P&C Voice Term 1, 2024

WACSSO NEWSLETTER

P&C VOICE

P&C Voice Term One 2024

What’s inside?

FROM THE PRESIDENT’S PEN MESSAGE FROM THE EDUCATION MINISTER VALE DAVID FORRESTER SUPERCHARGING SELFESTEEM: ADVICE FROM TRIPLE P KNOW YOUR EMOJIS NEWS FROM THE CONTAINERS FOR CHANGE TEAM NEWS ITEMS FROM CANCER COUNCIL, REACH OUT, AND FOODBANK WA GOOD NEWS STORIES (SO MANY!!)

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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.

P&C VOICE

A bright year

Ahead On behalf of WACSSO State Councillors and Staff, I wish all P&C members a warm welcome to the new school year, 2024! As usual, the year started with a bang, and I know all our P&C members have been flat-out running AGMs, filling Office Bearer roles and setting in motion their plans for the year.

I am always amazed at the pace with which our P&Cs operate. No sooner had the school bell rung on the first morning of classes, and our fabulous network of volunteers was activated, busy making their schools the best place to be. Our State Councillors and our staff team have engaged with many P&C members over the past seven weeks, with parents ringing in to find out how they can advocate on behalf of their school. Already this year, on behalf of our members we have raised crucial issues with the Education Minister, including extreme weather policies, the review of the Education Act, school infrastructure and aging assets, AI in education and school funding.

As I outlined in my 2024 P&C Handbook welcome, P&Cs play a critical role in school communities and are well-placed to champion positive family-to-school engagement. I acknowledge each and every P&C member for the commitment they show to their school and community. Being a P&C member can be a rewarding volunteer experience, and it can bring with it a range of professional skills. Your collective efforts make a difference across the whole school. Following a successful grant application through Volunteering WA, we have been working with researchers at Murdoch University to develop resources that will enable more volunteers, and a more diverse cohort of volunteers, to join and engage with their school P&C. We look forward to launching these resources to our affiliates in the coming months.

WACSSO was thrilled with the landmark announcement regarding full funding of WA public schools, made jointly by the WA and Federal Education Ministers at the start of Term One. We were equally pleased to see this week that this commitment has also been made in the Northern Territory. The situation regarding funding of public schools in Australia has been incredibly bleak and disappointing for too long. We will continue to ask the government questions regarding the timeline of full funding in WA and the decision-making process that will be used when considering the full funding roll-out.

Together with our colleagues at other peak advisory bodies around the country, we also call for full funding of public schools across Australia. It is essential that Australian students, regardless of background, circumstances or location, can access a world-class education via the public school system.

While the start of the year has been engaging and positive, the WACSSO community was saddened at the end of last year to farewell one of our most dedicated and admired members, Mr David Forrester. I attended David’s funeral on behalf of WACSSO, and it was a fitting tribute to a life of service. We have included an acknowledgment of David’s contributions to WACSSO and to public education in WA in this edition of P&C Voice.

Also included in this edition of P&C Voice is a wide selection of good news stories. We have had a massive response to our call for good news stories, and we thank all those P&Cs who have taken the time to be interviewed. I encourage you to read each story in this publication in full. These examples of positive impact provide a great learning opportunity and may cover events or initiatives you are considering running at your school. If you have a similar story to share or wish to be connected with one of the P&Cs featured in this publication so you can learn more about their story, please contact the WACSSO office.

FROM THE PRESIDENT’S PEN

Schools are often referred to as the heart of a community, and the P&C is one of the essential chambers of that heart. A thriving P&C ensures engaged parents, important community events, a dedicated body that is focused on making the school the best it can be for the students and a positive force for school culture. I commend all our P&C members, new and returning, on their volunteering spirit and wish you all the very best for the year ahead.

An update from Pania Turner

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P&C VOICE

Message from the Minister

THE HON DR TONY BUTI MLA Minister for Education

With the 2024 school year underway, I am looking forward to the educational opportunities that this year will bring to Western Australian students.

Day 1 of school began with a very significant announcement, with the Australian and Western Australian State Government signing a joint Statement of Intent committing to increasing funding for all Western Australian public schools, from 95 per cent of the Schooling Resource Standard to 100 per cent from 2026. The original offer from the Commonwealth would not have seen our schools fully funded until 2029, but by being the first State in Australia to sign the Statement, we were able to make this happen earlier – giving Western Australia an extra $250 million.

Education plays such a pivotal role in improving social equity and learning outcomes for our children and their communities and the signing of this Statement underscores the Cook Labor Government’s commitment to public education and helping our State’s young people reach their full potential.

The funding will be linked to reforms, and while they are yet to be finalised, I want to assure you that these reforms will help drive positive change for students. They will focus on improving equity and excellence in schools, support the wellbeing of students and teachers, and provide a strong and sustainable workforce. One reform that the Federal Minister and I are both very supportive of, is small group tutoring for students in need of extra assistance.

This was a landmark day in the history of public education in Western Australia, as our public schools will be the first State in Australia to be fully funded.

