Parent and Citizen Term 4, 2013 Vol 65 No 4

The Journal of the Federation of Parents and Citizens Associations of NSW

Navigating school

friendships - peer support

can help

ParentandCitizen Term 4, 2013 Vol 65 No 4

2 | Parent and Citizen

A LOT HAS HAPPENED IN THE LAST TERM FOR P&C FEDERATION AND OUR AFFILIATES.

Firstly, on behalf of P&C Federation and our affiliates congratulate the new government on their election. We welcome the new Prime Minister and look forward to working with him and his Ministry to ensure the educational needs of our children are met in New South Wales.

On a lighter note Election Day was a very successful day for our P&C Associations for fundraising. Our office was inundated with Notification of Event forms for Election Day BBQ’s, cake stalls, white elephant stalls and fetes, we have received some great pictures and tweets from events all over New South Wales which we look forward to sharing with you and showing off our wonderful school communities.

I recently attended the P&C Queensland conference in Brisbane with fellow Officer Rachael Sowden. The conference was a great way to see how our kindred Queensland organisation showcase their yearly event and make the most of having members in the one place. There were 15 workshops ranging from P&C Operation and making the most of your P&C time and assets to the Australian curriculum and behavioural issues. While we were there we had the opportunity to meet with the President and executive team and ask some questions about their recent organisational changes. We got an insight into how the process was followed through, what issues and roadblocks where faced by the organisation and how they are tracking now after the changes. The information will be of assistance to P&C Federation in the coming months as we also seek to travel a path of organisational change. This change will ensure the Organisation is representative, member focused and allows P&C Federation a continuing relevant voice in public education. More news on this will be provided to all affiliates as changes occur.

P&C Federation are still awaiting confirmation from the Minister for Education regarding the gazetting and operation of District councils. A Model constitution has been sent through to the Minister for his approval and hopefully we can have our district councils up and running soon with the approval of the Minister. Another advancing event we look forward to keeping you updated on.

Lastly, a reminder to those P&C Associations that have not yet visited the ACNC website (http://www.acnc.gov.au/) or filled out the required responsible person forms, you need to make time to do this as soon as possible. Have a look at the website for information that could be relevant to your P&C Association.

Have a great Term 4, enjoy the weather and events that it brings and stay safe and well over the summer holiday period.

Your is volunteering

Lyall WilkinsonP&C Federation President

President’s Message

President Lyall Wilkinson with General Manager Sharon Johnson

Parent and Citizen JournalThe Journal of the Parents and Citizens Associations of New South Wales

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Email: [email protected]

Website: www.pandc.org.au

President: Lyall Wilkinson

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The Journal of the Federation of Parents and Citizens Associations of NSW

Navigating school

friendships - peer support

can help

ParentandCitizen Term 4, 2013 Vol 65 No 4

Parent and Citizen | 3

Contents

6

21 36

14

P&C Federation State Council 4

Great Teaching Inspired Learning 5

An Introduction: Executive Director, Public Schools NSW 6

Learning the difference convention 7

Peer Support 8

A day in the life of a TSO 10

Long term impact of the DER 12

Be aware, be prepared, be educated 13

Inspiring Young Women to Learn, Lead, Succeed 14

Centaur Primary Celebrates! 16

Member Services 18

National Excellence in teaching 20

Leftovers to lunchbox 20

Snaps from AC13Z 21

Award Winners 22

Blakehurst aims to be greener 25

Safer buses for all students? 26

It calls for a cake 27

Floraville school community working together 28

Ag-tention to detail 28

Police Legacy 29

Computer games 30

Chess Challengers 31

Love Food Hate Waste 32

Auditing tales 34

Crunch and sip 36

No one does a snag sanga like a P&C 38


P&C Federation State Council

As a participant of state Council I and many, many other members over the years have sought to contribute and represent P&C Federation affiliates for the betterment of public education. If good intentions equalled success then our Organisation would be a model for others to aspire to. However, three reviews and many hundreds of volunteers later it is identified documented and acknowledged that you must provide more than just intentions to be a successful and accountable organisation in this day and age.

The most recent review of state Council clearly articulated issues that no member wants to be associated with nor I imagine responsible for. Those issues can be captured quite simply under the headings of bullying culture, poor governance structure and inadequate representation. These are unfortunately descriptions that are regressive to the strategic plan of P&C Federation and provide no benefit to our members, which are each and every affiliated school community. The issues are complex and sadly appear to be stubbornly embedded in the culture of state Council. Many an effort has been tried over a long period of time to work to change and improve the way state Council operates, results have varied from non-existent through to successful but not enough to effect sincere cultural change for the members. A valiant attempt was made to introduce change to the legal framework of the Organisation at the last meeting of the state Council however these outcomes did not reach far enough to address the problems. The actions have subsequently been halted by a call for rescission from a number of state Council members. This stalemate could be said to be indicative of the way state Council has operated for a little while and is not in the

least surprising to me as President. For what it is worth I personally feel that all members who contribute their time, their opinion and their voice do so with a passion for the cause of public education I just do not think the vehicle that is state Council is at all suitable to achieve the objectives of the Organisation. It clearly hasn't been for a very long time. So where to from here? At the current time state Council is not scheduled to meet again, an independent party has been engaged to undertake an investigation relating to Work, Health & Safety compliance and potential breaches as well as complaints received by members following the 2013 Annual Conference and the August state Council meeting. Depending on the outcome there may be further action required with Workcover NSW, these matters are a priority for P&C Federation and will be fully pursued to ensure that the work environment for our employees is satisfactory and that our volunteers can attend meetings knowing that there is no threat to their wellbeing in any way.

For the purpose of moving the Organisation forward I have used my Presidential authority to apply directly to the Minister for Education to adopt an amended Constitution for the Federation of Parents and Citizens Associations of New South Wales with an accompanying request that all and any relevant legislations suitably be also amended.

This Constitution embraces a board model for operating and seeks to ensure that all nominating board members have children currently enrolled in a New South Wales public school. This is not intended to disregard the important role that citizens have in P&C Associations but it does serve to ensure that parents are represented sincerely.

The Constitution was drafted by an independent law firm and embraces the principles of boards to allow for broader

participation of members. Elements such as the ability to facilitate voting without attending the Annual Conference, which is the Annual General Meeting of P&C Federation, are incorporated. Further each affiliate P&C Association will be entitled to a vote as a member, this permits equity in representation across our members.

Whilst awaiting response from the Minister for Education I am now compelled to seek further legal advice on pursuing this framework by law. This action is an act of prudence and is a valid method to ensuring P&C Federation may continue to operate. It arises as an additional legal pathway to try and ensure that the state council members do not expose P&C federation to legal action. State council members have been alleged to have engaged in activities which have raised legal action against the Organisation. As President I will exhaust all avenues to stop any incidents of bullying, misrepresentation and unfounded claims by members, this is my responsibility to affiliates, council and to staff.

I look forward to updating all affiliates as soon as further information is available and ask that you appreciate that P&C Federation seeks to represent all affiliate members and offer service to all NSW school communities. Where these actions will end is not known at this time however, I commit my full attention to succeeding for the best outcome for P&C Federation.

Lyall WilkinsonPresident

For the past little while there has been concerns relating to the role of P&C

Federation's state Council. I stood for President having been a member of this

state Council for many years, indeed I have been present on state Council for the

Eva Cox, Charles Dalgleish and David W. Roden reviews.


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Great Teaching Inspired LearningIn March 2013, the NSW Government

released the Great Teaching, Inspired Learning blueprint for action. The blueprint includes a range of actions across the teaching life cycle designed to improve the quality of teaching in NSW schools.

The Minister for Education, Adrian Piccoli, has now released details about how three of the key reforms will be implemented within the NSW Department of Education and Communities (the Department).

1To attract the best and brightest candidates into teaching, a new Teach.Rural scholarship program will start taking applications in September

from talented students willing to teach at rural and remote schools. Starting with 20 scholarships for 2014, a further 50 will be offered in following years. Additionally, new cadetship and internship programs will give those studying teaching the opportunity work as paid paraprofessionals in a school while they study.

2To better support teachers during their beginning years of teaching, from next year all permanent teachers in their first year of teaching

will have two hours per week relief time and one hour of mentoring support. In 2015, when those teachers are in their second year of teaching, they will receive the equivalent of one hour of release time each week. Beginning temporary teachers will also be better supported through the creation of eight new teacher mentor positions from 2014 to support teachers in up to 40 schools that employ large numbers of beginning temporary teachers.

3To secure a consistent and fair process for managing the performance of all teachers, the Department will negotiate new

performance management processes as part of the 2014 Teachers’ Award. For more details download fact sheets and FAQs from the internet.


An Introduction: Executive Director, Public Schools NSW

As part of a continued focus that places students at the core of all decision making the Department of Education and Communities has recently appointed Mr Murat Dizdar, Ms Dail McGilchrist, Mr Frank Potter and Mr Graham Kahabka (Relieving) (pictured) as the four Executive Directors, Public Schools NSW. These senior officers are excited to be contributing to the leadership and innovation of Public Schools across NSW through fostering a culture of change and sensitivity that drives the new model of educational delivery and support to NSW public schools. “As part of the Public Schools Executive Group, led by Mr Greg Prior, Deputy Director-General, Schools along with four state office Executive Directors, the group will provide strategic and operational leadership which supports the Department’s vision for public education in NSW” says Murat, he adds “central to our work is providing strategic direction for the implementation of initiatives and reforms that are forward focused to prepare our 750,000 public education students for a global future".

Driven by the education reform agenda of Local Schools, Local Decisions which aims to provide enhanced local authority and contextual decision making capacity to principals and school communities, each principal will be the driver of educational change within their local community, accountable to a Director, Public Schools NSW for the effective leadership and management of the school, meeting the personalised learning needs of students and achieving the best possible outcomes for all students. Executive Directors, Public Schools NSW will lead a management team of approximately 16 Directors, Public Schools NSW to reduce red tape, empower principals and encourage the sharing of educational expertise and support the innovation of new ideas. Dail states that “crucial to the Director, Public Schools NSW role will be their work directly with local parents, community and key stakeholders including local P&C Associations, AECG, principal associations, interagency partners, Members

of Parliament and media to promote and enhance further confidence in public education in NSW and support innovative education delivery in what is a world class public education system.”

