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FEDERATION OF PARENTS AND CITIZENS' ASSOCIATIONS OF NEW SOUTH WALES |
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Join Your P&C Association
COMMUNITY INFORMATION
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FEDERATION OF PARENTS AND CITIZENS' ASSOCIATIONS OF NEW SOUTH WALES |
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Join Your P&C Association
COMMUNITY INFORMATION
|
What is a P&C Association?
Parents and Citizens' (P&C) Associations are organisations that
exist in almost every public school in New South Wales. They bring
the school and the community into close cooperation.
P&C Associations have existed for 150 years in one form or another.
They are recognised by Act of Parliament as the representative voice
of parents with children in public schools. They are supported at a
state level by the Federation of Parents and Citizens' Associations
of New South Wales and nationally by the Australian Council of State
School Organisations.
What is new is that we now know that joining the P&C at your
children's school can make a significant difference to their
educational outcomes.
Why should I join the P&C?
Recent research has shown that the vital ingredient for student
learning is parental participation. Understanding school is a
pre-requisite for success. Children cannot be expected to understand
the complicated school process without help and support from their
parents. Parents must see the education process in action, help to
formulate programs and identify and respond to student needs in
order to fully understand the great changes that have taken place in
schools in the last few decades.
In government schools there are legislated guarantees for parent
participation. Parents are entitled to get complete information
about their children's progress as well as about the courses and
educational programs on offer at the school. They also have a right
to know and participate in the development of plans and policies for
running of the school. These plans and policies cover such areas as
the school's approach to student welfare and discipline, finance,
excursions and many others. De- spite their legal rights not all
parents know how to obtain this information even when they get help
from the school.
This level of knowledge, understanding and participation is
available to every parent who join their local P&C Association.
Will I have to raise money?
P&C Associations are not required to raise money but for many
Associations fundraising continues to be an important part of their
activities.
Each year, parent volunteers raise around $50 million in cash for
government schools and contribute an immeasurable amount in direct
labour as well. These funds are often raised through activities such
as barbecues, cake stalls and competitions. However, as people have
much less time and are less willing to spend their precious free
hours away from their families, new ways of doing things are
emerging.
Do I have to attend all meetings?
Most P&C Associations meet once a month. Decisions can only be made
by the agreement of a majority of members so meetings remain an
important part of P&C procedure. It is not essential that members
attend every meeting, but regular attendance is the best way to find
out what is happening.
It will also ensure that decisions are carried out and funds are
spent according to the wishes of the majority.
If not many people attend meetings, doesn't that indicate a lack
of interest?
It is a mistake to judge the strength of a P&C by the number of
people who attend meetings.
New patterns of family life, employment and leisure activities have
led to competing demands for valuable time. This reflects social
change, not lack of interest.
The P&C coordinates activities such as covering books for the
library, help with reading programs, support with sporting functions
and excursions. Besides this P&C members are part of the decision
making process on many of the school committees such as school
finance, welfare and literacy. Thus the P&C creates the opening for
parent participation in the school.
P&C Associations that affiliate with the Federation have automatic
public liability cover and personal accident insurance for voluntary
workers who participate in P&C activities is an optional insurance
available to P&C Associations through the Federation's insurance
program.
Many associations are establishing electronic communications
networks, email news groups and telephone links for those who can't
attend meetings. These, together with newsletters, ensure parents
are fully informed and their opinions are heard.
How do I find out more?
Ask your principal for the time and place of your school's regular
P&C meeting, and how to contact the P&C Executive.
Public schools continue to provide excellent education in a setting
which encourages community participation. Public schools are often
the focus of their communities. P&C Associations reflect this
community focus and provide opportunities to enjoy, learn and
communicate with parents and others interested in the education of
children.
The P&C is open to everyone, parents, caregiver, grandparents,
teachers, students and member of the whole community. By working
together people who care can make a difference.
Crucially, P&C Associations allow parents and caregivers the
opportunity to gain a greater understanding of a child's education.
Parental participation in the education process is the most
important gift a child can receive.
For any information about meeting practice, insurance, speakers and
parent support contact the:
Federation of Parents and Citizens' Associations of New
South Wales
Locked Bag 40, Granville, 2142
Telephone: 1300 885 982
Fax: 1800 655 866
Email:
mail@pandc.org.au
Internet:
www.pandc.org.au