P&C Voice 2021 Conference/Term 3 Edition

P&C VOICE 2021 Conference/Term 3 Edition

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THE COLLECTIVE VOICE OF PARENTS CALL FOR ACTION AT CONFERENCE Aside from the significant century milestone, Conference provided P&Cs with the opportunity to debate and vote on priority issues facing their school communities.

Where community consultation has signalled expansion is required, that the Government ensure that the required funding and planning is in place to move in a timely manner.

Perth Modern School P&C called for action on developments next to and in close proximity of schools.

Receiving strong support from metropolitan and regional P&Cs, the agenda item raised parents’ concerns relating to student and staff privacy and safety. WA planning firsts were also raised with Conference supporting the call to recognise P&Cs as important stakeholders and representatives of their school communities, requesting that they are included during planning consultation.

Sustainability and election promises were also a hot topic, as Mosman Park Primary School P&C called for WACSSO to seek an update on the progression of the Solar Schools and School Clean Energy Technology programs.

Student mental health remains a concern for parents with Albany Senior High School P&C requesting an increase in funding to address critical services that support student wellbeing. The motion put to Conference recognised the Mental Health and Wellbeing Framework as the standard to meet when seeking to improve outcomes for students.

WHAT’S INSIDE From the President’s Pen Message from Minister for Education and Training 2021 P&C Day WA A Voice for Parents – School Bus Services Good News Story 2021 WACSSO Annual Conference 100 Years of WACSSO: The Third 25 Years; WACSSO Heritage Trail A Different Perspective of WACSSO Noticeboard 2021 Conference Sponsors

It was inspiring to see the passion of P&Cs delegates as they spoke on behalf of their school communities.

The collective call to action from P&Cs across WA remains a powerful aspect of Annual Conference, which drives WACSSO’s advocacy work.

Thank you to all delegates who took part in the Agenda Item session. A detailed list of action items carried at can be found on page 12.

Kinross Community College P&C has long campaigned for the right for metropolitan schools operating on a middle school model to transition to a Senior High School model, allowing Years 11 and 12 students to complete their schooling at the one campus. The need for genuine community consultation to ensure decisions regarding Years 11 and 12 reflect the community’s views and is in the best interest of students.

P&C Voice is the official publication of the Western Australian Council of State School Organisations Inc. (WACSSO) President: Pania Turner PO Box 6295 East Perth 5892 | 151 Royal Street East Perth 6004 p (08) 9264 4000 f (08) 9264 4948 e info@wacsso.wa.edu.au wacsso.wa.edu.au Contibutions from individuals and affiliates are welcome

FROM THE PRESIDENT’S PEN Welcome to the Term 3 Annual Conference Edition of the P&C Voice.

WOW! What a celebration of 100 Years of WACSSO, partnering with parents since 1921. To all conference attendees, thank you for sharing your passion and energy, your participation in workshops, and your voice in debates and questions raised during the Agenda Items session. Thank you so much for being so supportive of our exhibitors and presenters. Thank you for your networking and encouragement of fellow P&Cs and your commitment to be leaders within your committees.

You are now charged to take the torch of inspiration and motivation back into your school communities, to empower and to build up.

Feeding our minds and souls over the weekend were the exceptional speakers, workshop presenters and student performances. On behalf of our P&Cs I say thank you for sharing your information, expertise, opinions, and music with us.

To our all our invited guests, thank you for attending and showing your support, we hope you enjoyed celebrating our birthday with us.

I want to also extend my very great appreciation to WACSSO Staff and WACSSO State Council. I have named it during the conference, but I will state again that they are a stand-up, stand-out team. This team brings a diversity of skills and experience to the WACSSO table, all aiming to continue the work and support you, our affiliates.

It is a great privilege to work amongst their ranks and an honour to lead an exceptional team.

WACSSO has the responsibility to act upon and advocate for the issues resolved at Annual Conference. All letters have now been sent to Ministers and the Department of Education.

Building on this initial action, WACSSO will continue to raise these items in meetings and forums. Where the response is not satisfactory, we will follow-up and continue to advocate on your behalf.

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A new edition to this year’s conference was the WACSSO 100 Years Heritage Trail. This walkthrough installation is a timeline journey showcasing 100 years of parents in public education, featuring highlights from both WACSSO and P&C history. Working on this project with the WACSSO team, we were constantly reminded of the power of collective action, as parents and citizens called for and contributed to reform, better practice and excellence in education. As I review the agenda items and questions submitted by P&Cs raised with the Minister for Education and the Deputy Director General, I know this collective voice is still strong today.

I want to welcome to the WACSSO Team, Michelle Slater, who has taken up the new Executive Officer position.

Michelle’s role supports the State Council in the implementation of WACSSO’s vision and strategic goals, as well as leading WACSSO staff to deliver critical services to affiliates. It’s great to have you onboard Michelle.

P&C Day WA was held on the 23rd July, bringing an overwhelming response from schools across the State as they have celebrated and shared messages of appreciation for their P&Cs. Handmade cards and social media video clips, morning and afternoon teas, assemblies and special certificates, messages from the Minister and Director General, shout-outs from education organisations, no matter what the gesture of thanks was it was all to say P&Cs we see you and thank you for all that you do!

