February 2009

Margaret Black, State President QCPCA Welcome to 2009 and congratulations for being part of your child’s education. If your child is starting school this year, then it’s an exciting time for you. Research has proven that a student’s achievement at school is enhanced when parents and teachers work in partnership in a child’s education. For those whose children completed year 12 last year, we hope that they achieve their goals whatever path they take be it university, trade or employment.

This year will see a continuation of the many changes that have commenced across the country due to the adoption of the National Curriculum. While we may only see minor changes in some areas there will be significant change in others. QCPCA has representation on state and national committees that are involved in making these decisions. We are there to ensure that the parent voice is heard. If your P&C has any ideas or comments please contact us as we are here to advocate on your behalf.

In 2009, Education Queensland celebrates its 150th birthday. No doubt we will see many celebrations and memorabilia being displayed over the coming year. This year, being an election year, will see a new Minister for Education being appointed as our current Minister for Education, the Hon Rod Welford, has announced his retirement. QCPCA would like to thank the Minister for his contribution to education in Queensland and for the excellent working relationship and support that he has given this organisation. We wish him all the best for his retirement.

What’s on the agenda for QCPCA for 2009?

Our new web site is currently being built and should be launched very soon.

We will be holding a Parent Forum in Mt Isa on the 31st May and another in the South Coast area on 22nd November. More information on these will be available closer to the date.

State Conference will be held in Brisbane this year in September.

Our State Executive and Regional Councils will meet regularly throughout the year.

For further information on any of the above as well as Regional contact details and meeting dates please visit our web site – www.qcpca.org.au – or phone our office on 3352 3900.

Does your P&C have a QCPCA representative who can take your P&Cs experiences/issues to Regional Council Meetings? If not, please consider appointing a QCPCA representative to help share in the successes and problem solving. In many situations your successes may help others while others in the group may be able to offer their experiences to assist in solving your problems.

It’s that time again when P&Cs hold their Annual General Meetings. We encourage you to ensure that any handover of positions is done smoothly and that the new Office Bearers get the support they need to enable them to continue the great work that P&Cs do for schools. Please ensure that your P&Cs accounts are audited and presented at your AGM. If you have been elected a President or Secretary please contact the school’s administration as a matter of priority to arrange for the P&C emails to be forwarded to you.

2009 is the Year of Creativity and no doubt one of change. We look forward to working with you all as the year progresses so that together we can achieve great things for students attending State schools.

Take care