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Welcome to the 2023 school year!
Now that the holiday break is over and parents feel like they can catch their breath it is time to start talking about the things that matter to you.
APC is already hearing parents are concerned about inflation and the rising costs of living. Families are watching cautiously to see how this impacts school fees. We are here to listen to your concerns, let us know how this is impacting you and your family.
If school fees increase more than expected, What effect would it have on your family?
Elsewhere we are off to a flying start in a school year that sees NAPLAN held earlier than usual. If you have a child in years 3,5,7 or 9 sitting the test in March there is no need to worry! Your child's teacher is already well on their way to ensuring your child is prepared. NAPLAN is not the kind of test they need to study for or one that you need to help them prepare. If your child has additional needs it is worthwhile chatting to their classroom teacher about testing adjustments that can be made.
And if you would like to know more, this factsheet has lots of information to help.
Finally, in last year's survey, many of you told us that you were missing the social aspects of being a part of a school community. 61% of respondents socialised with other parents before restrictions with only 9% of respondents saying they still did that when restrictions ended. Many comments said that they were looking forward to being able to connect in the future but finding opportunities and volunteers had become difficult.
20% of respondents told us that their parent body folded during restrictions. The loss of parent representation is concerning for the ongoing empowerment of parents in the educational outcomes of their children. To help you re-engage your school community or perhaps to give you some food for thought about why you should join your school parent body we have put together 10 Reasons to Volunteer at school.
We hope some of the reasons connect with you! If you would like to connect with us, you can follow us on our social media and we always welcome your emails.
Take care,
Jenni
APC CEO
The Australian Parents Council is supporting HealthyLunchboxWeek by helping families get set for a year of healthy lunchboxes. Around a THIRD of school children’s daily food intake comes from the lunchbox, so we need to make it count. If you’re looking fresh ideas visit Nutrition Australia Healthy Lunchbox Week website for recipes, tips, hacks and downloadable resources.
Check out our videos for some helpful hacks!
In the survey we conducted last year we heard that P&F's are doing it tough after the disruptions of the last few years. At the same time we also heard parents are desperately looking for social engagement and connection within their school community. This leaves P&F's well-placed to bolster their ranks. Please feel free to use these graphics in your newsletter to encourage people to your AGM.
Join us in supporting Safer Internet Day.
Safer Internet Day is a global event dedicated to creating a safer online world for everyone. Tuesday 7 February 2023 marks the 20th Safer Internet Day and the world is more connected than ever before, making online safety awareness even more important. We are joining the eSafety Commissioner to support Safer Internet Day and we encourage you to get involved and Connect. Reflect. Protect.
• Connect safely and with purpose – by keeping apps and devices secure and using social media in positive ways.
• Reflect before we act – by taking a moment to consider how what we do and say online may affect others.
• protect ourselves and others by taking action – tell family, friends or colleagues about eSafety and visit esafety.gov.au for advice, support and to report online abuse.
By sharing the Connect. Reflect. Protect. message, we can work towards making every day a Safer Internet Day.
Visit The esafety website to sign up and learn more.
Are you parenting a young person who is passionate about representing the following areas: First Nations, Mental Health & Wellbeing, Promotion of STEM, Climate Change & Conference of the Parties or Safe and Supported: The National Framework for Protecting Australia's Children?
If so then you need to get them to head to https://www.ayac.org.au/advisory-groups to find out more!
Who has fond memories of doing the Emu Bob on the school oval on Clean Up Australia Day? Just me? If you would like to bring back the Emu Bob on Friday the 3rd of March you can register now.