Maintaining and building strong relationships with school communities and supporting the educational needs of schools will be the prime focus of the Director, Educational Services who will work closely with the Executive Directors, Public Schools NSW in planning, delivery and evaluation of educational services required by schools. Frank says “the most exciting part of this role is the opportunity to work directly with principals and teams of education service specialists to support school needs for delivery of flexible and innovative education programs for all students”.

At the operational level the Executive Director has regular contact with their team of Directors to discuss the provision, implementation and outcomes of enhancing system educational leadership and in the provision of mentor and coaching support

of principals in building their capabilities and professional practice in schools. “The four of us are highly motivated to inspire cultural and systems change to ensure improved student learning outcomes, crucial to our success is a state wide team approach that harnesses the skills, energy and passion that our diverse range of departmental staff has.” indicated Graham.

Transition to the new model of support for schools commenced on day 1 of Term 3 with the formation of 65 principal networks across NSW and the appointment of Directors, Public Schools NSW to provide differentiated and individualised support to principals. Murat, Dail, Frank and Graham commenced their Executive Director, Public Schools NSW roles on 3 June 2013 and the end state for implementation of the new model will see public schools supported by local education services from 27 January 2014. Each of them are energised by their collective vision of Public Education in NSW schools being available to all and delivered to world class standard.


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Learning difference convention Dyslexia is an odd thing

So many children meet their milestones when little and seem quite confident, yet it all falls apart as soon as they are faced with letters and words and writing when they get to school. I have heard all too often ‘He was ok until he got to school!’. Parents often find it overwhelming, are not sure what is wrong or what to do about it and spending hours of extra time trying to complete homework is tantamount to self inflicted torture. Dyslexic children, already more exhausted than the others because of the extra effort they need to apply, become frustrated and many eventually disengage from education. The social ramifications of that are quite familiar to us all.

Dyslexia can range from mild to severe, and can exacerbate other difficulties that may also hinder learning, such as speech and language difficulties or struggling to process information i.e. hearing the words and understanding them, but they seem to take the longer route to the brain before the words are understood and can be acted on (I might mention here that once processed, they may do more with that information than someone who processed at a faster rate!) Dyslexia also has nothing to do with how intelligent you may or may not be.

It remains exceptionally hard for dyslexics to

function, as life demands the ability to read. Despite these obstacles, it is necessary to focus on strengths, natural talents and interests to bolster self confidence and help heighten the interest in reading and learning. We are very fortunate to live in this digital age, which provides a wonderful platform for learning.

As specialist teacher, dealing with children with severe dyslexia on a one –to-one basis, I was inspired to start a local charity namely the Central Coast Dyslexia Association almost three years ago. My aim was to help spread information about learning difficulties, particularly Dyslexia, to help the wider community, especially families who had insufficient funds for support and knowledge about dyslexia. Our organisation has grown significantly and we are now able offer resources to schools, volunteers and about 14 free talks each year thanks.

On this journey I have realised the need to work more closely with other charities and groups who share the same interest in helping with this learning difference. There is substantial research to show that early intervention is the key and knowing where to begin is vital. We have an abundance of knowledge and skills in Australia and that is my inspiration for starting the Learning Difference Convention. It is the

first of its kind in NSW with 24 seminars for teachers and parents all under one roof over two days. There will be an exhibition hall with loads of ideas and resources and, needless to say, all the experience you could ever hope to meet when it comes to dyslexia! We have tried to keep the one hour seminars as reasonably priced as possible to make it accessible to all. We would love to see you there as it has been designed with one purpose in mind – you and your children. For more information visit: www.learningdifferenceconvention.com

Jillian Zocher


If it wasn’t for the peer leaders in Year 6 at Normanhurst Public School, some kindergarten students would be finding it much more difficult to settle into their first year of school.

As school captain Jack Ryan puts it, the Peer Support Program, is all about making the school a better place.

With around 350 students, Normanhurst Public School is small enough for teacher and Peer Support Program coordinator Linda Grimmond to take a whole-of-school approach in encouraging children to maintain close and caring relationships.

This year, 48 Year 6 students have become peer leaders, and mentor the younger students, taking groups of 8-10 children for eight lessons on topics such as how to negotiate friendship, how to speak up when bullying occurs, and understanding the importance of values, such as optimism and resilience.

Given the success of the program, Mrs Grimmond encourages other teachers to sign up for the next local Peer Support Australia workshop.

“It’s given a lot of our kids new ideas and talking points and it really connects the students to each other,” Mrs Grimmond says. “For instance, the ‘Keeping friends’ topic is really terrific because kids get to talk about things that they normally don’t discuss.”

Helping the kids train as leaders also makes them a bit more empathetic towards their own teachers, she adds.

“I really like seeing them take on the role of the teacher and have to deal with the issues teachers have such as engaging the students and controlling them if they get out of line,” she says.

“The Year 6 students really look forward to their Peer Support days, and the opportunity to be a leader. Not every kid is a prefect or prize winner so this is great way to let his or

her light shine.”Over 1600 primary and secondary schools

have been involved in the Peer Support programs, particularly over the past decade.

An estimated 300,000 students are impacted each year. For students, the program benefits include the chance to practice leadership skills, build confidence, act as positive role models, and develop organisational and time management skills.

For teachers, schools and the community at large, the program helps build more positive relationships, empathy and better communication between older and younger students; improved empathy in the class room, and better learning outcomes.

One of the surprising benefits reported by teachers is that the program not only helps create a better school culture but can also lead to less time spent on managing problematic behaviour in the classroom and playground. Gayle Bryant

PEER SUPPORT Creating Positive Classrooms


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A day in the life of a TSO

A typical day in my life as a TSO is best summed up by Forrest Gump when he says, “Life is like a box of chocolates – you never know what you’re going to get.”

I usually arrive before the students. It’s the quiet time in the morning that allows me to check the network system, making sure everything is humming along and logging on nicely. Then, there are the overnight emails to read and respond to, and the Windows updates to kick-start on the laptops that had completed the overnight reimaging. I quickly check my notes from the previous day and set my priorities for the day, knowing that they will most likely change over the course of the day.

At 8.30 am I head to the staff common room for the daily staff meeting to receive major announcements for the day. I make an announcement for the teachers to check the daily notices which contains a list of remaining students who have failed to bring in their laptop for the annual stocktake to see me. On my way out of the meeting, I am intercepted by a new teacher who asks for access to a laptop and the school network. I note down their details and ask if they can visit me Period 2, when I will have it ready. Another teacher

approaches me to report that he is unable to print from his laptop. I accompany him back to his desk, where I check his laptop, and configure the printer driver settings.

A student is waiting for me at my door to say that his laptop will not work without its power adaptor. A quick diagnose confirms the battery had become faulty and is swapped with another, sending him on his merry way. I quickly plug in the new teacher’s laptop, log on and assign it, when another student appears at my door and reports that his laptop screen has broken mysteriously overnight. I issue the student a laptop incident form, citing the quicker he returns the paperwork, the quicker it will be fixed.

As the bell signals the start of period 1, the students head to their classes allowing me a few minutes to attend to the morning requests. Just when I complete logging the call for the fault battery, students begin to appear at my door with their laptops for stocktake. I locate their laptop in the database, update the stocktake status and return their devices to their surprised

looks at how fast the process took. At the start of Period 2 the new teacher

appears to collect her laptop. I spend some time to assist her logging onto the laptop and provide a quick laptop induction. As the day progresses, there are requests from students for password resets, more laptop faults to troubleshoot and log, and the occasional access point to restore after being disconnected at the wall or a faulty switch needing to be processed for warranty replacement.

My workday continues in this unpredictable, multitasking mode, until the students go home, and I can then concentrate on finish logging the help desk calls and completing the paperwork. The daily DER support tasks provide the basis for a day that is hectic, and full of changing priorities. This juggling of daily tasks can be both fun and challenging, and this together with the regular DER projects provides the TSO job with a very interesting and fulfilling job.

Technical Support Officer NSW Public School



Long term impact of the DER I think there’s been a change in the

nature of teaching. When I think about the women who I used to teach with when I went into teaching, if they were to come back and go into a classroom today, they would be surprised. It is almost like a different universe. They would still be great teachers but the options we now have to use in our teaching have certainly changed hugely.

The termination of the DER (Digital Education Reveolution) laptop rollout from 2014 has left many people disappointed that such an exciting program is going to be over. However by examining the 2012 DER Evaluation Report from the University of Wollongong, it is clear that changes brought about by the DER-NSW will outlast the end of the 1-to-1 laptop program. NSW teaching and learning have changed and thus irrevocable change has been brought about in NSW schools as a result of DER-NSW.1. Teachers’ beliefs about computers

and technologySince the introduction of the laptops

program, teachers participating in the evaluation have reported increased confidence and technology-related skill development and their comfort using computers to complete personal tasks and school related activities on their computer has increased.

‘I create quite a lot of resources; even creating worksheets or SMART notebook tools. At the moment we do things like creating share point spaces, emails – most things that I need to do on a computer I’ll be able to do it. I’m quite a competent user of technology. If I don’t know how to use it I’ll just jump onto Google and find out how to do it and I’ll just do it from there.’

‘I can do things that I couldn’t do before. You know, that even connecting the computer to the SMART Board at the start was very laborious, asking ”Okay, but why haven’t we got sound?’ or ‘How do I get to a big picture, full screen?’ All those things that now simply become second nature.’2. Teacher Practice and Skills

Teachers report that the laptops have increased access to technology for teaching and that this has changed their teaching practices. This change includes delivering lessons through an interactive whiteboard and having a wider variety of resources available for teaching.

Many spoke of being able to do things that they could not do before and that many technology skills had now become second nature. Changing how teachers deliver theory lessons and having the internet at school

means that students have access information at any time. Teachers report that the laptops have influenced their teaching practices over the last three years by providing students with more resources and different modes of learning.