Throughout WACSSO’s history, student’s health and wellbeing have been an area of focus and advocacy. Recently the report of the DETECT Schools Study: Understanding the Impact of COVID-19 in Western Australian Schools was released, and concerningly, highlighted a significant decline in student mental health.

Pania Turner

Of particular interest to WACSSO is the experiences of the parents who also participated in the survey. The report showed that most parents who responded felt they had the resources and capabilities to support their child’s learning and wellbeing during the experienced lockdowns.

The report highlighted ‘the need to support parent capacity and connect parents of school-age children to effective promotion, prevention and treatment mental health services in their communities.’ Again, we see the importance of connected school communities, where each school community member can contribute to strength and resilience, which then assists in better outcomes for students.

Western Australia has not experienced the full impact of extended lockdowns; our thoughts are with the many families in Australia who are again faced with these challenges. However, I know that just like in WA, their P&Cs and P&Fs are working hard to support school communities.

You can find the full report at: https:// www.telethonkids.org.au/globalassets/media/documents/projects/ detect-schools-study-final-report-and-appendices.pdf

Pania Turner President

Our local P&Cs do a fantastic job bringing school communities together. There is no doubt that having engaged parents working with their school makes a big difference in the lives and success of students and I sincerely thank you for all the work you do.

The McGowan Government places a high priority on education and training.

We are committed to ensuring every child in Western Australia has the best possible opportunity to succeed and I am pleased that at the 2021 State Election, we were able to make a number of key commitments to support this.

These commitments included $200 million for additions and improvements to secondary, primary, district high and education support schools, $104 million investment in student wellbeing, $95 million for new initiatives to enhance VET delivered to secondary students as well as funding to enhance our STEM programs in schools.

We have also raised the threshold of our popular Direct to Market program to allow greater autonomy for schools to manage their own maintenance and minor works.

Schools are now able to undertake works up to a value of $50,000 – up from $20,000 – through direct procurement from the market.

Our election commitments will see the development of additional career information for parents or guardians. We recognise that parents or guardians are still the most significant influencers of career decisions.

I am also well aware of the importance that WACSSO and P&Cs place on sustainability and sustainability projects in schools and I am pleased that a further election commitment includes funding for clean energy solutions. As a result, we have extended the solar program to a further 28 schools in the Kimberley and Pilbara and allocated funds for an additional six schools (three in Kalgoorlie and three in Geraldton) with Virtual Power Plant (VPP) battery systems, giving schools access to funding for energy solutions.

I recently visited Kalgoorlie was very happy to be able to open the first VPP now in operation at the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Community High School.

We want students in Western Australia to embrace science and new technologies and by turning schools into virtual power plants, students get a practical look at how energy is generated in a sustainable way. The skills learned in this program will help set students up for the jobs of the future while at the same time, schools will save on their energy bills.

We have also allocated a further $35.2 million for a Clean Energy Technology Fund for Schools. The Department of Education is working to develop a framework for this program, which will be delivered over four years.

Finally, I am also pleased that we have now established a new parent complaint process within the Department of Education. The partnership between parents and schools has traditionally been a cornerstone of a strong public education system, and the century-long connection with WACSSO serves to further build on this. Evidence shows that, where there is a strong relationship between families and schools, it results in better outcomes for students. The partnership and WACSSO’s role in promoting it is valued.

An important part of maintaining this connection with parents and families, is to have clear and appropriate avenues for raising and managing, concerns and complaints. When a parent voices a concern about their child’s schooling, they have a right to be heard, and have their concerns genuinely considered and responded to appropriately.

MESSAGE FROM MINISTER FOR EDUCATION AND TRAINING

It was with great pleasure that I was able to attend the opening of the 2021 WACCSO Conference and celebrate this centenary year. It was great to see so many school P&C representatives from across the State in attendance.

In the interests of further strengthening the complaints management framework – and ensuring parents are informed and supported when making complaints – the Department has also established the new role of Parent Liaison Coordinator. The Parent Liaison Office will provide support for complex case management and protracted complaint processes and will have a strong focus on accessibility and making sure that support is available.

Sue Ellery Minister for Education

Hon Sue Ellery

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2021 P&C DAY WA

A SNAPSHOT FROM THROUGHOUT THE STATE The third annual P&C Day WA was the biggest one yet!

It was heartwarming to see such large participation in the celebrations from school communities, local MPs, education stakeholders, teachers, school staff, and students. Looking through the social media posts attached to #pandcday, we see countless P&C appreciation posts, including videos of students, teachers and staff saying thanks to their P&Cs, images of all the great things have provided, acknowledgements from the Minister for Education and heaps of local MPs, and many more inspiring posts.

WACSSO State Councillors and staff attended various events in different locations throughout Western Australia. A few staff members had the pleasure of attending the Hudson Park Primary School P&C Day event. The school put on a lovely morning tea and organised for two students to thank the P&C, and the school Principal made a lovely speech about the importance of the P&C in their school community.

