P&C Voice Term 2, 2023

What a day!! #pandcdaywa

We absolutely loved seeing all our P&Cs celebrated on P&C Day WA 2023!

From morning teas to thank you cards; from colouring competitions to opportunities to win resources for your school - there were so many things happening last Friday!

We hope that all P&Cs, their Executives, members and volunteers feel appreciated and thanked by their communities. You really do make a massive difference and, just like the theme of National Volunteer Week, you are the Change Makers!

If you haven't already done so, make sure you check out the WACSSO Facebook page to see the videos of our State Councillors wishing P&Cs across the State a happy P&C Day for 2023.

We can't wait to see the celebrations in 2024!

FROM THE PRESIDENT’S PEN

Happy P&C Day WA! Celebrated on 19 May, the Friday of National Volunteer Week P&C members can most certainly wear with honour the badge of Change Makers.

P&C volunteers’ collective contribution has made and continues to make meaningful change in the public education system, in our public schools, and to the lives of children Our impact is felt not only in WA, but Australia-wide One of my favourite things to do on P&C Day and the days following is to read all the lovely messages from school students, made via video blogs, photos of celebratory events, or pictures of handmade thank cards dedicated to their P&Cs I hope all P&C members felt a little bit of extra love on your special day WACSSO State Councillors and staff are honoured to partner with our P&Cs making a difference together to improve the school experience for all children.

WACSSO was pleased to see the Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon Mark Butler’s recent announcement on taking action on the vaping crisis impacting Australia’s young people. WACSSO has, for some time, been raising the concerns of parents and school communities that stronger steps must be taken to protect young people from e-cigarettes We agree with the research that suggests packaging and flavours are marketing to audiences outside of those hoping to quit smoking Research also suggests that children who try vapes are three times as likely to take up smoking and have an increased risk of developing depression and anxiety. This is a genuine crisis for our young people, which is why our language has been strong; enticing young people to try a product that is addictive and dangerous is predatory WACSSO continues to work with State and national education, health, and community organisations to combat the spread of ecigarette use by children and young people. We will watch with interest the trial of smoke detectors in a small group (10) of WA schools

In March WACSSO made a submission to the Education and Employment Reference Committee inquiry into the issue of increasing disruption in Australian school classrooms The submission addresses several areas including teacher safety, work satisfaction, retention, resources, and impact on students learning and wellbeing We are all upset and concerned about media reports of violent behaviour occurring in schools which is impacting the learning outcomes, and enjoyment of school for many students One student feeling unsafe at school is one too many. Schools must be safe places for students and school staff Parents, students, schools, support services, and government all have a role to play in making our schools safe P&Cs can positively influence the discussion around building safe and inclusive school communities.

Pania Turner

WACSSO has also made a submission to the SSTUWA’s independent review of public education I congratulate the State School Teachers Union of WA and its members for their commitment to promoting and improving public education in Western Australia, and I look forward to the recommendations and insights that will come from the many submissions received

It was pleasing to see the Minister Buti’s announcement of the increased bandwidth to over 500 public schools in WA While the pandemic demonstrated the criticalness of access to quality ICT infrastructure in education and the workforce parents and WACSSO affiliates have long expressed the requirement to improve internet services and digital technologies in our schools. Understanding and using digital technology and innovation is an essential skill for students

All P&Cs would be familiar with suite of training products and services WACSSO offers. Ranging from in-person sessions, subject expert webinars, online courses, handbooks and guides, to conference workshops, and individual support; WACSSO prides itself on the continual development of our training products. All our training resources are put in place to assist P&Cs in meeting their obligations, and to make volunteering easier so that our members can enjoy the great work of contributing to children’s education! Many of you will know the man behind our training, WACSSO Training and Development Officer Richard Brand. It is with the greatest appreciation that WACSSO State Council farewell Richard, as he steps down from the role Thank you, Richard, for the professional knowledge and skills invested into developing bespoke resources for P&Cs. Thank you for building critical training partnerships with subject matter experts. And, most of all, thank you for your passion and care for our P&Cs and their committee members

I look forward to continuing to update affiliates throughout the year on advocacy initiatives that WACSSO is focused on I also look forward to meeting many of you at Conference in August If you haven’t already done so, make sure you decide on your Conference delegates at your next P&C meeting, then hop online to register.

