Hello from the team at the Australian Parents Council (APC). We would like to take this opportunity to introduce ourselves, tell you about what we do and ask you how we may be able to help you in your role as parent representatives at your school. 

Don’t worry we are not selling anything or asking for any financial contribution. We are simply hoping to let people know more about us and let you know that we might be a useful resource for you to tap into.

We know that the people who volunteer their time on school parent bodies are the engine rooms of building strong school communities, and we exist as an organisation to try and help parents and schools connect. We are currently on a mission to expand our network and learn more about the issues parents are facing, what innovative solutions parents and schools are developing and how we can help. We’d value any insights you can share, but only if you have time and the inclination to share them. We’re here to help not to add to your workload, but we'd really like to help everyone network.

We know that collaboration between parents and teachers benefits students. We see our role as helping to make that happen in any way we can. This includes newsletters, parent webinars, advice and information, Facebook campaigns and events, training courses, parent workshops and taking part in consultations and sitting on advisory boards. We also provide an independent platform for parents to share concerns and discuss ideas.

Parents are busier than ever, but we are also more connected than ever. The challenges of COVID have highlighted how important it is to leverage that connectivity within and between our communities. With everything that’s been heaped upon parents and schools over the past year, we felt that now was the time to reach out.

So who are we, you might be asking? 

I am the president of the APC, a parent of 3 teenage boys based in Canberra, with a passion for community development. I’m joined by a board of volunteers from a range of backgrounds in education, finance, communications and government from all around Australia. 

APC is actually the oldest parent organisation in Australia and we represent parents and carers with children at non-government schools. We are autonomous, not-for-profit, non-denominational and non-party political, and are supported by government. We believe that all children deserve a quality education wherever they go to school and we support parents’ right to choose the best school for their child.

If you’d like to find out more about APC:

• take a look at our Facebook page www.facebook.com/AustParentsCouncil
• and join our private P&F Facebook page www.facebook.com/groups/360615218332244 
• check out our website austparents.edu.au/ 
• and become a friend austparents.edu.au/become-a-friend/ 
• follow us on Twitter twitter.com/AustParents @AustParents 
• or simply email me president@austparents.edu.au 
  

We're always keen to hear from you and to share ideas.

kind regards,

Jenni Rickard, APC President