The signing of this Statement means that the State Government commits to increase funding for public schools to 77.5 per cent of the Schooling Resource Standard, up from 75 per cent under the current National School Reform Agreement. In addition, the Australian Government has also made a commitment to increase its annual funding share to Western Australia’s public schooling system by 2.5 per cent, to 22.5 per cent.

Formal negotiations for the next National School Reform Agreement between the Australian and Western Australian Government will occur this year.

Our Government looks forward to these negotiations delivering a new Agreement that supports all young people to achieve their full educational potential, regardless of their circumstances or background.

I hope you all have a great Easter break and enjoy the time with family and friends.

Under the agreement, there will be a total of $1.6 additional investment into public schools with the most disadvantaged schools to be fully funded by end of 2025.

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P&C VOICE

Vale David Forrester

Mr Forrester’s wisdom and advice were always welcome, comforting and empowering, and the WACSSO team will very much miss him.

As WACSSO Councillors and staff prepared to start a new year of activity and advocacy, we reflected on the sad passing of Mr David Forrester. Mr Forrester was one of WACSSO’s most dedicated and admired members. A passionate advocate for public education and the vital role of parents, Mr Forrester continued to support WACSSO initiatives and stay up to date with our advocacy work and engagement with government and education leaders even after his retirement.

Many affiliates will remember Mr Forrester from his attendance at Annual Conferences; in fact, he attended Conference for nearly 50 years!

David also represented WACSSO on internal working groups, external bodies, ad hoc committees, at external conferences, and at external meetings of SSTUWA. David was one of the architects for new canteens and participated in the review of the Education Act, the School Education Bill (1997), the Schools Commission Project, the Student Assistance Review Tribunal, and the Better Schools Review, among many others. Alongside his in-person attendance at committees and reviews, Mr Forrester dedicated his time and knowledge to preparing discussion and position papers, briefs and submissions, plus he was a regular submitter of ‘Letters to the Editor’ to the West Australian Newspapers.

David joined the P&C movement when his two children were attending Lesmurdie Primary School, and he became the 23rd WACSSO President in 1987, serving in that role until 1991. He was awarded WACSSO Life Membership in 1996.

When it comes to understanding the P&C movement in Western Australia, Mr Forrester literally wrote the book on it, publishing ‘Parents in Education’ – The Story of the P&C Movement in Western Australia’ in 2016. During David’s time with WACSSO and as a Life Member, he was often called upon to provide pro-bono legal advice on various education and insurance topics, using his knowledge and expertise as a Solicitor and Barrister to assist with WACSSO business.

David’s legacy of incredible service will live long in the pages of WACSSO; he was a true advocate for public education. David steadfastly believed in the WACSSO vision, that the students of Western Australia should have access to a world-class education, and he encouraged our local, state and national advocacy efforts in support of this vision.

Mr Forrester’s wisdom and advice were always welcome, comforting and empowering, and the WACSSO team will very much miss him. His memory will forever be a blessing for the WACSSO community.

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P&C VOICE

Mr Forrester receiving his Life Membership badge from then-President Dianne Guise

Mr Forrester’s WACSSO contributions and acknowledgments: State Councillor for Kalamunda (1976-1987) WACSSO Vice President (1981-1987) 23rd WACSSO President (1987-1991) Service to the Australian Council of State School Organisations Inc. (ACSSO) as Vice President and then Treasurer WACSSO Immediate Past President (1991-1992) Presented with an inscribed Silver Tray in appreciation of valuable service to WACSSO and commitment to students in Government schools from 1976-1992 (1993) Awarded WACSSO Life Membership (1996) Awarded Certificate of Recognition from ACSSO (1996)

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P&C VOICE

The campout helped nurture individual relationships with Dads and their kids, and was a great way for all the Dads to get to know one another.

Fathering Project Camp Out Success A good news story from Forest Cresent Primary

The Fathering Project team at Forest Crescent Primary School ran their first-ever Dads and Kids campout at the end of last year, and it was a massive success. With the limitations of the past few years now a distant memory, Fathering Project lead Jeff Albert was keen to run this event and see how the community would respond.

“We’ve always had the dream to run a campout for Dads and kids,” said Jeff. “And this year, with no more restrictions and the support of the school and the P&C, we thought ‘let’s do it!’ I’m so pleased that we did because the event was really fun, and the kids had an absolute ball,” he added.

The camp out event was supported by both the local Woolworths and Coles, plus the President of the P&C donated the sausages and bacon for the breakfast BBQ. The campout was run inside the school gates, on the quadrangle, and around 36 adults and 56 kids participated. The P&C donated some funds towards the event, along with lolly bags and glow-in-the-dark bangles that were left over from a previous fundraiser. The school’s music teacher put together a video for everyone to dance to, which was a huge hit – even the Principal got up and had a boogie!