‘It is a tool that increases the amount of information students are able to access, this enables them to make decisions on how to solve a problem. They can gain large amounts of information and then learn to apply it to whatever the problem is. It might mean that the teaching method and teaching style has to change to accommodate the different streams of information collection. The computer is simply a tool that aids in the gathering of information but we are still exercising decision making and choices to enable students to make decisions based on the range of information they get.’3. Lesson preparation

Teachers report that while they may not require students to use laptops in the classroom, they use theirs for lesson preparation and for lessons using interactive whiteboards. Teachers across all KLAs reported increases in use of laptops and computers to prepare lessons. 4. Use of interactive whiteboards

Access to interactive whiteboards has had an impact on teachers’ use of laptops and has influenced how teachers deliver lessons.

‘Yes, it has changed [my teaching], also my delivery, especially now that I’ve got the interactive whiteboard. Because I have the SMART Board, I make up a PowerPoint [for] everything that we talked about in reading comprehension – there were pictures, there were YouTube clips – so it was a different style. Things that I’ve been doing for the past few years are now changing…’5. Access to resources

Teachers report an increased range of technology resources being made available in schools since the start of the DER program. They report having new access to technological resources such as interactive whiteboards, data projectors, video conferencing, laptop sets on trolleys, high powered desktop computers in the library and high-volume scanner-copier to digitise paper-based teaching resources.

‘The desktop computers – we’ve got a whole different range from the really basic ones to high powered ones that are used for gaming and things like that. We’ve also got interactive whiteboards; probably every single room has them now – not every teacher, but almost every. There are also data loggers that can plug into DER laptops, X-box consoles, iPod Touches and also iPads.’

Teachers state that they had begun to use such technologies more frequently and that their use has continued to increase. They feel more

likely to use digitised handouts, email resources or provide them online, as well as use a variety of different resources, such as film clips and interactive resources in the classroom. 6. Communication

Teacher communication using technology has likewise shown an increase over the three years. The teachers report that they now use email to communicate with staff members, parents and students. Teachers report an increase in communication through email within the school and with students when they were outside of school, as well as providing feedback on assignments. Some teachers express the belief that sending emails to their students with feedback regarding their work improved students’ writing:

‘They email me a piece of written work… I can use track changes and I can add comments to specific areas of their writing which is really, really effective… I send it back to them with an overall comment, with all the bubbles and track changes, and then they can send back to me…It helps them with their writing…’7. DER Wireless and use of other

technologiesAn important result of the DER was the

installation of wireless internet in all high schools. This has facilitated the use of other devices as teaching tools. Some teachers report using smartphones, iPod touches and iPads in their teaching, and allowing students to use the devices in class. They report using their smartphones due to the applications available on these devices and for filming students. Students mentioned using their smartphone to take photos and access PDF files of their textbooks. Conclusion

It is known from educational change research, that change is likely to become visible within three to five years of an initiative being implemented. Four years into the DER-NSW initiative change is becoming visible and the nature of this change - on teacher attitudes to technology and their skills, pedagogy and classroom practice and communication, school technology resourcing, use of technology in administration, and the installation of wireless in every school - is such that a clear and permanent impact on teaching and learning has been made. A change that will ensure the integration of technology into classroom practice beyond the life of the DER in NSW secondary schools.

Terry O’Brien Policy and Evaluations Leader, DER-NSW


Be aware, Be Prepared, Be Educated!

In August 2013 there was an asthma incident in an after-school care facility in Sydney’s Northern Suburbs that led to the tragic death of an 8 year old boy. Following this incident, Asthma Foundation NSW has been contacted by many schools with concerns about how they can act to ensure they are ready in case an asthma incident occurs on their site.

Asthma Foundation NSW is committed to supporting your school to be prepared and we offer a range of education and information services:

Staff Asthma TrainingTake advantage of our FREE 1 hour

face-to-face training sessions on how to recognise and deal with an asthma emergency. Please contact our training department on 02 9906 3233 or via email at [email protected]

Information regarding asthma policies

It’s important that schools have clear procedures in place to support students with asthma, both day-to-day and in an emergency. Our InfoLine can help answer any questions or provide information you require about asthma, policies and procedures.

Asthma First Aid EquipmentIt’s vital that the right equipment is available

immediately in an asthma emergency – every second counts. Does your child’s school need an Asthma Emergency Kit? Visit our website to down load our resource order form.

For ParentsIf you are looking for information about asthma

or would like to talk to a health professional about your child’s asthma, please visit our website http://www.asthmaaustralia.org.au/ or call our InfoLine on 1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 462)

Samantha Bruce


Inspiring Young Women to Learn, Lead, Succeed

Moorefield Girls High School is a comprehensive girl’s school in Kogarah that has a proud reputation of offering our young women a caring environment, an engaging curriculum and opportunities to become valued and active citizens in our local and global community. The school and our P&C have formed a strong partnership with the combined aim of supporting our young women to be the best that they can be.

Inspiring Young Women to LearnMoorefield Girls has a strong academic

focus with outstanding academic improvement across all areas of literacy and numeracy development and achievement. We provide our girls with opportunities to become responsible digital citizens and have implemented an e-Learning Portfolio initiative where students keep record of and reflect on their learning online which they can share with their parents. Our challenging and engaging learning environments cater for the individual needs and talents of our girls. We have worked in partnership with our P&C to enhance the learning environment for our young women. An example of this partnership is the upgrade of the school Kay Cottee Library. As P&C President Petra Hines said, "the P&C have assisted in the upgrade of the school library, a

fresh, bright, inviting and creative environment for all students. A strong and happy learning environment helps prepare the girls for their future endeavours"

Inspiring young women to leadWe provide a safe, secure and disciplined

learning environment where our girls are encouraged to be their best, recognising the role they can play in making a difference in our society. Their support of organisations such as OzHarvest, the ZONTA birthing kits program, Gold and Red Nose Days and their representation on local Youth Advisory Committees, demonstrates that our girls are leaders and emerging leaders within their local community. As the 2013 school captain Jeramie Pingol stated about our International Women’s Week Celebrations, "This was a rewarding experience because it inspired us to recognise our own personal strengths as women." Our girls are provided with strong female role models and are encouraged to develop high expectations of what they can achieve. Our P&C are strong supporters and are actively involved in these events. Our Mothers, Grandmothers and Aunties Morning Tea was well supported by members of our P&C, both past and present. This highlights the involvement of the P&C in the cultural fabric of our school.

Inspiring young women to succeedTo ensure our girls have the best start to

high school, we work in partnership with our parents, community and other local schools. A proud member of the Bayside Learning Community of schools, we actively engage in activities to ensure that our teachers, parents and students know each other and develop a shared understand the learning that is taking place across both primary schools and high school. The schools invite parents and staff to important activities of each school, enhancing the connections across the schools. The Principals and executive, classroom teachers and P&C members meet to ensure that these connections foster the success of our girls. A well-developed partnership that involves all participants of the school community enhances opportunities and the experiences of our students. "Our P&C encourages parents to help develop and support the school, providing a strong and innovative partnership for students, staff and our community to Inspire Young Women" Petra Hines, P&C President

Julianne BeekPrincipal, Moorefield Girls High School


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Mound/Tunnel Slides

Handball Courts

Creative Outdoor Play Areas

Natural Play

Synthetic Turf FieldsIndoor PU Multi-purpose Sports Flooring

Creative Recreation Solutions Pty Ltd. • Phone : (02) 42562991 Fax : (02) 42563991 • Email: [email protected] www.crs.net.au

15P&C JOURNAL


Centaur Primary Celebrates! Centaur Primary School students

and staff invited family, friends and the community to celebrate their world with a night of spectacular performances at Celebrating Centaur which marked the end of Education Week.

Principal Darren Scott planted the seed of Centaur Celebrates believing each and every student and staff member should share their talents, achievements and greatness.

Working side by side the entire school was

committed to putting on a show that knocked the socks off the audience.

The extravaganza opened to the ancestral sound of clap sticks as indigenous students welcomed guests in traditional dance. Humorous skits amused, musical and instrumental medleys soothed and exhilarated, vocal soloists and the choir smashed tunes, public speaking winners recited, rebel recorders hit the high notes and a moving tribute to our Diggers commemorated.

As the night came to a resounding end, the entire school came together in a finale that emphasized the effort, care and belief in growing together.

“I watched our students’ shine and am so proud of everyone who plays a role in making Centaur the great place it is.” said Centaur’s Principal Darren Scott.


P&C Federation CONGRATULATES

public education

Each day you educate 760,000 children.

Your 2223 schools

reflect true parent

engagement &

community spirit.

You are

inclusive.

You are the

people’s choice!

You are an investment in the future of Australia.

Public education – you have a right to be proud.

Centaur Primary Celebrates!


transferred into the main P&C account for use by the P&C.

Keeping funds safe: All P&C cash should be stored securely or banked appropriately. It is important that following a fundraiser at least two people count the takings together, note what the takings are and put the takings in a safe to be banked on the next business day, failure to do so may jeopardise your cash insurance with P&C Federation.

Often we are asked who can do the yearly audit of the P&C finances: simply, the person appointed to audit your books must not be an Office-bearer of the association. This person must possess appropriate skills and experience in auditing and financial record management together with an appreciation of the issues of probity as they relate to the role of an association auditor. In particular, the auditor must not have or appear to have any conflict of interest arising, for example, from a personal or business relationship with an officer of the association.

For more detailed information on how to manage your P&C finances go to our website www.pandc.org.au and read our fact sheets and the Operational Guide for P&C Treasurers

P&C ASSOCIATION – OFFICERS ARE THE ONLY SIGNATORIES ON BANK ACCOUNTS

Quite often at P&C Federation the Member Services team get calls regarding who is able to be authorised signatories on a P&C Association’s banking account. In response, P&C Federation offers; only Officers of the P&C

Association are to be signatories on any and all accounts of a P&C Association. This rule applies to all P&C Associations and is described in the Standard Constitution for P&C Associations at section 15 and the Prescribed Constitution for P&C Association section 16. As you all know each P&C Association can adopt by-laws to accompany the Constitution and adopt sub-committee rule however these rules cannot contradict or be in conflict with the Constitution. Therefore the matter of who can be an authorised signatory should be considered when drafting by-laws and sub-committee rules.