Hudson Park PS students also made a few different appreciation cards for their P&C. A huge thank you to Hudson Park PS for inviting WACSSO to attend.

their continued support for P&Cs, and their assistance in helping grow the annual event.

This year we saw considerable involvement of Members of Parliament in P&C Day WA. MPs were involved in a variety of different ways, including attending/hosting P&C Day events, posting promotional videos and sending out letters of appreciation to P&Cs. It is great to see these local representatives connecting with P&Cs on this level, as we so often find that creating networks helps P&Cs achieve all that they do. We encourage all P&Cs to contact your local MP to let them know all that your association does for the school community.

Continued on next page...

WACSSO President, Pania Turner was excited to be able attend with her local P&C a morning tea put on

by Norseman District High School where all members received handwritten thank you cards from students.

It was encouraging to see such strong involvement in P&C Day WA from the Department of Education. The Department helped promote, develop resources, and encouraged Principals, Teachers and school staff to celebrate the event. The Department also organised a letter from the Director General, Lisa Rodgers to be sent to WA P&C members. Ms Rodgers also attended a P&C Day ceremony at Shenton College, meeting with P&C members, school staff, and students to celebrate the day. WACSSO would like to thank the Department for

Members of the Norseman DHS P&C

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East Wanneroo PS P&C Members

Q&A Every day the WACSSO office receives enquiries from P&C members about the running of their P&C Association. The following are just some of the questions asked with answers that may be helpful to your Association.

Lisa Rodgers (second from the right) attends a P&C Day WA event at Shenton College with P&C members, students and school staff.

Watching P&C Day WA grow fills WACSSO with immense excitement. It shows the power P&Cs have to make school communities strong and that Western Australia recognises the fantastic contributions made by P&Cs. Thank you to everyone involved!

We are always looking for new ways to increase the participation in P&C Day WA, and think it is incredibly important that school communities acknowledge their hard-working P&Cs. With each new person partaking in P&C Day celebrations, the collective voice and reputation of P&Cs is strengthened. To help WACSSO support school communities in celebrating future P&C Days, we have created our P&C Day WA Feedback Survey. The survey has been sent to all P&C Vice-Presidents (the WACSSO liasion) and Principals. If you did not the receive the survey please contact communications@wacsso.wa.edu.au.

If there is a question you would like answered that does not appear here, please contact the WACSSO office or your WACSSO State Councillor.

Q: If an Executive Member leaves their position, is there a requirement to return any P&C documents or records they have in their possession?

A: Yes, all records must be returned.

There are now financial penalties under the Associations Incorporation Act 2015 for members who do not return required records.

The P&C should request the return of the documents in writing. It is a good idea to send a return-addressed postage pack by registered mail to the former executives postal address.

Q: Can an aspect of an Office Bearer’s role be delegated to another member?

Hudson Park PS P&C & Principal

A: Yes, as an example there may be times the Treasurer may not be able to do the banking because they are away on holiday. The P&C should foresee such occurrences and resolve to delegate roles to financial members at one of the first meetings of the year.

These resolutions should always be minuted so a permanent record is kept of the arrangement.

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A VOICE FOR PARENTS – SCHOOL BUS SERVICES Orange school buses are a familiar sight across regional WA as they travel along country roads, collecting children waiting patiently at farm gates and returning them home at the end of the school day.

Over 26,000 students use School Bus Services, with the transport service playing a critical role in school attendance for families in regional and remote Western Australia. School Bus Services also provide transport for many children with specific needs to attend education support schools.

Issues with School Bus Services has been raised often

by WACSSO affiliates. Recently, WACSSO was contacted by parents of children attending a metropolitan education support school regarding replacing a travel allowance instead of access to the service. Where families have siblings of the child needing the transport attending local schools, many parents were asked to travel up to two hours per day. The impact on siblings and the ability to schedule work around this travel meant that parents were faced with the terrible choice of removing their children from the school that gives their child the best opportunity for success in their education. We are pleased to say that some progress is being made to resolve this issue.

Munglingup P&C has also called for WACSSO’s assistance regarding the reduction of bus services to their school. WACSSO is pleased to announce that their request for a joint meeting with senior representatives of the Department of Education and the School Bus Services to highlight the lack of consultation and the impact on the whole school community is scheduled.

The WACSSO President has written to the Hon Sue Ellery, MLC, Minister for Education and Training, and the Hon Rita Saffioti, MLA, Minister for Transport; Planning; Ports, to express our concerns. The President has also met with Mr Peter Rundle, the Shadow Minister for Education and Training.

On the 18th of August, Minister Saffioti announced a Parliamentary Public Accounts review of regional school bus services. The review focuses on the Public Transport Authority’s Student Transport Assistance Policy Framework, which provides students living in remote or rural areas with transport assistance to attend school.

WACSSO welcomes the review as a crucial step in addressing the issue; we call upon affiliates to share their experiences, both the positive and negative, with WACSSO by emailing communications@wacsso.wa.edu. au.

