On behalf of WACSSO State Councillors and Staff, I wish all P&C members a warm welcome to the new school year, 2024!
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.
The WACSSO team is here to help your P&C succeed! We have a comprehensive suite of resources to assist committee members in understanding the roles and responsibilities of their Association. These resources are invaluable to new members but can also serve as handy reminders and tools for the seasoned P&C volunteer.
The P&C Handbook is the centrepiece of our publications. It contains essential information for the P&C committee to understand and meet its obligations. The Handbook also includes links to additional resources to assist P&C Office Bearers in fulfilling their duties. Make sure you list the P&C Handbook as an agenda item at the next P&C meeting, allowing committee members to review the Handbook’s information. Using the 2024 edition of the P&C Handbook is essential to ensure that your P&C abides by the most current updates.
Our WACSSO State Councillors feature in the Handbook and I strongly encourage you to get to know your Councillor; they are keen to help and support you and your P&C. Consider inviting the Councillor representing your electorate to attend a P&C meeting. This presents an excellent meet-and-greet opportunity and will allow your P&C to learn more about the services and resources WACSSO provides. Where you do not have an elected State Councillor, our professional team of WACSSO Staff are available to assist.
The 2024 WACSSO Annual Conference will be held at Crown Perth on the 24-25 August 2024. Conference is an action-packed weekend with P&C-focused workshops, inspirational speakers, student performances, the popular Exhibitor’s Hall and keynote addresses from the Minister for Education and the Director General of Education, among others. Most importantly, Conference allows for P&Cs’ concerns from across WA to be heard.
This year, we’re focusing on the future with the theme ‘Innovate, Collaborate, Advocate.’ I look forward to sharing knowledge with all our affiliates on how P&Cs can be best equipped to serve their communities well into the future.
The P&C can be a powerful advocate for your school, and I encourage you to consider issues impacting your school community and submit agenda items to the AGM session of Conference.
Schools are often referred to as the heart of a community. P&C committee members focused on good student outcomes will work together to ensure their school is a place where all children, families, and staff feel safe, valued, and excited to be members of that community.
Pania Turner
WACSSO President
