pff.wa.au service advocacy representation liaison networking collaboration celebration

1. www.pff.wa.edu.au service advocacy representation liaison networking collaboration celebration

2. The premise on which we operate... Our Association derives its roots from the Catholic Social principles that arise from Cannon Law, from Vatican II. These principles underpin our Catholic school system and form a rich ethical base for our Federation of Parents and Friends’ Associations in schools. Cannon Law states: “Parents and those who take their place, have both the obligation and the right to educate their children. Catholic parents have also the duty and the right to choose those means and institutes which, in their local circumstances, can best promote the Catholic education of their children. Parents have moreover the right to avail themselves of that assistance from civil society which they need to provide a catholic education for their children.”

3. The Mandate 2009-2015- pg 43 #92, #93 • Roles and Responsibilities in the Catholic School Community • ‘All members of the Catholic School Community have responsibilities related to promoting its aims and effectiveness.’ • *Principles of Participation, Co-responsibility and • Subsidiarity • These are very important underpinnings of the operation of our Federation as they drive our representation of parents in all Catholic schools, regardless of their socio-economic standing. • In fact, we strongly represent schools who cannot afford full affiliation fees. • This is consistent with CEOWA policy and strongly reflects that Catholic education in WA operates as a system, not as individual schools – unlike other independent schools.

4. PFFWA was founded in 1954 -after 80 years the campaign to get government financial support had been waged without success. • Through the work of this Federation.... this was achieved! • Today Catholic schools receive approximately 75% of their operating costs as a direct result of the successful advocacy and lobbying of state and federal governments by the Federation in collaboration with other state and national parent bodies that support the right for the education of choice by parents. • There is still a discrepancy between the funding for state and government schools- and this is the current area of focus! In 2010 the NCEC will be utilising the Federation to support a strong representation for pre-electoral lobbying to address this imbalance. • “In a free, parliamentary democracy like Australia, the continued, informed and organised interest of Catholic parents is needed to maintain strong influence on the electoral procedure. The Associations and the Federation Council have a convincing and indispensable role in this effort.” (Most Rev W J Foley, 1987) Our history in a bottle.. In \ in a bottle....

5. TODAY - This core role is maintained ....but has expanded into a variety of other roles. WHAT ELSE DO WE DO? • * yearly analysis of State budget papers identifying cost breakdowns of Government spending on Government and non-Government schools in per capita amounts • * letters to politicians of all parties, outlining Catholic parents requests and observations of above analyses • * face to face meetings with politicians to further outline our case and advocate for increased funding across the board and for special circumstances such as children with disabilities, rural and remote, indigenous education • * Auspicing body for grants and their acquittal – Incorporation is necessary • to receive many grants. The Federation acts on behalf of those not incorporated, but we assist all associations in their procurement) • * Source information on available grants and sponsorship and disseminate • information about workshop opportunities

6. * National voice through Australian Parents Council • Just as each school affiliation to PFFWA gives united state voice, so each affiliated body around nation gives united Federal voice • * APC Review – is newsletter of APC – source of information to keep up to date on National education climate and funding pressures- please see copies of articles for representation for funding children with Disabilities (PFFWA contributes and distributes) • * coffee mornings to assist with networking and collaboration between associations • * sourcing of suitable educational speakers for parents • * support for new office bearers re their role and effective meeting procedures • * provide information and support via the phone

7. Future focus of PFFWA Council • re-establish: knowledge base of what parents do think and want said on their behalf. • website pff.wa.edu.au currently has a blog- Extend to promote positional papers, invite input and provide monthly update of communication via flyer to be tabled at meetings re current activities of the Federation • expand: work of the Liaison Officer hosting networking and focus groups • engage: in further, structured research- currently a volunteer Researcher investigating the overall provision of money and equipment to support schools in 2009. Intent to apply for Lotterywest funding to facilitate further work in this area. • assist: internal and Affiliate procedures for auspicing of grants and their acquittal • provide: response to CEO on policies under review • * Appointment of Staff in Catholic Schools • * Gender Equity in Catholic Schools • * Teacher Workloads • * Aboriginal Education • * School Camps and Excursions • * Dealing with Bullying and Harassment (Students) • * Early Childhood Education • create and disseminate: position papers • * COSTS OF BOOKS, UNIFORMS AND OTHER LEVIES • * AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR LOW ICSEA SCHOOLS • * ROLE OF P & F IN SCHOOLS • * FUNDING FOR NON-GOVT SCHOOLS (INCLUDING CHILDREN WITH A DISABILITY )

8. Representation Australian Parents' Council (APC) Members of National Executive - Vice President - Shelley Hill  - Nominated Member - Joe Monterosso Catholic Education Commission of Western Australia (C.E.C.W.A.) Nominated Member of Commission- Helen Keogh C.E.C.W.A. Standing Committees & Working Parties Religious Education and Curriculum Committee (RECC) - Shelley Hill Early Childhood Education - Project Implementation Group - Agnes Weymouth School Personnel Committee (SPC) - Trish Somers School Resources Committee (SRC) - Joe Monterosso Other Organisations Australian Sustainable Schools Initiative (AuSSI) -(WA) Steering Committee - Patsy Di Prinzio Coalition Against Drugs (WA) - Joe Monterosso Curriculum Council of Western Australia - Shelley Hill Curriculum Council Senior Secondary Education Committee - Shelley Hill Family Council of WA - Joe Monterosso WA College of Teaching: Board & Administration Committee (WACOT) - Trish Somers WA Health Promoting Schools Association (WAHPSA) – Philippa Colgan State Council of the Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association of WA (Inc) –Trish Somers

9. The way forward...new organisational plan and future directions • Representation • Voice – present the views of parents • Choice – preserve the right of parents to choose a Catholic education for their children • Equity – promote and protect the right of every Australian child to share equitably in public expenditure on education • Quality - to contribute to continuous improvement in the quality of • education for all students • Engagement • Establish, maintain and develop dialogue • Empower parents to engage in partnerships • Work collaboratively with affiliates • Affirm and promote to parents their role as integral partners in education • Support the establishment, maintenance and sustainability of parent communities • within schools PFFWA Strategic Plan • Organisation • Development • Secure ongoing funding • Ensure good governance • Build a dynamic, united team • Develop transparent and integrated accounting systems • Develop and implement organisation • policies and procedures • Promote the activities of the • PFFWA and affiliates • Community • Involvement • Develop, promote and support home/school/community partnerships • Develop an effective state-wide Catholic parent organisation • Encourage and promote P&F’s to work collaboratively within their • communities

10. THE BENEFITS OF ADVOCACY...........