GOOD NEWS STORY: RICHMOND PRIMARY SCHOOL P&C – CENTENARY FAIR Richmond Primary School celebrated its centenary on March 20, 2021. This historical event was made possible by a dedicated team of parents & teachers who met regularly for a 12-month period. Everyone involved shared a vision to make the event a celebration for the local community which acknowledges the school’s rich history and promising future.

and their families getting involved in the festivities.

To build support for the event the P&C organising committee (named Team 100) engaged with a Local MP and businesses for sponsorship and donations for raffle prizes. Swan Yacht Club came onboard and sponsored BAR 100, including providing a DJ who was a parent at the school.

The centenary fair was packed with awesome live performances from local High Schools, dance schools and past students, all performing on the main stage. We also had a special treat from the Richmond students who performed the centenary song written by Eskimo Joe, an alumni of the school.

The event will be remembered for what it was, a once in a centenary community event that brought everyone together during a pandemic. From the oldest person to the youngest person everyone will remember March 20th as the best day at Richmond Primary School.

The scale of this event was HUGE, being the biggest school and local community event held in East Fremantle since George Street Festival in 2019. Engagement from all aspects of the community was outstanding, with alumi, local residents, current students, service students

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Special thank you to the hard-working committee, Service Students from Iona, Santa Maria College, CBC & Aquinas. The team of Richmond Parents who volunteered on the day as well.

Susan Ryan & Romy Surtees Richmond Primary School Parents & Citizens Association

2021 WACSSO ANNUAL CONFERENCE

PARTNERING WITH PARENTS TO ADVANCE PUBLIC EDUCATION SINCE 1921

CONFERENCE AS IT HAPPENED Day 1: Saturday 21st August The 2021 WACSSO Annual Conference opened with a heartwarming Welcome to Country from Geraldine Hayden. Geraldine, having worked in education for over 13 years, emphasised the importance of education and the role of parents in this journey.

WACSSO President, Pania Turner then took to the stage to officially opened the 87th Conference of the Organisation.

Conference attendees had the pleasure of witnessing a beautiful performance by students from Mosman Park School for Deaf Children. The children performed their rendition of the song ‘We Are Australian’, this featured the song being performed in three languages – Auslan,

Following morning tea, which included eating the tasty centenary cake, the WACSSO Conference went into the Agenda Item session. During this session delegates voted on Agenda Items submitted by State Council and affiliated P&Cs. See page 12 for full list of Conference Resolutions and Action Items.

Keynote speaker Suzy Urbaniak who is the CoRE Lead at CoRE Learning Foundation and the 2020 WA Local Hero, Australian of the Year Awards took to the stage.

Suzy discussed her journey in the areas of STEM and education, highlighting the importance of participation in these topics. She discussed developing science based industries which the WA students would be leading in the future, encouraging parents and carers to prepare their children for future Australian workplaces.

Suzy discussed how it was imperative that STEM education strive for equity, to ensure a promising future.

Wongi and English.

The Minister for Education and Training, Hon Sue Ellery MLC BA addressed Conference. The Minister spoke about the major operations of the Western Australian Government regarding public education in Western Australia, highlighting how the Government was tracking on fulfilling numerous election promises. We had over 20 questions submitted by WA P&Cs, the Minister answered as many as the time permitted and has committed to provide a response for all unanswered questions. Following her speech, the Minister joined the WACSSO President and Life Members, David Forrester and Kylie Catto, in cutting the 100-year WACSSO birthday cake.

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This year’s student panel consisted of four students, Guy Archibald (Year 12), Shreeya Naroth (Year 10) and Maria Beswick (Year 9) from Churchlands SHS, and Neve Brickwood (Year 12) from Manea Senior College.

Panellists spoke on a range of topics, from raising awareness of homelessness, to applying theoretical frameworks from medicine to better prepare high school students for their future educational pathways.

Panellists took questions from the floor, answering the questions with maturity and level-headedness far beyond their ages. The student panel gave testament to how today’s youth are the leaders of tomorrow, outlining their vision to address issues faced by society.

Continued on pages 9-10.

Day one of Conference closed with the anticipated Networking Sundowner. With our foundation taking place in 1921, we thought what better theme than the 1920s.

Thank you to delegates for embracing the theme, and of course, thank you to Grange Insurance for sponsoring this highly anticipated feature of Conference. See pages 16-17 for Sundowner photos.

Day 2: Sunday 22nd August

Next up, we saw a presentation from Constable Care Foundation (CCF) CEO David Gribble. David discussed the Youth Choices and City After Dark CCF programs/ initiatives. He also unveiled the brand new Ethics and Critical Thinking pilot study, which develops ethical and critical thinking skills in primary school students. The program hopes to resonate within P&C communities, as the lessons are delivered by trained volunteers, hoping for involvement from P&Cs. Next up, delegates had the option to attend one of these four workshop sessions: • Des Duguid, Department of Education, Road Safety and Drug Education Branch – Why we shouldn’t leave school-based drug education until leavers.

• Amanda Ferguson, WASCA – Planning for Profit, moving away from the abacus.

• Taryn Wren, ySafe – Protecting Children in their Digital Worlds.

• Dr Megan Paull – Working Towards a Common Goal, Volunteer Interactions.

