We’ve come along way from our original website

By logging in, members can explore the full range of support and materials available to assist in their P&C Association’s operations. The improved portal ensures that whether you are looking for guidance, event details, or policy updates, you can find everything in one place.

MAKING INFORMATION MORE ACCESSIBLE

We understand the importance of clarity and ease of use in digital platforms. With these updates, we aim to make navigating our website and resources simpler and more efficient. Of course, our Member Services team remains available to provide direct support via phone or email whenever needed.

STAY TUNED FOR THE LAUNCH OF OUR NEW WEBSITE

Take advantage of the enhanced features and resources when you log in. Creating an account is quick and easylog in and explore all the valuable resources available to you as part of the P&C Federation NSW community!

Launching soon, our new website is designed to be a fun, user-friendly platform that embodies the energy and dedication of P&C Associations. Being part of a P&C Association means contributing to the thriving public school communities of NSW, and our website will seek to reflect this energy and enthusiasm. As the front door to P&C Federation NSW, the website will make it easier than ever for a wide audience to find essential information about our history, business and practices, as well as staying informed about our advocacy work, and accessing our latest news.