Pania Turner WACSSO President

We recently marked a very special day in the WA Education Calendar, P&C Day. We relished the opportunity to celebrate the invaluable contributions of our P&C members and acknowledged their ongoing hard work, commitment and dedication.

In addition to our incredible P&C members, I want to extend my gratitude to all parents and members of Western Australian Council of State School Organisations (WACSSO). As the backbone of our schools and communities, your team effort is truly making a difference in helping and supporting teachers, principals, students and families – a heartfelt thank you!

It has been another busy year in our schools so far. We continue to make inroads with the implementation of our Quality Teaching Strategy, addressing staff shortages, improving the wellbeing and mental health of students and staff, investing in teaching and learning, delving into the WACE and ATAR completion rates among many other priorities and initiatives We have achieved a lot so far this year, but there is still more work ahead I am committed to that work, and I am very grateful for all your support.

There is a real buzz in our schools with some exciting things happening over the coming months

The Premier’s Reading Challenge, aimed at Kindergarten to Year 10 students, launched this month and runs until 8 September. I encourage you all to get behind this fantastic initiative Not only is reading a great hobby, but it also helps to grow those vivid imaginations and has many educational benefits.

Our annual Education Awards will be launching soon These awards celebrate the achievements of public schools across 5 award categories including leadership, teaching excellence (primary and secondary), disability and cultural responsiveness. When nominations open in mid-June, I encourage you to get behind your school's nomination

May also brings National Reconciliation Week, with students and staff encouraged to participate in the many activities and events happening across WA. National conversations around the Voice to Parliament are gathering momentum, bringing opportunities for us to reflect on and consider our own cultural responsiveness, and our commitment to reconciliation Principals have been provided with information and resources on creating culturally safe workplaces and learning environments.

Soccer fever is coming to Australia July is the FIFA Women’s World Cup, with 5 matches being played here in Perth I’m encouraging our schools and students to get involved with this exciting event and I hope you will too. It’s a great opportunity to ignite an interest in women’s soccer, promote this diverse sport and help children learn about other cultures and countries Who knows, we could inspire the next Sam Kerr to lace up the boots!

We all know some amazing, selfless and inspirational teachers and principals who have changed the lives of those around them If your life or that of your children has been positively impacted by an incredible educator you might like to submit an Order of Australia nomination to recognise that special teacher or principal It would be a really meaningful gesture of your appreciation

The issue of vaping has been very topical in recent months. We support the WA Department of Health’s anti-vaping campaign to create awareness about the danger of vaping Our role as parents and educators is to become better informed and support schools and communities with educating young people about the serious health implications that can come from vaping There is much to do in this space, and rest assured we are very serious about tackling this alongside you

As we approach the halfway point of 2023, I want to thank you again for your contribution and support. I’m truly excited about what’s to come and wish you all the best for the remainder of the year Go well!

Lisa Rodgers Director General, Education

@educationlisa

Lisa Rodgers

O F E D U C A T I O N

T H E D I R E C T O R G E N E R A L

M E S S A G E F R O M

Lisa Rodgers

YOUR SCHOOL CAN BE PART OF THE CHANGE

Schools and P&Cs are a huge part of Containers for Change WA, and we thank you for your hard work saving millions of containers from landfill.

We love nothing more than seeing groups reach their fundraising goals and there’s a lot of potential in our 10¢ containers By saving them from landfill and returning them through Containers for Change instead, your school community is not only helping the environment but also providing valuable fundraising opportunities for your school

Since Containers for Change started operating in WA in October 2020, over 2 billion 10¢ containers have been saved from landfill and over $8 million has been donated to local charities, causes and schools across WA With nearly $800,000 going to WA schools.

Beaconsfield Primary School is leading the way among schools in the Perth metro area, having raised almost $4,000 by collecting 10¢ containers Through Containers for Change, the school has found a way to meet its environmental goals and increase its sustainability, saving almost 40,000 10¢ containers from going to landfill, while also raising much needed funds for the school

Beaconsfield Primary School teacher Ceri Page said the school has used the funds for green initiatives including the native seedlings and a nature play area, as well as to create a FOGO pick up to further reduce the school’s waste.