SPECIAL MEETINGSSpecial meetings should not replace general

meetings and can only deal with business of which notice has been given, no other formal business such as the minutes of the preceding meeting, correspondence or general business can be transacted, the secretary is expected to ensure that all existing financial members receive at least seven clear days’ notice of any special meeting, the notice must indicate the time and place of the meeting as well as the specific business which will be transacted at the meeting.

INTERNET BANKING??A lot of P&C Associations ask the question

about internet banking. P&C Associations should be able to have

internet banking account with the ability to transfer funds with approval of 2 signatories. It is a process that differs from bank to bank but if you are interested you should enquire at your P&C Associations bank. It will help make the task of paying bills and transferring funds much more convenient.

Member Services

FINANCIAL POLICIES FOR P&C ASSOCIATIONS

Many people find our financial requirements tiresome but we do lay down strict rules for a reason. Those who do not follow our regulations have some sad stories to tell. P&Cs work hard at fundraising for their schools. To find yourselves $20,000 or more short because you have signed blank cheques or the banking has not been done after a major fundraiser is not pleasant, but it does happen more often than we would like.

The Prescribed Constitution for Incorporated P&C Associations and the Standard Constitution for Unincorporated Associations state that the funds of the association shall be banked in an account in the name of the Association. The account shall be operated by two or more Officers of the association. No commitment shall be entered into for the expenditure of association funds, except by resolution of a meeting of the association. The Principal cannot be a signatory to a P&C bank account.

Cheques cannot be pre signed in case of emergency and an invoice must be sighted before payment is made.

Subcommittees, bank accounts and funds: Some P&C Sub –Committees believe that by putting a clause in their by-laws that they can operate their own accounts and have their own signatories, but as that contravenes the Constitution it is in fact illegal! The old excuse that “we’ve always done it that way” does not make it right. Sub-committees are able to have allocated funds for ‘operational costs’ however all other funds are to be


INSURANCE RENEWALS

Following another successful renewal at P&C Federation – you should have all received your Certificate of Currency’s for the new 2013 – 2014 insurance year.

If you haven’t yet received it your Affiliation and Insurance may not be up to date.

If you need a copy of your Certificate of Currency please contact the P&C Federation office on 1300 885 1982 or [email protected]

All renewal documents, policy wording and information is available at www.pandc.org.au

Through exceptional member services and exemplary risk management policies, P&C Federation has again this year managed to pass on highly competitive insurance premiums to you, the members.

P&C Federation have invested in diligent and qualified staff members who are able to assist with general insurance enquiries and guide you through any risk management strategies that may apply to your individual needs.

EVENTSAs we approach the end of the school year

and of course the Australian Summer –there are some P&C’s who are planning events to host during Term 4.

BEAT THE RUSH AND PLAN EARLY!

It is critical to give P&C Federation as much warning as possible when requesting a Certificate of Currency for your event. The general period required is 14 days.

WHY?Well… along with the administration

involved, P&C Federation needs to do their due diligence with regards to analysing any insurance exposures that your particular event creates. Further, the P&C Federation may need to request additional information from you or perhaps refer your event to Marsh for special consideration. This all takes time unfortunately – so get your Notification of Event form in early to ensure that you receive your Certificate of currency and are assured your insurance coverage is adequate.

MEMBER SERVICES….. JUST A CLICK AWAY

All affiliates are provided with access to a webmail system which gives a [email protected] email account which can be used by members of each individual P&C in the state to communicate externally. This account also allows P&C Federation to easily send electronic information to P&C’s to keep them updated on current information and events ensuring information is flowing directly to an affiliated P&C in the quickest most efficient form.

The webmail system is free and can be

CGU Insurance Limited – Certificate of Currency

Certificate of Currency General Public Liability Insurance

Date: 01 August 2013

The policy is current as at the date of Issue. Whilst due date has been indicated it should be noted that this policy may

be cancelled in the future. All policies commence on the specified date irrespective of purchase date.

Policy Number: 10M 9907324

Insurer: CGU Insurance Limited

Insured: EXAMPLE P&C Association

Period of Insurance: From 1 August 2013 at 4.00pm local time at the place of issue

To 1 August 2014 at 4.00pm local time at the place of issue

Limit of Liability: $##,###,###.## any one occurrence

Wording: As per Federation of Parents and Citizens Associations Group Scheme

Territorial Limit: Anywhere in Australia

All enquiries should be directed to Federation of Parents and Citizens Associations of New South Wales (P&C Federation)

Ph: 1300 885 982 / Fax: 1800 655 866 / Email: [email protected]

On behalf of CGU Liability

2013 & BEYOND After the most recent Annual Conference,

several suggestions were made to improve the Insurance offering through P&C Federation. Each year, together with Marsh, P&C Federation considers ways to improve the service offering.

Further to this, we encourage you to send any suggestions to P&C Federation for consideration.

accessed at http://webmail.pandcaffiliate.org.au

We have also added a mobile version at http://webmail.pandcaffiate.org.au/mobile

Each school has been given a user account already so if you have not yet logged in or have forgotten your school details please send an email to [email protected] with your contact name, school name and your position on your P&C association and you will be provided with your access details. Alternatively, if you cannot contact the helpdesk via email, please call or SMS 0413732300 and David will be able to get your details to you.

20 | Parent and Citizen20 | Parent and Citizen

Leftovers to lunchbox

Do you have some great ideas for using last night’s leftovers for school lunches? P&C Federation will be running a campaign to collect some great lunchbox ideas from all of our Mum and Dad followers on Facebook. Simply tell us about your lunchbox hero and you will have a chance to win some great prizes.

The leftovers to lunchbox campaign aims to reduce food wastage in our homes – did you know:• Each NSW household throws away more than $1,000 of food per year.

Across the state that totals 800,000 tonnes.• $231 million worth of drinks are wasted in NSW per year.

Our aim is to increase awareness of food wastage and share ideas on how we can help to reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfill each year. At home we can make a few small changes that can make a big difference to our environment. And think of all the yummy things we can come up with.

Share your ideas and join in on the conversation follow us on Facebook and keep up to date with the Leftovers to Lunchbox campaign. Let’s get involved and make a difference to help our environment.

National Excellence in teachingEach year the community is given an

opportunity to recognise and acknowledge some of the great teachers within our schools.

This year the P&C of Moorefield Girls High School were given the proud honour of recognising one such teacher.

Rachelle Pirie is a teacher that is highly dedicated, respected and who enriches the experiences of ALL those around, She readily gives of her time both inside and outside the classroom and always actively supports and promotes student achievement. She inspires all students to become involved in a variety of representative and school based pursuits.

Rachelle plays an active role across the whole school. She works with staff, students and parents to encourage physical fitness and commitment to health and wellbeing.

Ms Pirie’s knowledge, passion, positivity and leadership inspires members of the school community to believe in themselves and to get up and have a go. Rachelle encourages her students to believe in themselves and challenge their perception of what they can achieve by establishing a trusting and professional relationship.Well done Ms Pirie, congratulations!Petra HinesPresident P&CMoorefield Girls High School

NEITA – 2013 National Excellence in Teacher AwardRachelle Pirie – PDHPE Coordinator and Sports Organiser

Sadder still, most of it could have been eaten. Reduce the amount of food you waste by using leftover items to make sauces or as a sandwich filling.

Sad, isn’t it?

NSW households throw away more than $2.5 billion worth of edible food per year.

lovefoodhatewaste.nsw.gov.au Waste less food, save money and our environment

EPA 2012/0441


Snaps from AC13


P&C Federation’s Annual Conference was held over the weekend of the 26-28 July 2013.

Our Annual awards were presented on the Saturday night at the delegate’s reception.

We are proud to congratulate the following very deserving awards winners as well as

applaud all those who received nominations for the awards.

2013 Department of Education and Communities Employee of the Year – Mr Ian Graham

In nominating Ian Graham for the DEC employee of the year award the Eleebana Public School P&C Association borrowed their testimony from a career that spans almost 40 years. It is big praise indeed that the P&C Association stated that Ian is the embodiment of the selection criteria and a living testament to all that is good in public education.

Ian Graham has an amazing passion for student wellbeing and learning, he has created a culture of success that has permeated the entire school community. Ian loves his students and most significantly, they love him with a respect that has been earned. It is within this environment, that students of Eleebana Public School try harder and learn better, teachers are motivated to work hard and innovate and parents get involved not because they have to but because they want to.

In a school of over 560 students, Ian knows all the children in his care by first name, Ian knows their lives and their family situations. Ian’s care extends past the students to the parents, siblings and grandparents who he also greets by name. Ian is part of community, he celebrates their success with them, hugs our kids when they are hurt or upset and treats everyone with the dignity and respect he would treat his very own children.

Ian recognises the contribution of everyone involved in the school community every single day. He calls into the canteen each day to thank our volunteers for coming; he will pop into the uniform shop to do the same; he is always heard warmly thanking his staff for a great day and publically recognises his students for their efforts. In every school newsletter Ian recognises everyone who volunteered during the week for all their hard work.

Ian is a role model and mentor for

many students. He is champion for those disadvantaged within our community and for people with disabilities. These families are encouraged to attend our school and welcomed like every family. Ian has fought hard alongside the P&C Association to deliver adjustments required to the school to accommodate our students with disabilities.

Recently, Ian was observed sitting on the ground in his suit talking to one of his young students. The child obviously was very upset about something. After a few minutes, Ian had him smiling again and rushing back to class. The parents who observed this were very impressed, but it is doubted that Ian would even think twice about it. That is just how Ian is and just how Ian cares.

Ian Graham embodies everything that leadership should be in a primary school – the children are everything. From the moment you step inside the gates of Eleebana Public School you feel something. There is a vibe of positivity. No matter if the students are in class or at a party they are smiling and having fun. You can tell they love to come to school. You quickly notice the myriad of parents and grandparents there helping out. There will be volunteers in the canteen, in the uniform shop, in the library, in reading groups, the list goes on. Ian encourages, promotes and recognises this positive contribution by all parents and caregivers in the child’s education. Ian knows it is invaluable and he knows how to make it happen.

