P&C Voice Term 4, 2022 - Conference Edition

P&C VOICE

WHAT’S INSIDE

Opportunities for Impact

WACSSO Annual Conference provides more than personal and professional development opportunities. The Agenda Session is an opportunity for P&Cs to initiate change in an area not only relevant to them, but impactful across the public education context.

Along with several Agenda Items initiated by WACSSO, at Conference 2022 there were also items from Maylands Peninsula Primary School P&C that encouraged discussion and debate around the National Schools Chaplaincy Program For a full review of the items and the Agenda Session outcomes, see pages 8 9 of this publication

There is a long history of WACSSO influencing real change on policy within the public education context, all of which happens by working with P&C affiliates and much of which is a result of Agenda Items Previous advocacy areas include equal pay for male and female teachers and abolishing conditions penalising women teachers due to marriage, free wireless (radio) licenses for all schools, provision of assessment and teaching facilities for children in Years 1 3 with learning disabilities, as specially qualified teachers became available, a two tiered system of guard controlled pedestrian crossings at schools, compulsory seat belts for school buses and extension of the school leaving age to 15

With planning for Conference 2023 already in motion, and the event set to run on August 19 and 20, we encourage all affiliates to consider items for the Agenda Session While it is critical that items come from the P&Cs themselves, support is available from the WACSSO team for those P&C members who are unsure how the session runs or how to raise an agenda item We encourage you to get in touch if you have questions or are considering putting forward an item for Conference 2023

Alongside Conference, the main strategic WACSSO events throughout the year are our State Council meetings At these sessions, Councillors connect and discuss high level issues of focus within the public education context At the recent State Council 4 meeting, Councillors also discussed the feedback received following Conference 2022 and commenced planning for next year's Conference Thank you to all those who took the time to submit Conference feedback The Affiliate Report for State Council Meeting 4 will be distributed in the coming weeks, so keep an eye on your inbox

Early notice:

WACSSO will again be surveying all P&Cs on their annual contributions

This important body of work allows us to demonstrate the collective power of P&Cs in WA and show the magnitude of funds collected and tasks completed by P&C volunteers

Please complete the survey when it is distributed and use the opportunity to capture and reflect on all the magnificent work done throughout the year And be sure to share the data you complete in the survey with your school commnity!

From the President’s Pen Message from the Director General

Carine Primary Good News Story

As It Happened Annual Conference Action Items

Sun Up, Sun Down

and Sponsor Acknowledgments

The Western Australian Council of State School Organisations pays respect to First Nations people and Traditional Custodians throughout Australia, recognising their connection to land, waters and sky We acknowledge parents, families, Elders and communities as first educators, sharers of culture and knowledge; and recognise the value this learning holds for children and young people

FROM THE PRESIDENT’S PEN

The final term of 2022 is upon us. Term 4 is a busy time for P&Cs with end of year activities, school celebrations and for those committees who like to be super prepared, planning for next year’s AGM. I hope you are greeting this term with a sense of achievement and pride. 2022 has not been easy. You have worked with your school principals, staff and fellow school community members as essential partners in building positive and resilient school cultures.

This edition of the P&C Voice celebrates all that was WACSSO Conference 2022. WOW, what an inspiring and information packed event our 88th Conference was!

Each year in preparation for the President’s Pen, I reflect on my highlights from the Conference There were so many occasions where I felt motivated, moved, awe struck and still

Conference is a shared experience as a result of which, in keeping with our theme, we strengthen each other as we each travel that road to resilience We listened, we learned, we contributed, we laughed, we YMCA’d, and yes, we wept. How special it was to share this all with you

Thank you to all P&Cs who were able to send delegates. The venue was at capacity. Seeing so many P&Cs take advantage of all the Conference offers was excellent Your P&C representative/s participated in workshops, a whole Conference training session, networking and voted on the Agenda Items. Your P&C representative is now responsible for sharing the information they learned at Conference Through sharing their experiences, I hope the energy of Conference reaches all P&C members.

Our wonderful sponsors, exhibitors and presenters, thank you for your contributions and partnerships You helped our Conference be dynamic and rich in knowledge sharing. Finally, to WACSSO State Council and Staff thank you for the massive effort behind the scenes; your passion and commitment to P&Cs is the spark that lights Conference

To all P&C members who have students attending public schools Parent behaviour (when using the word parent, I am referring to all people who play a parenting or primary caregiver role in a child’s life) is under the spotlight I will clarify that by saying negative or poor parent behaviour is in focus

If the full range of parent interactions with schools were reviewed, we would see that most parents interact well with their child’s school and teachers and help support strong school communities. However, there seems to be an unhealthy narrative that parents are problematic in school settings Engaged parents, school leaders and teachers working together improves learning and school experiences for our children.

