QCPCA

Welcome back. For some, the Christmas and New Year period has been particularly challenging with the recent natural disasters across Queensland. Our thoughts are with those affected and I can assure you that we worked closely with the Department of Education and P&Cs to guarantee schools were in a position to open on day one, with the exception of just three which have commenced classes on different sites. For further information or assistance please visit the QCPCA and Department of Education websites.

The year ahead will be another challenging but exciting year for P&Cs across Queensland and we look forward to making it a success. As the largest representative body in education in Queensland, QCPCA will continue the hard work on your behalf to ensure that you are ready for the year ahead.

In the last edition of Parent Talk, I outlined the key priorities for 2010-2011 and we look forward to continuing our partnerships to address these. Recognition of parental involvement and contribution to education is a key aim and the announcement by the Minister in September that 2011 will see the inaugural P&C Day in Queensland is a true indicator that we are achieving this goal. P&C Day is scheduled for Friday 27 May to cap off Education Week.

Our achievements last year are clear evidence that we have been able to meet the demands of a fast-paced agenda. Amongst other things, we successfully advocated for P&C approval in the BER process, were part of Queensland Schools Alliance Against Violence (QSAAV) and provided representation on various other committees and working groups with positive results. We can only do this with the tireless efforts of parents and volunteers across Queensland and encourage P&Cs to talk with their QCPCA regional councils. If you are not sure which region your P&C falls under, details are available on our website (www.qcpca.org.au). Communication is the key to success.

As you will probably be aware, QCPCA itself is undergoing an organisational review and at the AGM in September of 2010, delegates voted to move towards a Company Limited by Guarantee (CLbG) 'in principle'. We will be holding a series of regional consultation sessions throughout May and June with a Special Meeting to be held at State Conference in September. We would encourage you to attend these meetings to find out what this will mean for QCPCA if a change were to be made. I would like to reiterate that this potential change will have no effect on the operations of your P&C.

QCPCA February mailout and P&C Business into the New Year

This edition of Parent Talk, as always, celebrates the work of P&Cs and provides useful information on working to the highest level to ensure our children receive the best education possible. It will have arrived through your post boxes along with a range of papers essential for the running of your P&C. You will have noticed this year that we have tried to consolidate these in a way that reduces the paperwork for completion but still gives us and you the information needed for the optimum functioning of your P&C. Please complete the 'Executive details' form as it helps QCPCA to ensure contact is maintained with the correct people. Also, keep an eye out for membership and insurance forms which have been posted separately.

Now would be a good time to take a look at the P&C Calendar and to plan ahead for 2011. By the time you read this, some of the year's tasks will be underway. Audits should be in progress and AGMs will be close. The QCPCA website gives some useful information on what is expected and how to make the process effective. We would encourage all P&Cs to ensure a smooth transition for all newly elected office bearers.

Remember, the school community acts as one in the interests of the students and only by doing this will we make 2011 another successful year for our children. P&Cs are the key to success in all schools.

It's not only children who grow. Parents do too. As much as we watch to see what our children do with their lives, they are watching us to see what we do with ours. I can't tell my children to reach for the sun. All I can do is reach for it, myself- Joyce Maynard

Kind regards,

Margaret Leary

State President

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