Parent Representative Body Consulation
Dear Parents and Carers
At St Joseph's Primary Wauchope, we understand the vital role that parent partnerships play in the success of our students. Research shows that children whose parents are engaged in their learning achieve better academic outcomes, report higher levels of well-being, fewer behavioural issues, and are more likely to pursue further education.
We are proud of our strong tradition of parent involvement through our Parents & Friends Association (P & F), which has supported our school for many years. The P & F has been instrumental in fundraising, providing parent consultation, and building valuable community partnerships.
Review and Renewal of Parent Representative Bodies
As part of a broader initiative across the Lismore Catholic School Office, all schools, including St Joseph's, have been asked to review and renew their parent representative bodies. This review comes in response to several challenges that schools face in engaging parents:
- There are various models of parent groups operating across the Diocese, with different constitutions or handbooks, leading to inconsistencies.
- Issues with financial accountability and ACNC (Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission) registration.
- A lack of parents willing or able to take on executive roles.
- The need to clarify the true purpose of parent groups, moving away from a primary focus on fundraising.
- Economic pressures and improved school funding have made the strong focus on fundraising by many parent groups less necessary.
To address these challenges, we are introducing two options for parent-representative bodies: the School Community Forum (SCF) and the School Community Group (SCG).
Key Similarities Between SCF and SCG:
- All families automatically become members upon enrolment and are welcome to attend meetings.
- The Principal, Parish Priest, and a Parish Representative are members.
- Both models uphold the following purpose statements:
- Supports the Mission of the Catholic School: Promotes Catholic identity, Christian values, and quality education.
- Student-Centered and Community-Focused: Aims for the common good of all students and builds partnerships to meet their faith, academic, and well-being needs.
- Welcoming and Inclusive: Invites all parents and carers to be involved.
- Authentic Participation and Consultation: Engages parents in meaningful ways, allowing them to contribute their unique skills and insights.
- Learning Communities: Strengthens the connection between learning at school and learning at home.
- Communication: Encourages regular, meaningful dialogue about children’s educational, spiritual, and well-being needs.
Differences Between SCF and SCG:
| School Community Forum (SCF) | School Community Group (SCG) |
|---|---|
| Provides a formal structure | Less formal structure |
| An executive committee is elected (Chairperson, Assistant Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer) | No executive committee; chair and notetaker roles filled at each meeting |
| Adopts a new constitution for all schools choosing this model | Operates under the School Community Group Handbook with meeting guidelines |
| Allows for fundraising and can hold a bank account | Supports fundraising if the school chooses to host one; funds are deposited into the school account |
- June: Janita Thomson from the Lismore Catholic Schools Office discussed the necessary changes with the P & F.
- Friday 16 August 2024: The first consultation period was held following Stage 3 Assembly.
- Friday 13 September 2024: The second consultation period will be held following Stage 2 Assembly.
- Early September 2024: Newsletter article informing parents of the upcoming changes.
- Monday 28 October 2024: Optional voting period opens for all parents.
- Monday 11 November 2024: Optional voting period closes.
- Thursday 21 November 2024: P & F will be consulted on the vote outcome.
- Thursday 21 November 2024: School Leadership and Fr Felix will ratify the decision.
- Friday 22 November 2024: Staff will be informed of the decision.
- Friday 22 November 2024: All families will be notified of the outcome.
- November & December 2024: Preparation for either the SCF or SCG.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
-
What has been the take-up in the Lismore Diocese?
- 5 of 44 schools selected the SCF, 7 are undergoing the process like us, and the remaining schools opted for the SCG.
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Do all funds in the current P & F account have to be spent if we choose the SCG?
- No, the funds can be held in the school bank account under the fundraising line code.
-
Who runs the School Community Group?
- The school Leadership Team initiates activities and any potential fundraisers.
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Can we change our decision if the selected option isn’t working?
- Currently, this is unclear, and further information will be provided as it becomes available.
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Will all schools have to change?
- Yes, over time, all schools will adopt either the SCF or SCG model.
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Will there be assistance and support to do this?
- Yes, the Family Partnership team will provide comprehensive support during the transition.