Ian is involved in every school activity, from P&C meetings, working bees, school fairs, and fundraisers to swimming and athletics carnivals, School Band meetings and performances, discos, parent information nights and many others. Ian supports all that is happening within the school, his energy is marvellous.

Ian has built strong working relationships with the community, his reach into the

Award WinnersMake A Positive impact

community is evidenced by the number of families who relocate to Eleebana. These families are attracted by the school’s strong reputation within the Newcastle area. One of the first things any real estate agent in the area will tell you is that Eleebana has a great public school with a fantastic principle. This reputation has fuelled the growth of the school over the past few years with around 150 more students today than 5 years ago.

While the school strongly promotes participation, it has a great track record in developing excellence in all facets of education. The school boasts an extensive creative arts programme with its centre piece being the Eleebana Public School with a program that provides musical opportunity to well over 100 students each year. Ian has plans to take the band on tour to western NSW to share their talents with other students to foster music in these schools.

Ian is far more than an amazing Department of Education and Communities employee; he is a wonderful human being, a man of great integrity who really cares for kids. He is our principal who is loved and respected by all. A real educator. A great leader who drives his staff to be the best they can be so his students get the very best.

Ian Graham will soon retire and swap the boot load of school books he takes home every weekend to read and make comment on for a set of golf clubs or perhaps something else. Ian will trade his 80 hour working week for more family time and he will hopefully truly understand what a wonderful impact he has had on generations of children. Ian, Eleebana Public School P&C Association know that you will leave a gaping void in public education, they are grateful however for the legacy you have created for Eleebana Public School where the whole school community are the better for having known you.


Ian Graham the fact that you have so many wonderful attributes that make you a natural leader, role model and teacher is remarkable. The fact that you are a humble man who would never seek this recognition makes it all the more appropriate.

Mr Ian Graham you have been rightfully recognised for your commitment to your school community and public education. Well done on being honoured P&C Federation’s 2013 DEC Employee of the Year Award.

Congratulations.

2013 P&C Association Member Of The Year – Margie Simpson

Margie Simpson was proudly nominated by her school P&C Association - the Ryde East Public School P&C Association for the P&C Association Member of the Year Award. As a financial member of the Ryde East Public School P&C Association Margie Simpson’s nomination was made not just for her contribution over the past 12 months but on

Margie’s active P&C Association participation over the last 12 years.

In making their nomination Margie’s school community have shared with P&C Federation that Margie has made a never ending unselfish personal contribution and commitment to Ryde East Public School through her work as part of the P&C Association. Margie’s P&C members describe her as an eternal optimist. A wonderful and extraordinary lady with a forever smile on her face who, with many school community friends around her, has coordinated activities and events over the years.

Margie has contributed greatly to financially supporting

Ryde East Public School with essential classroom teaching resources required and enhancing the learning environment

for all students.Over the years Margie Simpson’ s volunteer

contributions have included co-ordinating Trivia nights, participating in school classroom reading program, Disco Co-ordinator, Year 6

Farewell Committee member, catering for the Ryde East Music Festival. These activities are of course as well as holding an Office Bearer position, V ice President nonetheless. Add to this the fundraising co-ordinator role and committee membership which have realised Student Walkathons, her baby we are told, Bi Annual Art Shows, ribbon co-ordinator and scriber at the yearly Athletic & Swimming Carnivals, helping out on Election Day and at the Ryde East Music Festival, serving at the barbeques & cake stalls not to forget the obligatory Mother’s and Father’s Day Stalls and of course in 2011 with her spare time Margie was involved in the Ryde East 50th birthday committee. Just when

you think Margie’s efforts are exceptional she is also a

regular volunteer in the school Canteen.A highlight of Maggie’s efforts for the P&C

Association is her incredible leadership which has seen the fundraising committee raise over $37,000 profit in 2012 and more than $13,000


this year – with six months still to go. The Ryde East Music Festival, an event in its

sixteenth year not only provides a fundraising opportunity but it is an annual event hosted by Ryde East Public School P&C Association and provides

Primary School Bands the opportunity to perform against their peers in a competitive forum. The festival this year witnessed 1100 children from 40 school bands performing. Many activities are operated by the P&C Association on the day and Margie was there with a very satisfied smile on her face - from 6am setting

up and until the last item was packed away at 7pm. Margie knows the value of this festival for the students, the represented school communities, public education and the greater

school community of Ryde East. In true P&C Association member spirit

Margie has a deep and respectful relationship with Principal Jane and all of the teaching staff. Maggie’s contribution has enhanced the learning environment for all of the children who enjoy their education

at Ryde East Public School. Indeed Margie often has a large number of student volunteers step forward when she is running

a P&C Association event. The children admire and respect Margie due to her involvement in “all things Ryde East". Margie Simpson is a role model to many in her school community.

As you can imagine over many years Margie has coordinated, organised, collected, collated, wrapped, set-up, set down, packed away, baked, decorated and sold, barbequed, rostered and rallied all for the Ryde East Public School P&C Association and the school community.

In her non-P&C time, and yes she does have some, Margie is a qualified dietician who works for and lectures at Sydney University. Further to her spirit is the fact that in August 2006 Margie was diagnosed with Breast Cancer, true to form whilst Margie underwent treatment she returned to her volunteer activities with a new wig and a positive attitude in place. Margie is thankfully seven years free of Breast Cancer.

Margie Simpson, Ryde East Public School P&C Association nominated you for the P&C Association Member of the Year Award noting your contributions. You are indeed an exceptional P &C member. Margie you are admired, respected and loved by many current and past P&C members, the Principal and staff at Ryde East Public School. You lead by

example and have encouraged community to be actively involved partners in their school.

Margie Simpson you are an inspiration to many and have left a legacy of your efforts, you are the 2013 P&C Association Member of the Year.

Congratulations.

2013 Student Accomplishment Award – Viveik Vinoharan

Viveik Vinoharan demonstrates the best of public education. P&C Federation know this because Muirfield High School P&C Association have proudly testified to his achievements. It is through the school community that we have learnt that Viveik is an exemplary young man who has demonstrated a long-term commitment to the social and cultural life of his school and wider community. He has shown dedication, selflessness and a social conscience in his work serving the school and community. Additionally, Viveik is an outstanding student in the academic field and a positive leader.

Viveik realises the school values of community, participation and cooperation. A passionate drummer and clarinet player Viveik has performed at many school functions, entertaining students, teachers and parents. His performances include the School’s Annual Music, Dance and Drama Night and Summer Arts festivals, he has also played for audiences at the Sydney Opera House.With an authentic sense of social justice and service, Viveik has been instrumental in developing school spirit and a shared purpose. Exhibiting maturity from his start at Muirfield High School, he has initiated and participated in many activities and programs to develop a sense of connectedness and belonging among students.. As a Year 11 Peer Support Leader, Viveik mentored Year 7 students and supported their transition to high school in 2012.

Viveik has also been a leader in assisting students who needed additional support with a special transition program. He is always among the first to put his hand up to assist in school events. Viveik has been a school ambassador on Open Night and a guide and peer leader on Orientation Day.

Viveik’s community service extends beyond the school. Viveik has been a tutor at a primary partner school, tutoring Year 2 students who need support in reading in his own time. Viveik has also assisted with projects on computer literacy as well as the Premier’s Volunteering Challenge. Viveik proudly worked at the RSPCA animal shelter as part of this project and helped

promote the work of the group on a state-wide level and assist in fundraising activities. Viveik certainly sounds like a P&C Association member of the future.

His election to the Student Representative Council in Year 11 evidenced the esteem that his fellow students hold for him. For Viveik to nominate himself for the advocacy role he had to work hard to overcome his extreme shyness and to develop the confidence to put himself forward. Viveik has utilised his role to lead students in the school as well as support the wider community by focusing on fundraising for outside agencies that support those less-fortunate. Viveik has not let his focus on his HSC studies this year stop him making a contribution, he continues to lead activities that offer opportunities for other students to develop resilience to adversity and grow confidence in themselves. Viveik’s selflessness is demonstrated as he always “gives back to his community”.

Viveik himself has achieved accomplishments in the face of personal adversity. Viveik has not been perturbed by his challenges but has continually worked on his skills to ensure that he is not inhibited in any way. Many people could learn from Viveik’s courage and determination.

Remarkably, while Viveik has participated in so many areas of school and community life, he has maintained high levels of achievement in the academic domain. Indeed in Year 10 he received A grades in English, Mathematics, Japanese, Graphics Technology. Viveik is currently studying courses that are academically demanding. True to form half-way through the Higher School Certificate course Viveik has maintained his efforts, achieving exceptional grades. Muirfield High School P&C Association and P&C Federation feel that Viveik’s results demonstrate a distinguished and ongoing commitment to the values of learning and excellence.

Viveik, by being so deeply involved in so many facets of school life, together with your concern for others and your dedication, it is no wonder that you are well-liked and respected by students, teachers and school community members. With your friendly and cheerful disposition, you are an outstanding representative of Muirfield High School, public education and a most worthy recipient of the 2013 Student Accomplishment Award.

Congratulations.


Blakehurst aims to be GREENERBlakehurst Public School has a goal –

to maintain the healthy futures of its pupils through its ‘‘green’’ approach. The P&C is working with the school’s recently formed ‘‘enrichment group’’ to make the school an environmental leader in St George.

Supported by Kogarah Council, the group wants to make the school more sustainable. One of its successful projects is the canteen overhaul, which launched its new menu this term, including sustainable food packaging. The school’s mission

is to promote and influence better food choices for children at recess and lunch. It recently formed a partnership with a bakery at Hurstville to supply low GI, high-fibre options. There are also healthy delights including sushi and strawberry gelato.

The school will apply for a council grant this year so it can continue to strengthen its sustainable initiatives, including the installation of rainwater tanks, playground water bottle refill stations to reduce plastic waste, and garden beds.