We all know what behaviours are unacceptable Violence and aggression are never acceptable, never okay. Schools have a right not to tolerate this. Parents do not want schools to tolerate such behaviour It is incorrect to suggest that parents accept poor behaviour as the norm

Schools must have ways for parents to communicate appropriately with teachers 5 minute speed dating style teacher parent interviews once a year is not the answer Faceless notes sent home provide little opportunity to build a partnership in education. Parents have a right to raise concerns when required, and teachers have a right to safe workplaces All students have a right to learn in happy and safe classrooms and schools. Good communication will take the efforts of schools, parents and students

Pania Turner President, WACSSO

Pania Turner

Welcome to Term 4, 2022.

It was fantastic to attend the annual WACSSO Conference where we had the opportunity to celebrate the school community champions who make a difference to the lives of Western Australian students.

There was a brilliant turnout, and it was terrific to see so many students and schools actively involved in supporting and celebrating our P&Cs It was wonderful to hear from speakers about what is required to build strong and resilient P&Cs, whether that be through fundraising, governance, advocacy or community leadership.

The theme for this year’s conference was ‘Strengthening the Road to Resilience’ Our schools have faced many challenges over the past few years and throughout this time P&Cs have been there supporting schools and providing strength. There has never been a more vital time for schools to be resilient, and I am so proud of how we have all stepped up for our students

In the past 12 months, we have provided schools with millions of rapid antigen tests and face masks We could not have done it without the help of P&Cs who helped coordinate the distribution of these products within school communities. I thank all P&Cs for their continuing efforts in this space

We all share the same priority, and that is the education and wellbeing of our students I am pleased to let you know that we are doing a number of things to ensure students are thriving at school.

Our Teaching for Impact framework, one of the three pillars of our Quality Teaching Strategy, is a system wide position and a shared understanding of what highly effective teaching looks like. The aim of the framework is to improve the quality and consistency of teaching excellence across all schools from 2022 and beyond Most importantly, it will deliver improved student outcomes for every student in every classroom every day

Along with a focus on developing quality teachers, we are also prioritising the mental health and wellbeing of our students. That is why in March this year, a Student Wellbeing and Care Taskforce was initiated to clarify the expectations of schools in relation to the wellbeing of students and to help schools support at risk students. Students who are having positive experiences at school are more likely to be engaged in learning and less likely to engage in risky behaviours

I know these last few years have been tough However, thanks to our caring and engaged school communities, our students were supported through these challenging times to be resilient learners.

Lisa Rodgers Director General Department of Education WA

M E S S A G E F R O M

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

D E P A R T M E N T O F

E D U C A T I O N

Lisa Rodgers

YEAR

6s IN PUBLISHING FIRST

Under the guidance of parent volunteers, Rochelle Tetlow and Rebekah Shaw, the Yearbook Club has met before school every Monday this year to discuss content, get instruction on everything from writing articles to taking impactful photos and learn design and layout to publish the book.

The software program was purchased by the school’s P&C, through its Graduation Sub Committee, which has been fundraising with the students. The idea for a student led publication came from the parents.“Usually, it is parents who generate this book,” says parent volunteer and Yearbook Club mentor Rochelle“This year we wanted to encourage the students to write about their big emotions, the things they talk about in the schoolyard not what they think they are expected to say in a formal essay The students are not only speaking for themselves but driving all the Yearbook content, to make it truly theirs. When a child is taught how to take photos, they capture organic moments with their classmates with expressions totally different to when adults take their photos It has been amazing and a privilege working with these kids each week and seeing them develop.While it has been a big undertaking, I am so incredibly proud of the way these students have committed to this project It is really admirable”

Students in the Club have been engaged in all aspects of publishing, from photography to writing, from editing to page layout, and design decisions, with all the work being done outside of school hours When finally printed, the book will be about 200 pages of student led content.

Sydney based Yearbook specialists Professional Print Management provide a software package with dozens of simple, short video tutorials to teach students and adults the design program, and are on call for troubleshooting.

Top Image: James C in action, image taken by Josh T

Bottom image: Far left, Principal Michael Black, checks in on the weekly Yearbook Club, being driven by the Year 6s Parent mentors Rebekah Shaw and Rochelle Tetlow are seated at the front

As with any project of this scale, there have been challenges along the way, including an athletics carnival photographer having to work with a broken arm, but the students have taken it all in their stride“When I was elected Faction Vice Captain, I thought that I would not only compete, but also help out at the sports carnival with two arms!”, says Year 6 student and photographer, James C, 11, who broke his right elbow days earlier“I still really, really wanted to take photos so I slipped the hand of my broken arm out of the front of my collar and reached for the shutter on the camera, with my good arm controlling the lens and zoom Perhaps I looked a bit silly, but it was still useful for me to take lots of photos of the day. And whilst I couldn’t compete, I still got to be part of the carnival”

James’ sharp sports zoom photography results earned him a Principal’s Award at the next school assembly. Plus it makes for a cracking good Yearbook story and memory for the students involved“It’s always hardest when you first try to do something new,” Rochelle says “Now the pathway has been created and we know how to make it happen, it is possible with consistent teaching, feedback and encouragement that other graduating Year 6s can take hold of their Yearbook’s reins”

The soon-to-be graduates at Carine Primary School have committed themselves to creating the 2022 Yearbook, a task no other cohort this young has previously attempted.