“Once I had met with the Principal and found out all the essential logistical information, such as where the light switches were and cancelled things like the sprinklers, we were set to go!” said Jeff. “With all the generous donations, this event was free for families, meaning anyone who wanted to come could come. It was a beautiful spring evening and all the Dads and kids had a ball. Not only did the campout help nurture individual relationships with Dads and their kids, but it was also a great way for all the Dads to get to know one another. This is what the Fathering Project is all about and I’m just so happy to be able to bring that idea to life at my school,” added Jeff.

By all reports, the Forest Crescent Primary campout was a big success, and the kids are already asking their Dads to plan the next one.

Well done to all involved.

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P&C VOICE

Knowing your emojis to keep your kids safe A Message from the Australian Federal Police

The AFP-led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) is urging parents to understand the double meaning of emojis and acronyms to help identify if their children are being targeted by online predators.

AFP Commander Human Exploitation Helen Schneider said with many students receiving their own tablets and mobile phones for the first time ahead of their return to school, now was the perfect time for parents to have a conversation with their children about their online communication.

Commander Schneider said the AFP was releasing a list of emojis and acronyms to help parents understand the language often used by online predators, who use language to connect with youth.

"Emojis and acronyms are commonly used in online communication and are usually harmless fun, but some have double meanings that are well known and some that are not," Commander Schneider said.

"Our recent experience has shown that in some situations emojis like the angry face emoji could be a sign that your child is the victim of online grooming.

"It is important to stress that in most cases it is probably nothing to worry about but having a healthy relationship with your children about their safety online can help you decide if there's an issue.

"While we know parents often want to respect the privacy of their children, having honest and open conversations about what they communicate, and what is being communicated to them, could help prevent them falling victims to predators, many who pretend to be children or teens.

ThinkUKnow is an AFP-led resource that helps parents, carers, educators and children develop good online habits that protect children and deter offenders.

It provides factsheets, videos, presentations, guides, children's picture book Jack Changes the Game, home learning and family activities to help with foster open discussions between children and their guardians.

"Electronic communication is constantly changing and it can be difficult for parents and carers to keep up," Commander Schneider said.

"That's why having a healthy dialogue with your children is the best defence you can have.

"And remember if you suspect a child has been the victim of online exploitation please don't hesitate to report it to the ACCCE. If you know abuse is happening right now or a child is at risk, call police immediately on 000."

Access the original AFP article here.

More resources for parents can be found here.

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P&C VOICE

The scooter lock stock has no expiry date so they can be bought out at any stalls to sell, which is convenient and minimises wastage.

Scooting their way to fundraising success A good news story from Wellard Village Primary P&C

The P&C at Wellard Village Primary School recently identified a unique fundraising opportunity, which they shared with WACSSO via our online ‘Good News Story’ submission form.

Unlike other products sold by P&Cs, the scooter lock stock has no expiry date so they can be bought out at any of their stalls to sell, which is convenient and minimises wastage.

“My kids like riding scooters as much as their bikes, and given the short distance to the school, they are more convenient,” said Thomas, P&C Treasurer.

“We have a great relationship with the supplier so see this as a long-term campaign with the possibility to grow with the P&C and school,” says Thomas.

“The problem with most scooters is they are difficult to lock up securely with solid wheels and frames. Early last year, I found a UK-based seller with a product specifically designed for this problem and ordered Scoot Locks for the kids’ scooters. After joining the WVPS P&C, I put forward the idea of selling the Scoot Locks as a fundraiser for the school,” he added.

Wellard Village Primary was a newly opened school and they had experienced a string of scooter thefts during the day. Scooters were being left by students unsecured and within reach of the perimeter fence, making them easy targets. The supplier found by Thomas was keen to expand their international distribution in Australia. It was a match meant to be!

“We started small with a modest wholesale order and promoted the sales to the school and surrounding community to address a familiar problem while also supporting the P&C,” said Thomas.

“While they haven’t been flying out the door, we have received very positive feedback from parents who have purchased them, and the locks have provided some additional income”, he added.

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P&C VOICE

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P&C VOICE

Moonlight Markets

It became a real community event, bringing everyone together.

A good news story from Falls Road Primary School

The Falls Road Primary School Moonlight Markets event started in 1998, as a way for the P&C to bring the community together while also raising money for the school. Over the last few years, with COVID restrictions in place, the P&C has held off running the event, but last year it was back and proved to be a major success for the school and its community.

At the heart of all that fun was a stage filled with entertainment where current and past students got to perform on stage for the crowds, and the kids were so proud to show off their school.

“Our P&C has been working on this event since February, and we’re really pleased with how it turned out,” said President Ashlee. “It takes a lot of time, planning, and a huge number of volunteers to pull together to make an event like this happen. We also secured a grant for $4,325 from the City of Kalamunda which really helped.

All of our gifts, preserves and auction items were donated which meant more of the funds raised were injected straight back into the school. I am thrilled to say we ended up raising around $22,000, which is phenomenal for our school of approx. 300 students” she added.