To start the second day of Conference, delegates had the option to attend one of these four workshop sessions: • Di Wilcox, The Magic Coat – Creating Calm, Confident and Caring Kids.

• Rachael Roberts, Natasha Rogers and David Paddon – Sustainability Panel Discussion.

• Debi Taylor, WAESPAA – Education Support Myths and Legends.

• Chris Nunn, Matt Butterworth and Andrew Emerson, Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA – P&C Employment.

It was a pleasure to have Jeremy Chetty, Co-Founder of Student Edge address Conference. Jeremy discussed the next step in the Student Edge service, providing a new type of membership that features a range of different tools and services. He explained how this platform evolution engages with parents and helps students prepare for their future career pathways.

Before the Networking Sundowner, we gathered attendees in the Grand Ballroom foyer for a large group photo, courtesy of MSP Photography.

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Next up, we heard from Inspirational Speaker Michelle Cowan. Michelle has a long list of credentials, including 2013 Football Woman of the Year, Inaugural Senior Coach of Fremantle Dockers Women’s Team (AFLW) and 2014 AFL DSR Coach of the Year. She brought a tremendous amount of energy to Conference, presenting in a way that delivered the perfect mixture of inspiration and comedy. Michelle discussed her journey to become an AFL coach whilst providing Conference attendees with insight on fulfilling leadership roles, perseverance and teamwork.

The final guest speaker of Conference was Jim Bell, Deputy Director General of the Department of Education.

Jim spoke on the importance and positive impact that P&Cs bring, and how it has stayed consistent

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throughout his time in the education sector. It was encouraging to see that the Department of Education strongly acknowledged the importance of P&Cs and the crucial role parents play in a student’s educational journey. Jim also addressed several questions submitted by P&Cs to be answered on behalf of the Director General. Questions that were not answered at Conference have been referred to the Department for response.

The 2021 WACSSO Annual Conference was a special event, made possible by the hardwork of the WACSSO team, presenters, sponsors, and of course our amazing network of Western Australian P&Cs. We are so pleased we were able to host the event in-person, as seeing, hearing and being with P&C members from throughout the State makes Conference the special occasion it is.

Thank you to everyone that attended and helped make Conference happen. We look forward to seeing you next year!

SHOWCASING STUDENT ARTWORK Grandis Primary School

Karrinyup Primary School

Churchlands Senior High School

Sheoak Grove Primary School

Westminster Schools

Parkfield Primary School

Woodvale Secondary College

Belmay Primary School

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ANNUAL CONFERENCE ACTION ITEMS In the lead up to Annual Conference, our affiliated P&Cs are given to opportunity to submit Agenda Items to be voted on during the agenda session at Conference. If accepted, these motions become Action Items, meaning they will be acted upon by WACSSO. The following Action Items were accepted at Conference: Action Item AC 06/2021 That the WACSSO President writes to the Director General of Education and the Minister for Education and Training advising the views of parents in Western Australia that no public school in Western Australia will have their staff and student privacy, safety, security, amenity and wellbeing compromised by new physical developments on the edge, periphery or within close vicinity of their school unless supported by school stakeholders including Parents & Citizens associations.

Action Item AC 07/2021 That the WACSSO President writes to the Director General of Education and Education Minister reflecting the views of Parents & Citizens Associations are not supportive of the school planning “WA firsts” adopted by Subiaco East that set unnecessary precedents potentially affecting all public schools within Western Australia.

Action Item AC 08/2021 That the WACSSO President write to the Hon Sue Ellery BA MLC Minister for Education and Training and the Hon Amber-Jade Sanderson BA MLA requesting the Ministers outline the State Government’s progress on delivering their election commitment of the Solar Schools program and the Schools Clean Energy Technology program in Western Australian schools. That the President also request that school communities are given timely updates on the progression of these programs. Without these programs, schools face an expensive, time consuming and noncompetitive tender process for solar installation that restricts any progress unless resolved.

Action Item AC 09/2021 That the WACSSO President write to the Department of Education recommending that: 1.) The Education Department ensure that the required funding and planning permission be immediately made available to those Metropolitan schools still operating on the Middle School model, to begin the transition to Senior High School status and expedite the construction of school facilities to allow the continued education of students enrolled at the school where school grounds permit.

2.) That the State Government undertake authentic and priority consultation with the communities of metropolitan secondary school operating as Year 7 to Year 10, with the intent of expanding to include Year 11 and Year 12 where that decision reflects the majority community views and recognises it is in the best interest of the students.

Action Item AC 10/2021 That the WACSSO President write to the Hon Sue Ellery BA MLC, Minister for Education and Training and request the Government allocate more funds to schools for the staffing and resourcing Student Wellbeing/Pastoral care teams with an aim to improve outcomes for students under the Mental Health and Wellbeing framework and program implementation.

For a full list of Agenda Items and Resolutions from Conference, visit: https://www.wacsso.wa.edu.au/ media/2010/2021-wacsso-conference-resolutions-and-action-items.pdf.