2022 WACSSO ANNUAL CONFERENCE

CONFERENCE - AS IT HAPPENED

WACSSO Conference 2022 commenced with a thoughtful Welcome to Country from Carol Foley In addition to her Welcome, Carol engaged the audience with a lesson on some simple frequent Noongar phrases for everyone to practice, finishing by leading us all in song to the tune of ‘Happy Birthday.’ After a welcome from WACSSO President, Pania Turner, the Conference got off to an energetic start with dance performances from Wanneroo Secondary College Dance troupes. These highly skilled performers bought energy and enthusiasm to the room and succeeded in getting everyone revved up for the day ahead

The Minister for Education and Training, the Hon Sue Ellery MLC addressed the Conference and this was followed by a special and moving celebration of long standing staff member Jody Quinn, who was bestowed WACSSO life membership Just ahead of morning tea, delegates were addressed by Tim Cusack, CEO of our Platinum Sponsor, Containers for Change, with some important messages about how the Containers for Change program can be implemented in schools as a very successful fundraising platform.

Following morning tea, delegates were delighted by the inclusion of a new segment, ‘Student Project Spotlight’ In this presentation, Year 6 students from Hillcrest Primary School demonstrated their new Solar Buddy innovations, the sales of which are helping address energy poverty in developing countries Delegates then heard from WACSSO President who gave her annual report address and voted on the agenda items. Full details of Conference Resolutions and Action items can be found on page 8 and 9

After a rousing workout session expertly led by Esso, delegates settled in for the first keynote address, delivered by Rabia Siddique Despite the capacity crowd, you could hear a pin drop as Rabia addressed the room and detailed her story of courage and resilience and the power of community. Many delegates were moved to tears and Rabia received an extended standing ovation at the conclusion of her address

After lunch, the ever popular student panel saw delegates meet four incredible young students, each of whom had an impressive story to tell Ajia from Albany Senior High School has developed an anonymous online platform to assist teenagers struggling with body image issues, Ruby articulated the experience of being a student leader in the brand new Bob Hawke College and helping shape the school’s culture, Year 7 Willetton student Shivani talked about the process of writing a book, the sales of which are being donated to childhood cancer research and Asha, a Year 6 student from Jolimont Primary, outlined some really effective ways to successfully fundraise. The students remained on stage while the audience asked many questions; everyone was impressed with the poise and maturity of these emerging leaders

Dr Megan Paull led delegates through a whole Conference interactive session on volunteer interactions before Conference attendees headed to their workshops for the afternoon Day One workshops covered topics as diverse as developing a nature play area, effective grant writing and acquittal, talking to young people about career pathways, and online child safety By the end of Day One, everyone was ready to let their hair down, have a bite to eat and share a drink while the very cool jazz band from John Forrest Senior High School provided fantastic music to swing by

WACSSO Conference 2022 was one of the best attended, with delegates enjoying two days of rich, meaningful opportunities to learn and engage.

CONFERENCE - AS IT HAPPENED

There was no sleep in, with delegates encouraged to attend the ‘morning sunriser’ event to network and have the chance to win prizes Despite the early hour, the atmosphere was energetic and fun, with everyone getting into the swing of the games and enjoying the faux sausage sizzle stand. Workshop sessions were up first and delegates headed to hear from speakers on topics ranging from vaping, to climate collaborations, to strategies to build resilience and alleviate anxiety, to fundraising with Containers for Change

Everyone enjoyed their deep dives into these important topics and headed back to the main room excited to hear from the Director General for Education, Lisa Rodgers. Lunch followed, and then the prize draw for the Good News Stories received over the year.

Our venue nearly doubled in patrons when parents of the Wanneroo Primary School choir joined us to watch their performance, which was as beautiful as it was joyful a real celebration of song

After more prize giveaways, Conference closed with the second keynote, Commissioner for Children and Young People Jacqueline McGowan Jones. Ms McGowan Jones shared important data and insights with the room, which will be useful in discussions around future school projects

The 2022 WACSSO Annual Conference was a special event, made possible by the hard work of the WACSSO team. State Councillors, presenters, sponsors, and of course our amazing network of Western Australian P&Cs

This year’s event drew a record crowd and the atmosphere buzzed consistently for the whole two days, which was fantastic to experience. Thank y everyone that attended and hel make Conference happen.

