We've got lots to update you with this month.

I'd like to start with my blog on consent and gender equity. It covers my personal approach with my family and how we can try to address this issue as parents at home and within our school community in a way that avoids blame. I received a very strong response to my recent Facebook post about attending the women's march in Canberra earlier this month with my sons. I know it is an issue many parents are grappling with, so I felt it was important to provide a platform for an open conversation.

There's currently a review of the whole Australian Curriculum underway and if you have any questions about any aspect of the curriculum, including how consent is covered, or NAPLAN 2021, we have the perfect opportunity for you to put them to the people in charge. We have a free online Q&A session for parents with the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority on April 28...details here. There's going to be public consultation on the curriculum, NAPLAN is back this year, and 80% of kids are sitting NAPLAN Online in May, so now is the moment to have your say.

Also in this newsletter, we've got an update on how the government plans to improves the way students with disabilities are supported following last year's review of Disability Standards (which found there was a 'power imbalance' between parents and education providers).

And we're introducing our new Facebook groups especially for P&F members, school fundraisers and school board members, to provide a platform for sharing ideas and inspiration across different school communities.

2021 has also seen us continue our focus on helping parents access up to date careers advice with their young people. We've got some new video case studies and have been working with YEAR13, who have their free expo coming up in May. Find out more about that here. If you can spare a few minutes to help researchers trying to find out more about how parents are currently advising kids on careers options - there's a link to their survey also below.

We also have a new alliance with the Council of Single Mothers and their Children.

Please don't hesitate to get in touch with us if you'd like more details about what we're doing or have any feedback for us. We always want to hear from you.

Jenni Rickard,
APC President
president@austparents.edu.au