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LAUNCH OF THE LONG SERVING P&C MEMBER AWARD The 2021 WACSSO Conference provided the perfect opportunity to launch the new Long-Serving P&C Member Award. P&C members who are nominated by their P&C and fall into the following categories are eligible: • • •

Bronze Award – 15-years of service.

Silver Award – 20-years of service.

Gold Award – 30-years service.

As we celebrate our centenary and acknowledge notable figures who provided long term service to the Organisation, we thought this appreciation should be extended to P&C Members who have provided many years of service to their school community.

Yvonne Chow receiving her certificate from Pania Turner.

The first recipients of the new award were: Yvonne Chow, Mundaring PS P&C – Bronze Award Margaret Patullo, Kinross PS P&C – Silver Award Norman Gibbons, Westminster Schools P&C – Silver Award Jan Hazendonk, Ashburton Drive PS P&C – Gold Award If your P&C has a long-serving member you would like to nominate for the award, notify us of the length of service, member’s name and associated P&Cs by emailing affiliates@wacsso.wa.edu.au.

L-R: Jan Hazendonk - Margaret Patullo - Norman Gibbons.

CARINE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL JAZZ BAND

During the Conference Networking Sundowner, attendees had the pleasure of hearing the tantalizing sounds of the Carine Senior High School Jazz Band. Thank you to the teachers and parents who helped make this happen, and of course, thank you to the students for providing the soundtrack to our 1920s themed sundowner.

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WACSSO CONFERENCE s 1920 THEMED SUNDOWNER

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SPONSORED BY

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WACSSO’S THIRD 25 YEARS

WACSSO State Councillors

To celebrate our centenary, we have dedicated each 2021 edition of the P&C Voice to a specific 25-year perioud in our history. This edition looks at moments in our third quarter century.

During the third 25-years of WACSSO (1971 - 1996) we saw significant changes to the world and public education in Western Australia, as the way we see classrooms today started to take shape. Some notable WACSSO moments during this period include: •

1973 – At Conference it was decided the name of the The Western Australian Federation of Parents and Citizens to the Western Australian Council of State School Organisations, and so WACSSO was born.

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1976 – On 10 May, WACSSO became an Incorporated Association.

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1982 – WACSSO organised the ‘BMX Dragons rebate scheme,’ whereby profits from sales of a bicycle initially designed and made by Wanneroo Senior High School Council’s President and students would benefit the P&C Associations that achieved those sales.

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1987 – WACSSO welcomed the banning of the cane in schools as an outcome of the Federal Equal Opportunities Act, noting that whilst many parents still supported its use as a last resort, schools would adopt new methods to manage discipline.

1992 – WACSSO joined the negotiating team for the newly created position of Education Ombudsman, hoping to ensure the role would hold credibility in the community and exceed the powers of the existing Regulation 135, which dealt only with complaints against teachers.

WACSSO had advocated for this position since 1966.

CENTENARY HERITAGE TRAIL Over the past six months, as part of the WACSSO Centenary celebration, we have been collecting and collating our rich history to develop a visually engaging display that embodies our story. The result of this project is the WACSSO Heritage Trail. The Heritage Trail is made up Partnering with parents in of ten 1800mm by 1200mm public education since 1921. panels, which highlight significant moments in our 1921-2021 history, prominent areas Acknowledgement Our inception Our homes of Country throughout history of advocacy over the last 100-years, the people who About us have contributed to the organisation, the history of P&Cs in Western Australia, and where WACSSO is looking in the future.

The Western Australian Council of State School Organisations pays our respects to the First Nations and Traditional Owners throughout Australia, recognising their connection to land, waters and skies.

We acknowledge parents, families, Elders and communities as the first educators, sharers of culture and knowledge; and recognise the value this learning holds for children and young people.

Community involvement has been part of the state school system in WA since its initiation. When the Board of Education was created in 1847 its first report advocated that “the establishment of a school in any particular district should in some degree depend upon the exertions and sacrifices which the inhabitants are willing to make.” Local committees were formed alongside new schools. When WA’s first Education Act was adopted in 1871 the local committees became District Boards, with the continued aim of encouraging “…voluntary efforts in support of the schools.” The creation of the Education Department in 1893 foreshadowed the eventual demise of District Boards, but P&C Associations began to appear in their wake, quickly growing in numbers, and in the opinion of the Education Department, turning schools into “valuable social community-centres.”

1929

PRESIDENT:

Pania Turner 0477 644 000

ELECTORATE:

COUNCILLOR:

CANNING - East

Scott Mosey 0401 637 716

CANNING - North Canning - West

Nominations Required

FREMANTLE

Nominations Required

GOLDFIELDSESPERANCE

Nominations Required

GREAT SOUTHERN

Julie Brooks 0429 016 253

JOONDALUP - East

Rob Fairholme 0435 779 801

JOONDALUP - West

Tony Osborne 0419 925 701

MIDWEST

The Federation was established in 1921. Sixty delegates from 38 P&C Associations attended the first Conference on 13 August.