Each classroom was allocated a stall which was coordinated and run by parent volunteers. The stalls included – plants stall, gifts and preserves stall, second hand clothing stall, 2 x carnival games, bake stall, lolly stall, glow stall, apple pie and ice-cream stall, haunted house, sausage sizzle, silent auction, and slushie stand. In addition to these stalls, they had food trucks, amusement rides, reptile exhibition, animal farm, Perth observatory telescopes, Fire and Rescue Service, Scouts set up, face painting, variety club vehicle, Aussie the Eagle, train ride, Girl Guides fairy floss and lawn games. These all proved immensely popular with the hundreds of families that attended the markets.

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P&C VOICE

Moonlight Markets in full swing!

The P&C were initially uncertain how popular the event would be, given the gap in time since it last ran and the surplus of other markets that have since popped up in the Kalamunda area. But the community support was amazing, and they even had real estate businesses volunteering on the slushie stand. “It was just such a wonderful family event. The school site was buzzing with fun and excitement”, says Ashlee.

The money raised by the P&C will go towards some playground markings such as snakes and ladders for the kids to play with and a set of interschool uniforms featuring an Indigenous design. These uniforms will be made available each time a Falls Road Primary student or team represents the school at events such as sporting competitions and musical performances.

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P&C VOICE

Cancer Council WA Campaign Unmasks the Rotten Truth Behind Vaping

In WA, the Department of Education’s Anti-Vaping Toolkit provides information, resources and strategies for schools to minimise vaping among students.

Article supplied by the Cancer Council, WA

Mango Ice, Strawberry Kiwi, Cotton Candy, Gummi Bear, Vanilla Custard…

Unfortunately, this isn’t a list of ice-cream shop flavours: in fact, these are popular flavours of nicotine laced vapes.

Vapes are designed to appeal to young people, with fruity, sweet flavours, colourful packaging, and positive promotion on social media through ads, influencers and user-generated content.

The insidious marketing and availability of vapes has resulted in an epidemic of use among young people worldwide. In Australia, almost one-third (30%) of secondary school students aged 12 to 17 had tried vaping.

The nicotine in 1 vape can equal 3 packs of cigarettes or more.

16% had vaped in the past month 5% had vaped on 20 or more days in the past month 3% had vaped daily in the past month*

Vaping isn't safe as most contain chemicals like nicotine, arsenic and formaldehyde (known to cause cancer). Vaping has been linked to serious lung disease and can cause nausea, vomiting, seizures, and nicotine poisoning.

Young people who vape are 3 times as likely to take up smoking.**

Nicotine is an addictive drug that can cause long-lasting negative effects on the developing brain – especially parts that control learning, attention, mood, and memory.

* Australian Secondary School Students’ use of tobacco and e-cigarettes ** Summary report on use of e-cigarettes and relation to tobacco smoking uptake and cessation, relevant to the Australian context PAGE 12

P&C VOICE

Clear the Air’ campaign to combat increase in vaping

In WA, the Department of Education’s Anti-Vaping Toolkit provides information, resources and strategies for schools to minimise vaping among students.

Curriculum-based activities support schools to deliver vaping prevention education. The toolkit also contains fact sheets for parents and carers, including translated materials. Parents and carers can find information about vaping on the Department of Education’s website.

To help protect young people from the harms of vaping, Cancer Council WA created a new vaping prevention campaign, ‘Clear the Air’, with funding from Healthway.

When speaking with young people, it was clear they are eager for evidence-based information about the chemicals in vapes and the associated health harms.

The first digital advertisements from the Clear the Air campaign, Rotten Fruit, unveil the rotten truth about vapes that are hidden behind deceptive fruity flavours. The advertisements encourage people to visit the Clear the Air website for more facts about the addictive, toxic chemicals in vapes and ways to quit.

Help! My child is vaping, what can I do?

Parents and carers worried about a young person are encouraged to get the facts about vaping, allowing them to have an open conversation about the risks.

The Quitline 13 7848 can guide parents on how to start a conversation about vaping, talk about concerns, and provide advice and support.

Other initiatives to protect young people More resources for parents and carers: Quit: What can I do as a parent or carer?

Positive Choices: E-cigarettes and vaping Alcohol and Drug Foundation: helping young people quit vaping Lung Foundation Australia: For Parents – Unveil what you inhale Healthy WA: E-cigarettes and vaping

Education campaigns are an important piece of the puzzle. However, to further protect young people from vaping harms, the Federal Government is enacting several legislative reforms.

On 1 January 2024 the importation of disposable single use vapes was banned. From 1 April, this importation ban will extend to all non-therapeutic vapes. Other reforms planned this year will ensure that only pharmacies can supply nicotine vapes to people with a medical prescription. In addition, vape advertisements (including those on social media/online) will be banned.

Support for young people to quit: Call the Quitline 13 7848 or text ‘call back’ to 0482 090 634 Book an appointment with a doctor Visit cleartheair.org.au for tips to start quitting

To contact your federal MP and Senators to express your concerns about vaping and support for reform, please visit Cancer Council Australia’s action on ecigarettes webpage.

Please contact cleartheair@cancerwa.asn.au if you have any questions.

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P&C VOICE

Social media and internet use continues to be an area of concern for parents.