“The refunds from Containers for Change are a winwin for Beaconsfield Primary School It’s great for the environment, it builds community awareness, and it means our school can use the money for green initiatives on site,” Ceri said

Ceri said one of the easiest components of fundraising with Containers for Change was the getting started process. Beaconsfield Primary P&C contacted its local refund point – Scouts in Cockburn – who provided the school with a 240L bin to start saving their 10¢ containers and arranged periodic collection.

"The students love to remind their parents to bring their containers to school and it means they are forming habits that will hopefully continue into their adult lives,” she added.

Beaconsfield Primary School

Borden Primary is leading the way in regional WA, and as well as being a fantastic fundraising opportunity, the primary school felt Containers for Change was an important way to help keep the area’s natural environment free from litter With just 29 students from 17 families, the school originally set a goal to make a couple of hundred dollars a year from Containers for Change, so were shocked to raise an incredible $2,718 in just 4 months! Since then, the school has continued kicking goals, recently reaching a total of $14,194 raised.

Containers for Change annual Change Maker Awards shine a light on the incredible individuals and organisations creating real change through the Scheme In 2022, more than 600 trailblazers were recognised; including the refund point operators, individuals, community groups, charities and schools who are leading the fight against litter and landfill. Be sure to keep an eye out later in the year when nominations open for the 2023 Change Maker Awards

The community can often support schools in their area by donating containers directly to a school during school hours or by quoting their school’s member number at their local refund point or bag drop when returning their own containers Some schools also team up with their local refund point to have their containers collected

2022 Community Group or Charity of the Year Change Maker Award winners Bremer Bay Primary School P&C, were also inspired to get involved with Containers for Change to keep their region beautiful.

Bremer Bay’s population grows from 350 to over 10,000 over the Christmas period, leaving bins overflowing, their pristine beaches covered in litter, and thousands of cans and bottles going straight to landfill.

With the support of Refund Point Operator’s, Containers for Cash Spencer Park, the passionate P&C of seven created a solution. Their innovative approach of putting hundreds of Containers for Change green bags around town, led them to save thousands of containers from landfill

Funds raised go towards subsiding the price of school camps, play equipment and anything else that the school requires at any given time

Want your school to join the trailblazers who are making a difference? Find out how to get started and for free resources to maximise your fundraising visit www.containersforchange.com.au

2021 Change Maker School of the Year winner Borden Primary School

2022 Change Maker Award winners Bremer Bay Primary School

FRIEND-RAISING NOT FUNDRAISING

With many new parents used to saying ‘goodbye’ to their kids at the school gates, the P&C has focused their energy on encouraging families back onto campus for events like sundowners and family movie nights. “It is so wonderful to see parents and families back on campus,” said Acting Principal, Jenny Hogan “The P&C have done a wonderful job of reengaging the community and getting them back into the school. While P&Cs are well known for their fundraising, which ours also does well, having engaged parents who love spending time at the school and are interested in what we do and their child’s learning environment is hugely beneficial.”

One of the recent events, the family movie night, saw over 300 people attending for an evening under the stars, complete with popcorn and an ice cream van. “We really want our community to enjoy spending time together and we love fostering a ‘one big family vibe”, says P&C President Lauren Schutz

The P&C has recently invested in a comprehensive review of the school grounds and will soon be revitalising many of the green spaces, including the vegetable gardens, and the oval They also hope to build an outdoor classroom This initiative comes following investment in new playground equipment and a new sun-smart policy, which included sponsorship from a local pharmacy for sunscreen The school’s grounds are extensive and well-loved by the kids, so giving them extra attention will reap huge rewards. “We can’t wait to start working on the grounds revitalisation project,” says Lauren, “and we are looking forward to seeing families get on board with the planning and implementation of new, engaging outdoor spaces for our children.”

Pania Turner, President

The Mount Pleasant P&C has been on a mission to reengage parents post-pandemic.

A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE OF WACSSO

My internship at WACSSO took place from March to May 2023, and I was given this opportunity on behalf of the McCusker Center for Citizenship unit at UWA.