Leanne Ruston 0407 477 283

PEEL - North

Dannielle Crawford 0407 717 555

PEEL - South

Vivienne Cantem 0447 297 156

PERTH - North

Jenny Blair 0488 990 729

PERTH - South

Anne Fairbanks 0411 256 079

SOUTH WEST

Nominations Required

SWAN - East

Nominations Required

SWAN - West

Nominations Required

WARREN BLACKWOOD

Nominations Required

The Federation’s first office! Within the Public Works Department on St Georges Terrace, Perth.

Public Works Department on St Georges

Terrace, Perth

1947

The Old University Block, 509 Hay Street, Perth.

We influence the direction of public education for the benefit of students.

For 100 years, we have worked passionately with school organisations to improve the public education system - never losing sight of a simple principle; that we are stronger together.

1957

Which is why we work every day to build the individual capacity of all of our affiliates - empowering them through a number of support services, knowledge sharing and learning opportunities. It’s also the reason we recognise the power of presenting a collective voice for the views of all P&Cs. As one, we have the strength and fearlessness to advocate for the positive change that will truly make a difference.

1961

56 Murray Street, Perth.

Cecil Building, 6 Sherwood Court, Perth.

1966

638 Murray Street, West Perth.

Together with the P&C community and all of our stakeholders, we work tirelessly to advance public education in Western Australia, so that every child has the best chance to realise their potential and live the life they deserve.

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Our affiliate numbers throughout history

Our publications Today, WACSSO produces a vast range of publications and documents to assist and inform affiliates and the wider education community, including our staple periodical magazine P&C Voice. Here is a snapshot of our muchloved magazine throughout history.

and staff 2021

1921: 38

1926 The first edition of the Federation’s first periodical, the Parents & Citizens Broadcaster was published in June, edited by Ettie Hooton.

Our services

1954: 357

WACSSO operates via three main branches of service.

Support for P&Cs: We provide tailored insurance, expert advice and facilitate relationships in education and business.

Learning for P&Cs:

1964: 449 1970: 550

1955 The WA Parent & Citizen magazine was launched in May, with 20,000 copies circulated each month.

1956 In May, The Parents’ and Citizens’ Broadcaster magazine was renamed to The West Australian Parent & Citizen.

We build the capacity of our representatives and our affiliates through our resources, training and services. Annual Conference provides another platform for networking, engagement and training.

Advocacy for P&Cs: We represent and amplify the views of our affiliates to positively influence the direction of education. We provide a consolidated channel for Government to engage with parents.

WHEATBELT SOUTH

Nominations Required

1982

WACSSO moved into the Department of Education building at 151 Royal Street East Perth and remains at this address today. The workplace of six WACSSO staff members, this location within the Department facilitates access to important education stakeholders, is a business contact point for our affiliates, and provides a central hub for the WACSSO State Council.

WACSSO State Council

Tanya Gibson 0427 976 880

Albert House, 10 Victoria Avenue, Perth.

Mount Hawthorn Primary School P&C, 1918.

Photo courtesy of City of Vincent Library.

The Heritage Trail was unveiled at Conference, catching the attention of many Conference attendees. Over the coming year, WACSSO is looking to display the panels in various locations to share our important history.

The feature will shortly be adapted into an online version for all to enjoy.

WHEATBELT NORTH

1969

Today, WACSSO is largely a volunteer organisation made up of Councillors from 20 electorates across Western Australia.

2010: 650 1995 New-look magazine P&C Voice was launched.

2021: 668

2000 WACSSO launched its first weekly email newsletter ‘WACSSO eNews,’ hitting 1000 subscribers in just 12 months

Paula Steenson 0409 076 476

NORTH WEST

It was no accident that one such P&C Association was formed in Mount Hawthorn, the neighbourhood of women’s activist and editor Harriet (Ettie) Hooton, who would go on to establish the first iteration of WACSSO, The Western Australian Federation of Parents and Citizens. One of Ettie’s first notable education campaigns was her work to have a local kindergarten established in Mount Hawthorn.

The Western Australian Council of State School Organisations (WACSSO) is the peak body representing parents of public school students in Western Australia.

We provide services and representation at State and National level to Parents and Citizens Associations (P&Cs) in Western Australia.

Jaxson Gazeley 0487 701 822

Contact the WACSSO office on (08) 9264 4000 if your P&C would like to nominate someone to represent a vacant electorate or if you would like further information on the roles and responsibilities of a State Councillor.

A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE OF WACSSO I interned at WACSSO from June 2021 to July 2021. I was able to do this internship on behalf of the McCusker Centre for Citizenship who were kind enough to partner me up with WACSSO. Heading into my internship I did not really know what to expect. Having only been a high school graduate for one and a half years I only had an external viewpoint on what P&Cs do. I saw that they did great things for my primary and secondary schools, but I never really saw what was going on behind the scenes. My dad and Mum were joint Treasurers of my primary school’s P&C but, being a young kid, a lot of the finer details were lost to me. I fondly remember going to another school fete so that my mum could use it for reference when trying to design our school’s fete.