New research from ReachOut on teens and tech Connecting parents and carers with insights and support

Director of Service at ReachOut, Jackie Hallan, said that by comparing how teens view social media and internet use with their parents and carers we can start to bridge the gaps and address the support needs of both teens and parents and carers.

Mental health organisation ReachOut has released new research in a bid to bridge the gap between the concerns of parents and carers and their teens on social media and technology in order to promote support and wellbeing.

“In ReachOut’s latest research with parents and carers across the country it is clear that social media and internet use continues to be an area of concern. In fact, for many parents and carers it is their top concern when it comes to their teens.

According to new research by ReachOut (nationally representative survey of 631 parents and carers, April 2023), almost 60 per cent (59%) of parents and carers said that their teens’ social media use was of concern to them and 35 per cent said it was a top issue of concern.

Almost half (47%) of parents and carers were concerned about their teens’ internet use and almost a quarter (24%) said it was a top issue of concern.

“Those concerns are really valid and this is backed up by the data on the number of parents and carers reporting significant mental health impacts as a result of social media and internet use on their teens.

“By overlaying this new research with data from young people, we hope to provide useful insights for parents and carers on how to best support their teens. For example, knowing that in some cases your teen might be turning to social media and technology to help them cope when something is going on for them rather than tech being the issue can be a turning point.

Approximately 30 per cent of parents and carers who were concerned about their teens’ use of social media (28%) and internet use (27%) said it had ‘a lot’ of impact on their teens’ wellbeing.

56 per cent of parents and carers who selected social media or the internet as a top issue of concern said they only felt moderately equipped to deal with it.

“We also want to remind parents and carers that they are not alone when it comes to navigating the challenges that can come with teens and tech and encourage them to visit ReachOut Parents for free information, support and coaching.

In contrast, in recent research by ReachOut, young people ranked social media outside of their top 10 issues of concern at number 24 (nationally representative survey of 667 young people in September 2022) below issues such as the cost of living, loneliness and study stress.

And importantly, 57 per cent of young people reported spending time on digital platforms or social media to cope with the various concerns and worries in their life.

For information, support and coaching parents and carers can visit ReachOut.com/Parents and young people can visit ReachOut.com.

Download 'Parenting in the digital age' Click here for the original article and resources.

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P&C VOICE

WACSSO HELP DESK With the bulk of AGM season now wrapping up, many P&Cs will have fresh new faces around the table.

Welcome!

04

No, Rule 17.6.1 states, "Where there is a direct relationship between two authorised signatories, they shall not be permitted to co-sign any cheques of the Association".

Or perhaps you are returning Office Bearers, but you want to brush up on your Constitutional knowledge.

Either way, we’ve got you covered. This WACSSO Helpdesk edition is dedicated to all things Constitutional!

01

02

Can a member of the P&C make a decision without the approval of the P&C?

The Glossary attached to the P&C Constitution defines a direct relationship as "business, immediate or extended family, and marriage/de facto relationships."

05

If the President wishes to participate in debate should they vacate the Chair?

No, all decisions or actions must be endorsed by the Executive or General Committee. Individuals cannot act independently. (Rule 26.1)

Yes, so they are not in the position to 'lead from the chair', they should vacate the position and have another Office Bearer fill the position for the duration of the debate. This action should be minuted.

Can we change the Constitution?

We've called two General Meetings this term, but have failed to make quorum at both and so have converted them to Executive Committee Meetings. Is this sufficient?"

P&Cs can propose changes to their own Constitution through a Special Resolution. Any proposal must be forwarded to WACSSO for approval. (Rule 31.0)

06

Rule 22.2.1 states that a P&C will have at least one General Meeting per term, so the P&C will still need to hold an official General Meeting.

Section 145 of the School Education Act requires P&C Constitutions to be approved by the Minister, and as such it is rare for suggested changes to be approved.

03

Can signatories who have a direct relationship co-sign financial transactions?

Can the P&C employ people?

Review the Constitution

Yes, it is common for P&Cs to do this so they can operate a canteen or uniform shop. It is the responsibility of the P&C to research correct entitlements and awards.

P&Cs should also ensure that they consider how to continue fulfilling their responsibilities as an employer during transition stages, such as directly following an AGM. PAGE 15

P&C VOICE

SUPERCHARGING SELF-ESTEEM: 8 CONFIDENCE-BOOSTING TIPS

The school year is in full swing, and confidence is a superpower that helps kids thrive. Parents and carers play a crucial role in boosting children’s self-esteem.

Take things one step at a time Help kids face a daunting task by asking, "What's the first thing you need to do?" or "What's the next step after that?" This helps them learn to work through things that seem big and impossible in a more manageable way.

Check out these helpful tips from the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program.

Praising their efforts Talk about the things your child does well. When you need to bring up areas where they could improve, start by mentioning something positive first. Give them praise for making progress, no matter the outcome. This can help motivate them to keep trying when things feel difficult.

Show confidence in their abilities Let them do things for themselves as soon as they are ready. This helps them learn their capabilities and that they have control over their world.