Project Kids• Composting, worm farming• Energy consumption awareness• P&C funded projects, including a $25,000

playground upgrade to sporting surfaces to promote fitness benefits and welfare programs to promote healthy relationships in the classroom.

• Dental Health Program

Eva Tejszerski


Safer Buses for all students?

The NSW Government announced their response to the 35 recommendations in the School Bus Safety Community Advisory Committee (SBSCAC) final report on 30th July 2013. A 10 year, $208 million commitment to fund almost 1700 school buses to be fitted with seat belts is very welcome.

We were very pleased that most of the recommendations were adopted, and within 10 years many students in country NSW will be riding on a bus fitted with seat belts and prohibited from standing or sitting in the aisle. The NSW Government has made a great step forward and along with every other state and territory in Australia; they have recognised the need to improve safety for country students, who must travel to school by bus.

Bus routes to receive funding for seat belted buses are listed in the links below:

http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/b2b/publications/northern-region-contract-a-school-bus-routes.pdf

http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/b2b/publications/southern-region-contract-a-school-bus-routes.pd

Unfortunately, the following two report recommendations, which were key to making school bus travel “as safe as possible” – the task assigned to the committee – were not delivered as recommended.

1. A phased program to provide Australian Design Rule 68 compliant buses (same as coaches) fitted with lap/sash seat belts for all Rural and Regional school student bus travel operating outside of lower speed urban environments as soon as possible, to be completed within 10 years;

2. The elimination of standing passengers where buses are required to travel on unsealed roads or on roads with a speed limit of 80km/h or more that are outside of urban areas, no later than day 1 of term 3 of the 2013 school year.Only students travelling on Transport for

NSW defined Contract A buses have been nominated for seat belt installation. Contract B buses, which are allowed to carry fare paying adults, have been excluded from the government’s new policy, but in many cases these buses only have student passengers. Those Contract B buses which travel on roads with a speed limit of 80 km/hr or higher (the same as Contract A buses), should therefore also receive seat belts and have standing prohibited, as the risk is exactly the same as for Contract A routes.

Of great concern is the fact that students facing extreme risks when standing or sitting in the aisle of a bus at high speed, as highlighted in the SBSCAC report, have not received priority. Safety experts agree that this practice

is highly dangerous and carries a higher risk of death and severe injury in the event of a crash or sudden braking incident. The National Road Safety Strategy Action Plan for 2011 – 2020 urges governments to do all they can to decrease the death and injury toll on our roads, therefore a ban on students standing on school buses – on high speed roads – must be given a higher priority.

In rural and regional areas of NSW, evidence shows that a student’s risk of injury is three times greater inside the bus than outside; with the risk inside the bus almost double that of their metropolitan counterparts.

A child’s right to safe transport shouldn’t depend on arbitrary government classification of their school bus route. No-one can predict where or when the next bus crash will be, therefore all students travelling on school buses, using high speed roads and highways, should be given equal protection.

Join in the conversation at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Belt-Up-for-Safety-BUS/173343869343472

Glenda Staniford, PresidentBelt Up for Safety Action Group (BUSAG)

Busways – Urunga to Macksville 2013 JG Kids standing on Valla Beach school bus Feb 2011


It calls for a cakeOver three decades ago, I attended my

first P&C meeting at Bomaderry Public School, my first child’s school. I was an innocent. Seat belts were compulsory in my car but to my horror I found that when my child got on the school bus it was three children to a double seat, standing was permitted, and there were no seat belts.

That began my journey with P&C Federation, first as a delegate to the AGM then as a councillor from the South Coast, then Western and more recently from Illawarra/South Coast. At every opportunity I spoke on the need for seat belts. In this I have not been alone. Many parents and groups from all around the State have called on successive Governments to implement this safety measure in order to get our kids to and from school in one piece.

At the most recent P&C Federation AGM I made my latest plea for seatbelts. On 30th July, the NSW Government announced that seatbelts will be introduced on 1700 so called “Contract A” buses over a ten year period. Ten years, I thought - we should be able to do better than that!! It’s a start. But what of the children on all the other buses?? They are still

travelling on major and minor roads throughout the State unrestrained. Perhaps there are still three children to a double seat, with others sitting in the aisle, or standing?

Now is not the time to sit back and declare this battle won. As parents we have more work to do. All children need to be restrained by a seatbelt whilst on school-related journeys, so we must continue to call on the government to implement this measure right across regional and rural roads.

I am now a grandparent of seven, six of whom are at school. Only now is there a faint light at the end of a long, long road!

Narooma Public School has been supportive of this issue during the nine years of my involvement there. On hearing the government’s announcement the call went out for a cake to celebrate the decision. So at the beginning of our most recent meeting we had our cake, accompanied by the presentation of an inscribed sash. It reads “BUCKLE UP – NO EXCUSES!!"

We as parents still have a long way to go, but let’s hope it isn’t another thirty plus years effort!! Pat Clarke


facility with labels, A description of the materials required to build the facility, A description of each detail, briefly stating its purpose/use and why you chose to use it in the design (for example: a cattle crush is here because...), Any other factors that you might need to consider before building the facility, such as slope, soil and shade and a bibliography (including any organisations or individuals contacted in the design process). Students were encouraged to build a good model without demanding their parents/carer to spend a lot on materials and to re-use rather than buy new.

As you can clearly see Josh has nailed this project. His eye for detail is incredible and, I might add, the gates and other features such as the sheep dip and windmill are operational (i.e. open/close, rotate, spin etc).

This project is offered to students in Yr 9 & 10 every second year and the overall results are very pleasing. The teachers are supportive of the students and this evident in the quality of work produced.

designs were provided from a number of companies. After this process was completed the P&C has consulted with the school executive. A design and a company were chosen and during term 2, 2013 Floraville Public School received new playground equipment. The equipment provides walking, climbing and balancing challenges for children from Kindergarten through to Year 6.

Floraville school community working together

Ag-tention to detail

Forbes High School is a small rural school located in the Central West of New South Wales and is proud to showcase the efforts of the students and teachers. This is a great example of public education and the Forbes community is lucky to have access to a school which prides itself on giving students every opportunity to learn and excel.

Joshua Eddy is a quiet student who completes all tasks required but took a particular shine to this Agriculture project.

The Livestock Yard Design project asks students to design and build a model of an agricultural facility. They may choose one from the following list or one of their choice approved by the teacher.

Sheep Yards, Cattle yards, Piggery, Shearing shed, Dairy.

The student has to research the facility and then sketch it before building. The draft sketches have to be included in the final report which also contained: A scale diagram of the

Floraville Public School has around 580 students. For a number of years the school has survived with only one set of playground equipment. A need for further equipment was seen as imperative to assist the children.

Floraville P&C have been very proactive for a number of years and as a result have been able to help the whole school with the purchasing of electronic white boards and air conditioning units. A new playground was the next project to be undertaken. The school provides learning for children of all abilities and is also very nurturing to children with disabilities.

The P&C continues to have a strong relationship with the school executive and this project was undertaken with the school and the P&C providing equal monetary support for the equipment.

As a result the new playground equipment had to cater for all children within the school. Therefore a process was begun. A suitable location within the school was chosen and then the children were given the opportunity to vote and comment on a number of designs that were chosen with a budget in mind. The

The Principal, Mr Robson, Deputy Principal, Mrs White with the P&C executive.

Without the partnership that exists between the school as a whole and the P&C this task could not have been completed. Also the support of the wider Floraville community in supporting the P&C over a number of years has been instrumental in providing this equipment. Peter Guest,Floraville P&C


Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO officially launched the Child Safety Handbook at Government House on Tuesday 31 May, 2011. NSW Police Legacy in conjunction with Associated Media Group of Sydney are proud to be releasing the publication of the ‘Child Safety Handbook’, a much needed and vital guide to assist children, parents and teachers. The Handbook is distributed annually, free of charge, to primary school children throughout New South Wales.

Today, more so than ever, our children face greater risks. The Child Safety Handbook aims to help raise awareness of child safety issues that all families face and what can be done to prevent these risks.

The content of the Handbook has been developed in close consultation with The Protective Behaviours Consultancy Group of NSW Inc., a not for profit community organization whose primary objective is to reduce the abuse of children and young people in our community. The Handbook enables people of all ages to develop strategies to help them deal with all forms of difficult situations and covers such issue as: bullying at school, personal safety, safety in the home, first aid, safety online, fire prevention, road safety, safety outdoors, healthy living and drug & alcohol awareness.

Police LegacyRevenue from sponsorship/advertising has

allowed valuable funds to be raised for NSW Police Legacy’s work. NSW Police Legacy is a not-for-profit organisation which supports the families of deceased NSW police officers. Now in its 24th year of operation, the charity provides emotional and financial support to over 1,300 widows, widowers and children throughout NSW.Services offered include welfare grants; grief and trauma counselling; education grants and tertiary scholarships; as well as social events.Professor Bashir said,

“New South Wales Police Legacy, of

which I am indeed honoured to be

Patron, has once again embarked on

a most admirable endeavour to benefit

our most precious resource –

our children."

NSW Commissioner of Police Andrew Scipione APM said,

“To NSW Police Legacy’s great credit,

its Child Safety Handbook responds in a

practical way to the myriad dangers facing

children, whether they be at home, school

or out and about.” He goes on further to

say that “the Handbook’s emphasis is on

prevention. Our children are precious

and all of us who live and work with

them will find information in the book

that we can use to keep them out of

trouble and safe.”

Former Chairperson of NSW Police Legacy, Superintendent Sue Waites APM, said,

“I give thanks to all those who have

worked so hard on the compilation

of the Child Safety Handbook –

an excellent reference guide for

all parents in NSW”.


Computer games: Classifications DO matter

From Jan 1 this year, there has been a revised classification scheme in place for computer, console and arcade games. For the past 8 months, games with R18+ high level content have been legally sold and hired. Along with this change, the criteria for MA15+ level games have been revised.

