WACSSO proudly represents the voices of public school parents across WA. We believe all children in Western Australia should have access to a world-class education.
WACSSO Conference, to run this coming weekend from August 23-24 at Crown Perth, will see over to 350 delegates from P&Cs across WA come together to learn how they can continue to positively impact their communities. This sellout event provides a key opportunity for WA P&Cs and public school parents to connect, learn and advocate on behalf of their communities. Guest speakers include Minister for Education, Sabine Winton MLA and Director General, Education, Mr Jay Peckitt. Opening Conference is keynote Professor Andrew Whitehouse, Deputy Director of the Kids Research Institute Australia, who will speak on ‘Education and Disability in 2025 – the great promise of a system in transition’. On Sunday, Conference will close with dual Olympian, mentor, coach, author and P&C Office Bearer, Sally Hunter, who will deliver her keynote on ‘Community sport helps grow champions: champion athletes, and champion people.’
“The 2025 Conference theme ‘Connected Families, Strong Communities,’ encapsulates our core belief that we all have a role to play. Specifically, the theme celebrates the vital role parents play in shaping supportive environments for children to thrive,” says WACSSO President Pania Turner. “For us, the theme acknowledges that strong, resilient, and safe communities begin with families who are connected, engaged, and empowered. Our Conference aims to provide delegates with opportunities to network, share knowledge and develop the skills they need to make a difference and positively influence their communities,” she added.
Ahead of Conference, questions for the Minister and Director General were received, and cover topics as broad as the Education Act Review Report, the full-time Kindy pilot, infrastructure planning and safety on roads around schools. These questions will be addressed with delegates across two of the Conference plenary sessions. In the AGM session, P&Cs have the opportunity to shape the advocacy agenda for WACSSO over the coming financial year by putting a motion forward for consideration by attendees. Motions scheduled for discussion include transparency of third-party digital services used in WA public schools, safeguarding the purpose and integrity of school reports, funding student wellbeing positions in schools and the use of glyphosate near schools and parks. WACSSO anticipates robust discussion during the AGM portion of the Conference agenda.
To find out more about WACSSO Conference 2025, click here.