Set goals For example, saving up for something or learning to play an instrument. Praise the progress made along the way, not just the end result.

Be a positive role model Let them see how you tackle and overcome setbacks.

Share stories about how you overcame a challenge, what you did, and how you felt before and after. And when things don't go as planned, try to respond calmly.

Help with negative self talk Let your child know that losing, finding things difficult or making a mistake doesn’t mean failure. Growing as a person involves facing new challenges, and mistakes are part of learning.

Prompt their problem-solving Instead of trying to fix every problem for children, pause and step back for a moment. Guide them through problem-solving with questions like "What have you tried so far?" or "What do you think might happen if you try this?"

Laugh often Laughing is a wonderful way for kids to express their emotions, bond with others and feel good about themselves. The next time they crack a joke or tell you a funny story, give them your full attention and enjoy the moment together. Sometimes, it also helps to let them see you laugh it off when things go wrong.

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DID YOU KNOW?

Backed by research, proven by parents.

With anxiety becoming more prevalent among school-age children, Triple P is here to help.

Fear-Less Triple P Online Helps parents/carers of children aged 6+ to better understand and support their child's fear and anxiety. It offers guidance on what to do when your child is anxious or upset and a full range of tools and strategies based on proven principles. Developed by child psychologists and based on extensive research, the program allows you to choose what works for you and adapt it to suit your family's values.

Triple P has more free online programs, too.

Triple P Online Helps parents/carers of children up to 12 years old with everyday parenting challenges, from listening and cooperation to social skills and self-regulation.

Triple P Online for Baby Provides proven tips and strategies for new and expecting parents to navigate this exciting chapter.

Choose the program that meets your needs, go at your own pace, and start seeing positive changes.

Learn more at triplep-parenting.net.au

CONFIDENTLY HANDLE PARENTING CHALLENGES WITH FREE ONLINE SUPPORT A lot of parents struggle with managing all the challenges that come with raising kids, and the Triple P - Positive Parenting Program can help.

Triple P’s online programs help parents and carers feel more confident in their parenting skills, whether it’s raising a growing child, dealing with children’s anxiety or adjusting to being a new parent.

With evidence-based strategies to guide behaviour, grow closer and solve problems with less guesswork, these programs make a positive difference at home and school.

Best of all, they’re free!

Spread the word in your school community! And if you need extra help promoting the programs, get in touch: contact@triplep.net

Funded by the Australian Government

Triple P International acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live and work. We respectfully acknowledge Elders, past and present who continue to guide us with their wisdom on our journey to support and build strong healthy families.

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P&C VOICE

Filling tummies, fuelling minds A trip with Alice Murray to a School Breakfast Program

School Breakfast Programs contribute to healthy child development by supporting socialemotional learning, wellbeing and school connectedness

Article and images supplied by Food Bank WA

Step into Roseworth Primary School’s bustling cafeteria and you’ll find more than just food – you’ll discover a hub of nourishment and care that’s been brightening young lives for over two decades.

Recently, we had the privilege of joining their breakfast program with our Ambassador Alice Murray. What we experienced was more than just a breakfast club; it was a heartwarming exchange of compassion and kindness filling hungry tummies.

Every morning, teachers wake up early to prepare a nutritious breakfast for the kids, ensuring no one starts school hungry. Donated food, often from local heroes like volunteers and community retailers, fuels the program, with a breakfast products and fresh fruit hamper provided by us each week.

But it’s not just about the meal – the breakfast club nurtures life skills too. Beyond the classroom, students learn socialising and hygiene practices in a nurturing and caring environment, guided by compassionate teachers who have stepped up to offer more than just education.

“It’s clear that the program is essential to nurture school kids and ready them for a day of learning – but on attending Roseworth Primary with Foodbank WA, I realised that the program also provides a community for these children. It’s a few relaxed moments – a safe space, where they can connect with their peers, carers and teachers,” said Alice.

And there’s no waste here – leftovers find new purpose in the school’s canteen, offering emergency meals to students in need. If a student or their family is facing hardship, the canteen steps up to provide food without hesitation.

This program’s legacy is steeped in care and support, reaching back to the joining of Hainsworth and Montrose Primary Schools into Roseworth. For over 20 years, it’s been a constant in the Girrawheen community, providing nourishment and care to generations of students.

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The evidence isn’t just anecdotal. This large scale, multi-year study reviewed School Breakfast Programs in Western Australia and the results speak for themselves. School Breakfast Programs contribute to healthy child development by supporting social-emotional learning, wellbeing and school connectedness: “Benefits relate not only to improvements in nutritional quality and caloric intake, but […] improvements in school attendance, readiness to learn, ability to concentrate, on-task classroom behaviour and academic performance.”

Expanding from 501 schools in 2022 to 524 schools in 2023, demand for food and nutrition education is rising fast. Five per cent year-onyear, in fact. And with over 120,000 Western Australian children in food insecure households tonight, providing a nutritious breakfast is one way we can level the playing field for all school children.