During my time at WACSSO, the staff have been very welcoming and professional It was amazing to see all the work that the staff, State Councilors, and P&Cs put in to support and develop the public education sector in WA Reading all the amazing stories about the P&Cs as well as finding out more about the impact that WACSSO had, has been very inspiring

Toward the start of my internship, I attended the State Council meeting in March At this event, I was given the chance to meet and hear from the State Councillors I heard their concerns, and I was inspired by their strong commitment to education and the WA community. Despite all being busy parents and adults, they still spend so much of their time and effort serving the community It was fascinating to see firsthand how WACSSO worked collaboratively with government agencies, schools, and parent groups to advocate for policies that would benefit students and families It was also inspiring to see how passionate and dedicated the team at WACSSO was in their work and how much impact they were able to make.

With Susanna as my supervisor, I’ve learned so much about WACSSO, gotten amazing work experience and I’ve even been able to develop some of my technical skills. As I am majoring in computer science, I was hoping to get some technical experience I learned so much about web development by making changes to the website Aside from working on the website, I also helped with data and social media management.

Overall, my internship at WACSSO was an incredibly rewarding experience that helped me to develop my skills, gain valuable experience, and better understand the education sector It was an inspiring experience and I hope that I will also be able to contribute to the community in the future like the amazing team at WACSSO

Sersang Ngedup WACSSO Intern, 2023

ADDING COLOUR TO THE CLOSE OF TERM

Duncraig Primary School was a

hive of activity and colour on the final Monday of Term One. The bi-annual colour run, which the P&C organise, is a highlight of the school calendar.

Excitement and anticipation levels were high as students arrived at the oval, awaiting instructions on how the afternoon will run Dressed in white and, this year, sporting rainbow headbands and sunglasses, everyone was ready for fun

“Our colour run is a major fundraiser,” says P&C President, Donna Baker “The parents, staff and students really get behind this event and it is a super fun day We are really pleased that we’ve been able to add an extra donation option this year, with our science teacher, Ms. Jackson volunteering to be slimed! Students donated for the opportunity to pour green slime over her, which was a very fun way to start the afternoon! Overall, through this event, our community has raised over $30k for the school, breaking the record set last in previous years We are thrilled with this result”

The Duncraig P&C has funded many initiatives at the school, including name plates for the Indigenous artworks displaying the Noongar seasons, the vegetable garden which helps provide food to the canteen, netball activities, resources for the library, new playground equipment and iPad applications that are used both in the classrooms and at home “Our fundraising initiatives are always strongly supported by the Duncraig community a we have a great relationships with the school administration We’re so pleased to have been able to fund so many important projects at the school, all for the benefit of the kids,” says Donn

As predicted, the colour run was a huge success, with kids heading home at the end of the day covered in bright powder and foam and sporting huge smiles Parents were invited to attend, to watch, and even join in with the event, and the strong sense of community was evident. Securing a major sponsor for the colour run, Mr Chris Jones of Davey Real Estate who covered majority of the costs of the event, and additional contributions from Foodies IGA Duncraig, who are a consistent supporter of the school and Bunnings Balcatta meant that every dollar raised by the P&C from the community will be invested back into the school

“I would like to thank all the volunteers who helped make today a reality, plus of course my outstanding P&C Committee for all the work they put into this event I’d also like to thank and congratulate the community for their support, both through donations and attendance. It was so wonderful to see the oval heaving with families, all having a marvellous time! We look forward to investing the proceeds of this fundraiser into initiatives that will benefit the students,” said Donna.

'Mine, Yours, Ours: Taking Collective Care of Our Children’

Our theme for 2023 ‘Yours, Mine, Ours’ captures the collective responsibility we have for the safety and education of our children. The Conference theme also acknowledges that the focus on mental health and looking after each other remains pertinent post-pandemic.

We know parents connect with the idea of ‘it takes a village’ to raise a child, and the diverse nature of roles and responsibilities attributed to P&Cs fits with the theme of collective responsibility.

Workshops and speakers at Conference 2023 will aim to cover topics such as mental health, encouraging community participation, teamwork, the multi-focal purpose of P&Cs, effective advocacy, supporting diversity in the community, helping young people plan their futures, attracting diverse committee members and engaging the school community.

Registration is now open! Click here to secure your place.

WACSSO State Councillors