I was blown away by the amount of skill and effort that went behind the scenes in so many P&Cs. I learnt that P&Cs had a hand in shaping my education curriculum in ways I never though of. An example of this was when my primary school had new classrooms built with adjacent classrooms being separated by a foldable wall. When I was in year 7 this feature was used really heavily in order to teach both year 7 classes together. Looking back on it I reckon that wall was open way more then it was ever closed. So imagine my surprise when I learnt that it was P&Cs and WACSSO that successfully petitioned for this feature in the past!

My role at WACSSO was mainly centred around helping Jonathan, the Communications and Research Officer, create various material. This resulted in myself having to

interview several State Councillors, write articles/social media posts about WACSSO/P&C’s history, editing good news P&C stories and much more. Coming from a science background, this heavy reliance on creative writing proved to be challenging but enjoyable. A particular favourite of mine was editing the good news P&C stories as it filled my heart with joy reading all the good things P&Cs did across the state. Jonathan and all the other staff members in the WACSSO office were very helpful when ever I was stuck or confused on something. This was the theme for whenever I needed help through out the internship. The staff at WACSSO were great and highly professional. Furthermore, all the State Councillors that I was able to interview were incredibly energetic and passionate about their role. I am very happy knowing that P&Cs across the state can rely on such an excellent advisory body!

Written by Sean Armstrong

L-R: Jonathan Cunningham - Sean Armstrong - Jenny Blair.

NOTICEBOARD WACSSO Office Bearer Guides Update The WACSSO Office Bearer guides have been updated to comply with 2021 standards and resources.

Part of this update includes significant changes made to the President’s Guide, which is now called The President’s and Vice-President’s Guide. The resource now includes a dedicated section to the roles and responsibility of P&C Vice-Presidents.

To ensure your P&C is operating on the most current information, we recommend you download the updated resounces. Updated Office Bearer guides can be found on the WACSSO website, visit: https://www.wacsso. wa.edu.au/resources/pc-resources/.

New Constable Care Foundation program seeking schools for pilot study Eight WA public primary schools are being sought to take part in this initial trial phase for a free Ethics and Critical Thinking Pilot Study during the 2022 school year.

Constable Care Foundation CEO David Gribble presented on the program at the 2021 WACSSO Annual Conference, highlighting the potential involvement for P&C volunteers.

The Ethical Leadership Program will involve trained volunteers facilitating weekly 40-minute discussion groups for Year 5 students throughout the 2022 school year, in a program designed to allow children to consider ethical dilemmas that develop their critical thinking, ethical reasoning and personal and social capabilities, including empathy and respect for other’s opinions.

Public primary schools interested in finding out more about being involved in the pilot study can complete the Expression of Interest Form.

There is no financial cost for schools taking part in the pilot, however schools will be expected to:

P&C Finances eLearning Competition It was announced at the 2021 WACSSO Annual Conference that all P&C members that complete the P&C Finances certificate course by November 12 go into the draw to win one of 4 x $100 Coles/Myer vouchers for their P&C. The more people from the P&C that complete the course, the more chances you have to win.

To complete the course, visit: https://www.wacsso. wa.edu.au/resources/pc-resources/pc-financeselearning-course/.

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2021 WACSSO CONFERENCE SPONSORSHIP

WACSSO acknowledges and thanks the below sponsors for their generosity and support of the 2021 Annual Conference ‘Partnering with parents to advance public education since 1921’.

Please support the following:

MAJOR – RURAL AND REMOTE: Lotterywest www.lotterywest.wa.gov.au

GOLD SPONSORS:

SILVER SPONSORS:

Australian School & Club Fundraising Specialists www.australianfundraising.com.au

Anglicare WA No Interest Loans www.anglicarewa.org.au

Cancer Council WA – SunSmart / Crunch&Sip www.generationsunsmart.com.au www.crunchandsip.com.au Constable Care Foundation www.constablecare.com.au Eclipse Universal www.eclipseuniversal.com.au

MAJOR & NETWORKING SUNDOWNER: Grange Insurance Solutions www.grangeeducation.com.au

MAJOR: Student Edge www.studentedge.com.au

Funky Monkey Bars www.funkymonkeybars.com

Photo Hendriks www.photohendriks.com.au Ziggies Educational Supplies www.ziggies.com.au

Miracle Recreation Equipment www.miracle.com.au

inchargebox www.inchargebox.com.au

My School Connect www.myschoolconnect.com.au

BADGE SPONSOR:

School Ponytails www.schoolponytails.com.au

SchoolBanners www.schoolbanners.com.au

State School Teachers’ Union of WA (SSTUWA) www.sstuwa.org.au

VOTING CARD SPONSOR:

Forpark Australia www.forparkaust.com.au

STUDENT ARTWORK PEOPLE CHOICE AWARD: Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation www.sailleeuwin.com

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Nature Playgrounds www.natureplaygrounds.com.au

BRONZE SPONSOR:

CONFERENCE GUIDE & GOLD:

MSP Photography WA www.msp.com.au

Crowne Plaza www.crowneplaza.com.au

Just Pizza Company www.justpizzacompany.com.au

West Coast Shade www.westcoastshade.com.au

GOOD NEWS STORIES & GOLD:

Crown Perth www.crownperth.com.au

Vanguard Press www.vanguardpress.com.au

WACSSO is supported by the Department of Education