To learn more about hosting a School Breakfast Program at your school, email or call Foodbank WA on (08) 9258 9277.

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Buoyed by a sense of achievement following the playground project, we were keen on another team challenge!

Playgrounds and boating success A good news story from Walliston Primary P&C

The Walliston Primary School P&C has been in touch with WACSSO with a two-pronged good news story! Their highlights from 2023 include the construction of a new playground and their “Masters Milk Carton Regatta” entry.

“We went all in on the design making our ’Masters II’ look as close to the original as we could make it. Seaworthiness was the last thing on our minds, we had replica Bob Hawke style jackets to make!!” she added.

After years of dedication and fundraising, in early 2023 the P&C installed a brand-new Funky Monkey playground for the Year 4-6 students.

Buoyed by the sense of achievement from this initiative, some members of the P&C volunteer playground crew decided the time was right to take on another team challenge and enter the Masters Milk Carton Regatta!

The collective efforts of team Walliston Primary P&C paid off, as ‘Masters II’ stayed afloat with all parts intact for the duration of the regatta race.

“We came second in the design competition and won $3000 for our P&C. An absolutely brilliant result,” said Meghan.

“After making the entry official we got to thinking and drinking (flavoured milk) and decided that we would commemorate the 40th Anniversary of Australia winning the America’s Cup by making a replica of the victorious Australia II yacht complete with its secret weapon, the winged keel,” said P&C Vice-President, Meghan.

WACSSO loves hearing about the new and novel ways P&Cs raise funds for their communities.

Please get in touch via communications@wacsso.wa.edu.au if you’ve got a story to tell.

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NOTICE BOARD

Nominate now for a seat at the table

Nominate now for WACSSO State Council.

WACSSO State Council is led by the President and Executive Committee and made up of individuals who represent electorates throughout WA. All State Councillors are volunteers and are nominated by their P&C Association Councillors represent the views, issues, concerns and opinions of all the P&Cs in their electorates through regular contact.

Many Councillors donate their time to sit on a variety of committees such as the Children’s Crossing and Road Safety Committee, Nature Play WA and the WA Road Safety Education Committee.

Being a State Councillor is your opportunity to positively contribute to the education of students in public schools throughout WA. Roles and responsibilities of a Councillor State Councillors are the grassroots connection between P&Cs and WACSSO. Councillors are often contacted by affiliates for advice and assistance and can be invited to attend P&C meetings in their electorate.

State Council meets five times per year, usually over a weekend. When Council is not in session an Executive Committee conducts Council business. State Council’s advocacy priorities are informed by WACSSO Annual Conference, the forum for affiliates to establish priorities and policy for the coming year.

2024 State Council Term Elections and By-Elections Both Term elections and By-elections will commence on 5 February 2024 for the below electorates. The closing date for nominations is 12noon, Friday 5 April 2024.

Term Elections Canning East Canning North Canning West Fremantle Joondalup East Peel South Warren-Blackwood Wheatbelt North Wheatbelt South By-Elections North West Swan East

Find out more

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Re-building our P&C

We always aim for our events and activities to spark joy.

A good news story from East Kenwick Primary School P&C

Prior to 2021, East Kenwick Primary School was without a P&C for around five years. In late 2021, a new (initially interim) Principal commenced at the school, keen to re-engage the parent community. Following a survey to test interest levels, the P&C launched in Semester Two of that year, with just $42 in the bank.

Fast forward to 2024, and the P&C is still operational and going strong. The then-interim Principal is now the substantive Principal, and the relationship between the school and the P&C is strong and positive. Since its re-establishment, the focus of the East Kenwick Primary P&C has been on building a strong sense of community and encouraging families on-site to enjoy events and activities together.

Current P&C President, Allison, has been in the role since 2021. The P&C has enjoyed steady leadership and membership, with a core group in place for the past 3 years.

“Our focus as a P&C has been on creating fun events and activities for the students at our school, while also engaging our community. The added bonus of these events is being able to raise much needed funds for our school,” said Allison.

The first item on the P&C’s agenda was a Father’s Day raffle, which raised over $600 for the school, off tickets that were 50cents each.

Next up was a cake stall plus a bacon-and-egg burger stand at the athletics carnival. The burgers were donated, which meant that all the funds raised ($2k) could be retained by the P&C. In turn, the P&C used these funds to run a school disco, which was a massive hit with the students and families, with additional funds raised from the disco.

“We have been very careful with how the P&C spends its funds. Many of our members, parents, teachers & students have donated homemade crafts, plants, and some purchased items for our stalls & raffles. In addition, we have been able to obtain vouchers & donations from local businesses all of which helps keep our costs down so we can give back as much as possible to the school,” said Allison. “In 2022, we raised $10,000 towards the new iPads for students, which have been really well received,” she added.

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Getting volunteers on board to re-ignite the P&C was challenging at first, but the teachers and Principal at the school were very supportive and a big help, many of them volunteering personally, including the Deputy Principal who gifts his time each year to be the Disco DJ. The level of support for the P&C has grown year-onyear, with families keen to get on board to create fun and memorable experiences for the kids.