We look forward to seeing you n

ANNUAL CONFERENCE ACTION ITEMS

In the lead up to Annual Conference, our affiliated P&Cs are given the opportunity to submit agenda items to be voted on during the agenda session. If accepted, these motions become Action Items , meaning they will be acted upon by WACSSO. The following Action Items were accepted at Conference:

AC 1/2022

That the President’s Report to the 2022 WACSSO Conference (including the Annual Report and audited financial statements for 2021/2022) be accepted.

AC 2/2022

That Armada Audit and Assurance be appointed as the WACSSO Auditor for the 2022/2023 financial year.

AC 3/2022

That the Constitution Rule 13 Election and Term of Office of State Councillors be amended by rewriting point 13.8.6 to read: 13.8.6 a current Department of Education clearance no older than six (6) months, or evidence of submitting a clearance application; and documentation complying with any other Department of Education requirements.

AC 4/2022

That the WACSSO Policy 25 Benchmarking (Literacy and Numeracy) be amended at point b to read: 25 b All parents should be fully informed about benchmarking programs, including their purpose, and have the right to decide whether their child participates or withdraws.

AC 5/2022

That the WACSSO Policy 333 e) Disability be amended to read:

333 e) Early education programs should facilitate early recognition of all disabilities. Appropriate learning programs should be developed in consultation with parents

AC 6/2022

That the Rules of Debate and Standing Orders amended by WACSSO be adopted, replacing all previous versions

AC 7/2022

That the WACSSO President write to the Hon Jason Clare MP, Federal Minister for Education, to congratulate the Labor Government on their move to open the National Chaplaincy Program to give schools a choice to employ a chaplain or professionally qualified student welfare officers, and request the Minister provide further details of the change to be implemented in Australian schools

ANNUAL CONFERENCE ACTION ITEMS

AC 8/2022

That the WACSSO President write to the Hon Sue Ellery MLC Minister for Education and Director General of the Department of Education and request details of how the federal announcements regarding the change to the National Chaplaincy Program will be implemented by current service providers, and when will the changes be implemented and advertised in Western Australian schools

AC 9/2022

That WACSSO continues to advocate on behalf of their affiliates that non clinical student social and emotional wellbeing programs, including service providers, support, resources, and funding in public schools: are evidence based; meet best practices; and employ, without bias or discrimination, qualified people with the expertise.

AC 10/2022

That WACSSO inform all affiliate P&Cs of the Chaplaincy program funding for public schools, as per the information provided by the Federal, and State Minister for Education; and that WACSSO highlights that a qualified person of any faith or no faith can be appointed using the funding.

AC 11/2022

That WACSSO request the Minister for Education to investigate a funding model that would allow public schools to directly employ a professional non clinical student welfare officer on site, as an alternative to being required to contract out this essential position to a chaplaincy contractor

SUN UP, SUN DOWN

This year, delegates had two social networking opportunities: our sundowner and our sunriser. The sundowner on Saturday afternoon provided the chance to catch up with colleagues and make new connections over a drink while John Forrest Senior High School took care of the ambience with an amazing performance! Sunday morning saw delegates up early to attend the sunriser, an opportunity to meet new people and participate in the very engaging competitions and prize draws, all while enjoying 'breakfast bites!'

SUN UP, SUN DOWN

Congratulations to Containers for Change, who won the Exhibitor's Award at Conference!

Major Sponsor

Regional Rural and Remote

Platinum Sponsor

Gold Sponsor Sundowner Sponsor

Silver Sponsors

N F E R E N C E S P

N S O R S

H

N K Y O U T

WACSSO is supported by

U R

President:

WACSSO State Councillors

Pania Turner 0477 644 000

Electorate: Councillor:

Peel North

Electorate: Councillor:

CANNING East Scott Mosey 0401 637 716

Peel South

Dannielle Crawford 0407 717 555

Vivienne Cantem 0447 297 156

Perth North

Canning North

Nominations Required

Canning West Chelsea Walker 9264 4000

Perth - South

Jenny Blair 0488 990 729

Anne Fairbanks 0411 256 079 South West

Fremantle

Nominations Required Goldfields Esperance Katherine Loader 0408 949 847

Great Southern Julie Brooks 0429 016 253 Joondalup East

Rob Fairholme 0435 779 801

Joondalup West Tony Osborne 0419 925 701

Midwest Paula Steenson 0409 076 476

Esmond Delaney 0409 370 016 Swan - East

Nominations Required Swan West

Indah Yildiz 0412 595 576

North West

Leanne Ruston 0407 477 283

Warren Blackwood

Wheatbelt North

Nominations Required

Tanya Gibson 0427 976 880

Whaetbelt South

Kate Hayes Thompson 0458 830 000

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