The R18+ category was introduced after years of intensive lobbying by the games industry and many gamers. They argued that this would provide more effective protections

for children, as the R18+ classification “would be clearly understood by parents as unsuitable for children”. They also stated that many titles that Australia had classified MA15+ (suitable only for those 15 and over) really belonged in an adult category, and were rated as such overseas. They claimed that such games would be moved to R18+ when this was introduced. So has the new system helped? Have parents been given sufficient information about the changes?. The Australian Council on Children and the Media (ACCM) has its doubts. Some months back, the ACCM brought two issues to the notice of the then Minister for Home Affairs: the efficacy of the revised MA15+ games criteria, and the need to fulfill the promise of reclassifying some of the more “adult” titles previously put in MA15+. We will be renewing the advocacy for these matters with the new Government- and would welcome support. www.childrenandmedia.org.auRegardless of the outcome of these actions, parents have a tricky task in managing game play for healthy outcomes. ACCM’s game facts and tips might help.

Games and brain development• Your brain wires up to reflect what you

experience• Neural development is particularly active in

early childhood and teenage years• Full neural maturity is reached at 25-32Some experiences have a bigger impact on thoughts and feelings than others, eg those that are repeated, powerful, intense, emotional, salient or traumatic.

So when choosing games, remember that • Content matters• We are what we eat• venting (the theory that players work off

angry feelings when playing) doesn’t work• repeated use of violent media can increase

risks of aggression, hostility; of emotional desensitisation and loss of empathy

Ignore the myths• “Videogames improve children’s reflexes”-

perhaps, but practice at almost anything will improve performance. Playing real ball games might equally do the job

• “The violence is just fantasy” - the player of computer games becomes the perpetrator of the violence, and is rewarded for success. Many games these days are highly realistic. Fantasy doesn’t necessarily diminish the impact of being rewarded for being best

• “Computer skills will help children get a job”- Skills with many office applications may be useful, but game playing doesn’t necessarily help develop them. Playing games is often more similar to playing poker machines. A young person who learns to use their imagination, and to be a creative, innovative thinker, is better equipped to succeed in the world of work.

And top tips• Use the classification system when

hiring or buying games. M games are not recommended under 15 years; MA15+ games are not suitable under 15 years- legally restricted. More at http://www.classification.gov.au/Industry/Documents/Understanding%20classifications%20-%20home%20entertainment.pdf

• Avoid games with repetitive violence• Check sites like www.

commonsensemedia.org for age–appropriate reviews.

• Check the contents of games yourself • Check out some creative and absorbing

games like Samorost, Machinarium and Botanicula. http://amanita-design.net/samorost-2/

Kids might be tech-savvy, but you, the parent, are more savvy about life and what matters. Barbara Biggins


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For obligation-free advice and quotationsPlease call Sun Shadelocal call Australia widetel: 1300 784 481 fax: 1300 784 485 email: [email protected]: www.sunshade.com.au

Chess ChallengersPlayed in posh parlours, hushed

libraries, in parks and coffee shops, the strategic game of chess has outlasted any other childhood game and continues to challenge analytic thinkers around the world, including school students.

Showcasing their strategic thinking skills, Centaur primary’s chess challengers competed in the 2013 South Coast Region Interschool Chess at Caningeraba state school on June 5.

The tournament brought together over 200 of the best players from around the region in each age group to battle for the title of State Chess Champion.

Centaur brain busters Annabeller MiIller, Eric Yun, Kiki Boughton, Keam Clothier, Matthew Kilgariff, Brock Watson and Bradley McLeod played with spirit winning their first round. The boys’ team took first place in ‘B’ Division competing in a total of 7 rounds.

Chess has proven to be an invaluable educational tool that helps develop successful life skills such as critical thinking, decision making and resilience.

This event allows players to use their mental muscles in a competitive and challenging arena and showcases great sportsmanship.

Competitor, Bradley Mcleod said it was an extremely exciting day. “Centaur did a great job. We competed in the 2012 tournament and are already looking forward to next years’ round

Centaur's Chess Challengers

and hopefully the Australian Nationals.”Coaching Teacher, Adrian Hession said,

" I am very proud of the team. They took the skills they have learnt throughout the year and implemented them perfectly on the day."Ms Goward P&C President


NSW household throw out an estimate $694 million

dollars worth of leftover food every year. Most of

that waste ends up in landfill which is bad for our

environment as well as the household budget.

Organising lunch for the family can make big savings

for the household budget. One way to reduce food

waste is by using leftovers from the evening meal as

lunch the following day. Here are three meals designed

to serve six and any leftovers will be great to serve for

lunch the next day. All these recipes can be made in

less than an hour.

Love Food Hate Waste has been developed by the NSW Government to raise awareness of the problem of food waste and provide practical tips, tools and recipes to help you waste less food, save money and our environment.

Visit www.lovefoodhatewaste.nsw.gov.au for more information.

Love Food Hate Waste is an initiative of the NSW Government and is managed by the Environment Protection Authority.

Recipes provided by Go for 2&5®. © State of Western Australia, 2012 Fore more recipes visit www.lovefoodhatewaste.nsw.gov.au/cook-it/recipes


A low-fat alternative to a traditional family favourite.10 minutes preparation + 20 minutes cooking. 6 serves of vegies in this recipeServes 6.

Ingredients½ medium cauliflower, cut into florets1 head broccoli, cut into florets2 tablespoons cornflour2 cups low-fat milk2 tablespoons (30g) grated reduced-fat cheesePinch nutmeg

¼ cup fresh breadcrumbs2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Steam vegetables for 6-8 minutes until tender and place in an ovenproof dish. In a saucepan, mix cornflour with a little milk to form a paste, stir in remaining milk and bring to the boil, stirring until thickened. Add cheese and nutmeg and pour over vegetables. Top with breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Grill for 3-4 minutes until golden brown or bake in a moderate oven for 15-20 minutes.

20 minutes preparation + 20-30 minutes cooking. 7 serves of fruit in this recipe

Ingredients4 pears peeled, cored and diced2 cups rhubarb (4 stalks), diced2 tablespoons sugar2 tablespoons water

Crumble2 tablespoons honey2 teaspoons margarine1¼ cups untoasted muesli½ cup plain flour

Preheat oven to 180°C. Place pears, rhubarb, sugar and water in a saucepan, cover and cook for 8-10 minutes until softened. Spoon fruit into an ovenproof dish. Combine honey and margarine in a small bowl and microwave on HIGH (100%) for 20 seconds.In a separate bowl, combine muesli and flour. Stir in honey mixture, mixing until the crumble resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Spread over fruit and bake for 20–30 minutes until golden. Serve hot.

VariationIf you, or someone in your family dosen’t like rhubarb (or pears) you can substitute with another fruit.

25 minutes preparation + 30 minutes cooking. 22 serves of vegies in this recipe. Serves 6.

Ingredients500g pumpkin or sweet potato, peeled and sliced2 bunches English spinach or young silver beet, washed and sliced500g reduced-fat ricotta6 spring onions, sliced½ cup chopped parsley12 sheets instant lasagne, softened in hot water425g jar tomato pasta sauce

Topping2 eggs2 tablespoons plain flour2 cups low-fat milkPinch pepper and ground nutmeg to taste½ cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese

Preheat oven to 180 °C. Steam the pumpkin for 3 minutes, then cool. Plunge spinach into boiling water until wilted and drain well to remove excess liquid. In a large bowl combine drained spinach ricotta, onion and parsley. Arrange 3 sheets of lasagne on the base of an ovenproof pan (33cm x 23cm). Top with 1/3 each of pumpkin, tomato sauce and spinach ricotta mixture. Repeat twice and top with remaining lasagne sheets.

To make topping, break eggs into flour and mix well to remove lumps. Whisk in milk, pour into a saucepan and bring to the boil, whisking until smooth and thickened. Add pepper, pour over top of lasagne and sprinkle with cheese. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Serving suggestionCut into squares and serve with a green salad, or if you fancy something warm try:

Vegie Lasagne

Rhubarb & Pear Crumble

Cauliflower and Broccoli Gratin


AUDITING TALES – Learning from others to be better

The clock is now on the countdown to Christmas and the end of the financial year on 31 December. For many P&C’s this is the date specified as the financial period closure in their rules or bylaws. Audit is a vital part of running an effective and compliant P&C Association. The finances of a P&C Association must be audited on a yearly basis, the following article is aimed at helping make the process a bit easier to undertake.

P&C Federation fact sheets state:P&C accounts must be submitted for audit

every year. The audited statement of income and expenditure and Annual Report must be presented at your Annual General Meeting.

The audited financial statement will be presented to the AGM as the Treasurer’s Report. An AGM cannot occur until the Auditor’s Report is tabled. The meeting must be closed and reconvened pending such a report if none is forthcoming at the time of the AGM.

Some matters that have been observed by an auditor who regularly assists P&C Associations with their annual audits have been highlighted, whilst auditing the 2012 accounts of some P&C Associations a couple of sh http://i.istockimg.com/file_thumbview_approve/25447322/2/stock-photo-25447322-silver-wall-clock.jpg ortcomings in accounting, administration, risk management and corporate governance arrangements were found. All P&Cs are encouraged to review whether that they are “doing the right thing” and avoid learning the hard way that their practices are in fact incorrect or insufficient for reporting standards.

Example 1 – P&C Membership Fees

P&C Membership Fees were collected at the AGM, however, there were no individual receipts issued for the fees collected and the membership money collected was never banked to the relevant bank, the money simply “disappeared” post meeting.

The amount involved is not material in the dollar sense. However, this practice is extremely significant in terms of highlighting the lack of efficacy in the accounting and administration that was occurring. For any membership fees collected a receipt should be issued to each person paying the prescribed fee. Any new members should be noted on the membership register for the P&C Association and must be provided their receipt of membership payment and a copy the P&C Constitution, Rules or Bylaws, code of conduct and policies.

Example 2 – Uniform Shop Receipting

The amount of monies banked following the sale of uniform shop items does not reconcile with the amounts of money collected as receipted. In short the sale of uniform items has been occurring without a receipt being issued for the sale.