The P&C has already started to make plans for 2024, with staple events like raffles, Mothers’ & Fathers’ day stalls, colour fun run, the disco and a cake stall at the athletics carnival already booked in. When the P&C reflect at the end of each year on what has been achieved, there is always a sense of positivity and pride. “Our Year 6s frequently mention the school disco as their memorable moment of Primary School at their graduation ceremonies. This is hugely rewarding for us. We always aim for our events and activities to spark joy, but to know they have a lasting impact on the young people of our school is priceless”, reflects Allison.

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Recognising outstanding effort

We just want to make Southern River College a positive place where students build happy memories

A good news story from Southern River College P&C

The Southern River College P&C was recently awarded a Certificate of Excellence in Community Contributions by their school following a successful year of fundraising and community engagement events.

The high school is home to just under 1,200 students, and the P&C has decided to focus much of its efforts on making the school a happy and safe place for them to be.

“We run a number of events each year,” said P&C President, Susan. “In 2023, we ran Mothers’ and Fathers’ Day raffles, two Bunning sausage sizzles, an RUOK day BBQ for students, a quiz night and a Christmas raffle,” she added.

The funds from P&C initiatives typically go towards projects that positively impact the student experience at Southern River. Last year, this included the installation of a new ‘yellow bench’ in conjunction with RUOK Day and funds to help with the costs of the Year 12 ball. Other initiatives have included a defibrillator for the College and support the school’s Drama class, using funds received from a grant given by the local bank.

“The yellow bench is designed to encourage kids to sit down and have a chat. The idea is that those students who need someone to talk to will use the bench, and either staff or other students will use it as a mechanism to check in with peers,” said Susan.

“As for the ball, we know the costs of running events like this are really high. We wanted to help add some sparkle and make the evening really memorable for the students, so we gave some of the money we had raised towards the decorations for the ball. We’re really keen to make sure the school is both a wonderful place for students to be and somewhere that they have happy memories of when they look back at their high school years,” she added.

The P&C at Southern River College is run by a small, dedicated team. Like many P&Cs, especially those located in high schools, they find it tricky to recruit new members. But with innovative approaches, like encouraging senior students to volunteer for the Bunnings sausage sizzle to make sure it goes ahead, the team is able to run a healthy number of initiatives each year and contribute funds to the school and its students.

The Certificate of Excellence was an initiative of the new Principal, who is an enthusiastic supporter of the P&C and its mission to make Southern River College a positive place to be.

“The new Principal is really supportive of the P&C,” says Susan. ‘He has also made a really positive contribution to the school community.

He is always out and about, talking to students and getting to know them. You can tell that he is also committed to making Southern River College a great place,” she added.

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This year, the P&C is already planning two Bunnings sausage sizzles and its annual stall at the athletics carnival, at which they sell bacon and egg rolls, Halal meals, hot dogs and leis in all the faction colours for students to wear.

Work is also underway on the Mothers’ and Fathers’ Day raffles, which are always a hit with the students.

“The Principal announces the raffle winners over the PA, and the kids get to go to the admin building to collect their prize. There is always a huge buzz over who wins the prize, which they get to take home to their lucky parent. This initiative creates a real sense of positivity and perfectly contributes to our goals as a P&C to make Southern River College a positive place where students build happy memories,” says Susan.

While Susan and her team were humble about their award from the school, claiming they had done nothing out of the ordinary to be singled out for the honour, it is clear that their focus on wellbeing and positivity is being noticed, and hugely appreciated, by the school and its community.

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WACSSO STATE COUNCILLORS

PRESIDENT Pania Turner 0477 644 000

SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT GREAT SOUTHERN Julie Brooks 0429 016 253

The Western Australian Council of State School Organisations Inc. (WACSSO) State Council is made up of a 20 elected Councillors and a President, all of whom are volunteers.

The State Council meets several times a year to discuss educational issues of interest to Parents and Citizens' Associations (P&Cs), determine the direction of WACSSO and to influence the broad direction of education for the benefit of students.

CANNING - EAST

CANNING - WEST

Scott Mosey 0401 637 716

Chelsea Walker 9246 4000

GOLDFIELDSESPERANCE Katherine Loader 0408 949 847

JOONDALUP - EAST Rob Fairholme 0435 779 801

JOONDALUP - WEST

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PEEL SOUTH

PERTH NORTH

Tony Osborne 0419 925 701

Paula Steenson 0409 076 476

Michael Montgomery 0422 923 768

Vivienne Cantem 0447 297 156

Sharyn Morris 0498 994 221

SOUTH-WEST

SWAN WEST

FREMANTLE

NORTH WEST

Indah Yildiz 0412 595 576

VICE-PRESIDENT WHEATBELT-SOUTH

CANNING NORTH

Esmond Delaney 0409 370 016

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Kate Hayes-Thompson 0458 830 000

VICE-PRESIDENT PERTH SOUTH Anne Fairbanks 0411 256 079

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OUR FORTNIGHTLY ENEWS

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