In a simple sense a receipt is needed by any customer in the case of a return or refund being

required. A commercial store will not accept goods back for exchange or refund without a receipt and the Uniform Shop should be no different. From an accountability sense a receipt is fundamental in ensuring the completeness of the money collected and banked. This allows a complete and accurate reconciliation process to be carried out. Any failure to issue receipts creates an environment which is conducive to fraud or misappropriation of funds occurring and would result in the auditor providing a qualified opinion that there is no assurance that the processes for cash handling and receipting are being followed.

Receipt books used by P&C Associations are generally those that can be bought from newsagents and stationary suppliers. Obtaining receipts books this way can save money for your P&C Association as opposed to having receipt books specially printed which can prove quite costly. However, Associations need to be aware that there is a risk that unauthorised receipt books may be introduced and collections misappropriated. To eliminate this risk it is suggested that all receipt books be inscribed in the front cover by the Treasurer or another office bearer with the following:

This receipt book has been authorised for use on behalf of XXXP P&C by…………………………………….(the Authority holder)Signed : (the Authority holder)Date: (date of declaration)

For stocktake and reconciliation purposes when issuing receipts for uniform sales it very important to record the type of item/s and the size of the item/s being sold. Unless this information is recorded it becomes impossible to keep stock records and ultimately check theoretical and actual stocks of uniform items on hand. Knowing what the theoretical stock balance is, is pivotal in ensuring the completeness of uniform sales collections. This is because when a physical count of the uniform stock is undertaken there should be no or very little variance between actual and theoretical stocks. If there is major variance then this indicates the stock records have not been kept correctly and/or stocks and cash do not reconcile.


Example 3 – Annual Stocktakes of Uniform and Canteen

Normal shops at the end of their fiscal year close for a period of time to enable a physical count of the items within the store to be undertaken in order to reconcile the income, expenditure stock and assets.

P&Cs should be no different. At the end of the school year, a physical count by at least two people should be undertaken of the items on hand in the uniform shop or canteen. Details of the items on hand should be recorded and/or annotated in records and the stocks valued, in accordance with accounting standards.

Undertaking a stocktake is a means by which sales are managed. Another reason for undertaking the stocktake is to work out the cost of goods sold and hence the resultant profit or loss for the year. Knowing any profit or loss is essential for setting the mark up for the sale of goods. If the mark up on items is too low the P&C Association may see a loss occurring after all operating costs are taken into account. Sustained losses make an operation not financially viable. In short any P&C who does not perform a stocktake at year end is operating financially blind and a poses significant risk to the continued financial wellbeing of the P&C.

Knowing the value of stock on hand is also important for ensuring appropriate insurance coverage is held. Some P&Cs had no merchandise insurance and/or very limited cover. So for example had the uniform shop suffered a disaster such as fire or water

penetration then the financial consequences for the P&C would have extremely dire and maybe even terminal.

Example 4 – Minutes of MeetingsKeeping proper minutes of meetings of

P&Cs is very important. P&C Federation fact sheets state:

Accurate Minutes officially record decisions, resolutions and actions to be taken and by whom. They provide evidence of expenditure authorised, inform members not present at the meeting, provide documentary evidence for audit purposes and provide a permanent record of the P&C Associations’ history.

It was noted that some P&Cs in the absence of the Secretary had failed to maintain any record of the meeting and produce minutes. In some instances this situation occurred for many meetings. The non-compilation and presentation of minutes is total failure of corporate governance by all executive position holders at the P&C and also the ex-officio member.

When minutes are confirmed at the subsequent meeting the President of the P&C should sign and record the date of signing on the minutes which should then be filed in a minutes book. Ideally the President should also initial every page of the official minutes.

If your P&C take the time to get things right from the start and continue with proper practices any disruptions during the audit process should be minimalized.Steve Sullivan

36 | Parent and Citizen36 | Parent and Citizen

Crunch and sip:Helping make healthy fun

New Lambton Heights Infants School

New Lambton Heights Infants Public School is a K-2 school with approximately 80 children. Year 1 teacher Tess Dowman is a pro-active member of staff when it comes to healthy eating and physical activity opportunities for students. Tess, Greg (Principal), the staff and the P & C have been a great team working to transform the food environment in the school.

The school has been implementing Crunch&Sip® for three and a half years and Tess says “Crunch&Sip® has always been successful at our school because it's an activity that's programmed into our daily routine, it's planned for and encouraged”. Other successful influences have been taste testing days to encourage the children to challenge their own ideas of what they like as well as teachers modelling Crunch&Sip® themselves. More recently, the school has been fitted with a water bottle filling station attached to their outside

bubblers, from a successful grant application which was provided by Hunter Water. Tess says that the filling station is great and the kids love it. The students are now using it to fill up their drink bottles for Crunch&Sip® and at break times. When asked what was the best thing about the water filling station the students agreed, “if it’s really hot, we can fill up our drink bottle, so we don’t run out”, “it gives you energy” and “the water is really easy to collect”.

Tess says the teachers make Crunch&Sip® work for their individual class. Some of the classes eat as a whole class during a shared read on the floor and in summertime teachers often take classes outside to eat. Tess has run it as a rotation during literacy groups in the mornings alongside news. She says, “at times I've even heard Mr Culhane playing his guitar to his kids as they eat their fruit and veg.”

The Nutrition Policy at New Lambton Heights Infants influences all activities from Crunch&Sip® to weekly and monthly canteen menus, to what the kids can bring in for birthday’s and food served at school functions/ discos and fundraisers. Nutrition is taught in

all classes, as part of the PDHPE Curriculum, and integrated into other subjects such as Maths, English and HSIE. Tess says “the policy is helping to guide our whole school and inter-school programs, for example we are putting in a new kitchen garden this term and students from New Lambton Public will also be involved in this project, as a means of getting to know the year 2 students before they move on to the primary school next year.”

Floraville Public School

Floraville Public School was one of the many lucky recipients to receive the Crunch&Sip® Refill and Refuel water bottle filling stations provided by Hunter Water and Hunter New England Local Health District.

The aim of the Crunch&Sip® Refill and Refuel initiative is to support Hunter school students refill their water bottles and refuel as part of their school’s Crunch&Sip® program.

These ‘push to drink’ tap fittings have been


placed in two separate common areas of the school enabling easy access for both infant and primary school students.

Principal, David Robson, believes the fittings have been well received by the school’s 584 students with many now opting for tap water as their drink of choice.

Year 5 student, Olivia, believes she is now ‘drinking more water’ as a result of the new ‘push to drink’ tap fittings.

Similarly, Year 6 student, Zachary, also said he has found the new fittings ‘awesome’ and fills up his Crunch&Sip® drink bottle ‘at least once a day’.

These water fittings have helped support students to sip on water and crunch on fruit and veg favourites such as ‘carrots’, ‘pears’ and ‘apples’ during class time.

Crunch&Sip® Refill & Refuel Initiative

Good for Kids were successful in receiving a Hunter Water Community Grant to support Hunter school students refill their water bottles and refuel as part of their schools Crunch&Sip® program.

Crunch&Sip® is a scheduled time in primary schools for students to 'refuel' on fruit and vegetables and 'rehydrate' with water. Teachers have commented that students show improved concentration and are less disruptive behaviour following Crunch&Sip®.

To be eligible for this grant, schools were required to:• Be a certified Crunch&Sip® school

• Have attended a Live Life Well @ School workshop

• Provide a copy of their Nutrition in Schools policy41 schools were successful recipients of

the grant and have received a new water bottle refill tap fitting. The tap has been affixed to the schools existing water bubbler station to allow students to refill their water bottles throughout the day with ease.

Congratulations to the successful schools! For more information or to become involved in Crunch&Sip® contact Good for Kids on 1300 657 197.

Floraville Public School students


No one does a snag sanga like a P&C

The Federal Election is gone and there are sure to be people who like the outcome and those who may not but, one thing for sure was that P&C Associations certainly showcased community spirit. The contest was on to see which P&C Association was dishing up the best goods on the day. P&C Federation is pleased to announce the winners………… children enrolled in our public schools! So to all those wonderful volunteers who hosted a fete, manned the White Elephant Stall contributed to the cake stall and of course dished up hundreds of sausage sandwiches congratulations on your great efforts. Election Day just wouldn’t be the same without you.

Photos of some of our committed P&C Association activities. P&C Federation acknowledges; Karabar High School, Putney Public School, Dundas Public School, Governor Philip King Public School, Cattai Public School and Tamworth High School.

Rachael SowdenPublicity Officer

Twitter news

Peter Hinton @peterjhinton I'm at my son's school cooking #DemocracySausage A very important day for P&Cs so EAT UP! #auspol

Samantha-Jo Harris @SammyJo_Harris_ Colin Holden tong master at Drummond school sausage sizzle #shareasnag #newenglandvotes

Justin @1rebelnohorseDundas Public School's P&C have done a fantastic job today. Sausage sizzle, cakes, coffee, books, rides and petting zoo. #auspol #ausvotes

The Daily Advertiser @DailyAdvertiserKooringal Public School has established a cake stall as well as the #sausagesizzle #RiverinaVotes #RiverinaDecides

Siobhan McCarthy @SiobhanannA late edition to the sausage sizzle options is @ArmidaleHS. Raising money for the hockey team #newenglandvotes

Kym Chapple @kymtjeVery good cake stand is very good. #snagvotes #ausvotes

Adam Spencer @adambspencerIt was relentless at Camdenville Public School Election Sausage Sizzle

ArmidaleExpress @ArmidaleExpressArmidale City Public School's sausage sizzle - chief chef says the key is a roll. Thoughts? #newenglandvotes

Adrian Arndt @aarndt20Best part of the election @theprojecttv #auspol #abbotsfordpublicschool

Penny Sharpe @PennySharpemlcStanmore Public School has #electionsausage and a fantastic cake stall. #grayndler Come and say hi.

brigid glanville @brigidglanvilleMowbray public school Election Day food and wine festival


from school fetes to carnivals write to the p&c federation about your schools spirit! be a part of our p&c quarterly journal by

simply emailing your great school

stories to us! tell us about your school

community activities. email us now for your free copy!

‘get involved with p&c’

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