3 November 2004
QCPCA Conference 2004
State Conference 2004
The Maleny State High School band provided entertainment as delegates arrived and registered for the conference.
Viv Bochow, Sunshine Coast Regional President welcomed delegates to the Sunshine Coast. Margaret Thompson, Life Member and Sunshine Coast Regional Council member, read a message from Aboriginal Elder, Associate Professor, Eve Fesl, OAM, CM, PH.D of the Gubbi Gubbi Tribe, welcoming us to their land.
Wanda Lambert (State President) introduced the Minister for Education and the Arts, Hon Anna Bligh who officially opened the 2004 State Conference.
Areas discussed in the Ministers Address included:-
· Maintenance budget increased, including new initiatives to better provide maintenance assistance to schools.
· Dollar for dollar subsidy changed to a sliding scale a assist smaller schools and socio-economically disadvantaged areas.
· Seed funding for new P&C associations increased since last conference to $4000.00.
· ETRF Prep Year 2007 – another 25 schools have joined the trial phase this year.
· Additional funds for primary schools to assist with the middle schooling for curriculum coordination time.
· Class size targets will be reduced to 1-28.
· From 2006, Senior schooling – implementing the learning or earning for all students 15-17 years of age. Retention rates have improved to 81%. Queensland now leads the country in retention rates statistics.
· Funds committed for ICT is continuing.
· BTR Review
· Education (General Provisions) Act review – act needs to reflect current trends
The Minister stressed the need for partnerships with parents and the community to ensure what is in the class is current and relevant to students and community.
As Minister of the Arts as well as education, Ms Bligh explained that she is looking forward to the synergy of these two areas improving the educational outcomes for students.
Keynote Address – Ms Robin Sullivan, Director-General of Child Safety.
Robin Sullivan provided startling statistical information and many personal insights into the needs of children. “Are we there yet?” was the question asked to get QCPCA delegates thinking and involving themselves in the presentation.
The following excerpt from Robin’s presentation laid down the foundation for an exciting and thought provoking session.
“ “Are we there yet?” is the vexed question, not only of the family road trip, but of the journey we call growing up. A journey that some of us here today may feel we have still not quite managed to complete.
Certainly, for young people, the destination – whether it is the end of the road trip or becoming an adult – is a future they sometimes struggle to believe in.
If the “future is YOUth” with the emphasis on YOU the parent, as well as on Youth, and if we regard the future as yet another stage of our life journey, rather than a destination, this seems to point to two things.
First, you and the significant young people in your life are taking this trip together — albeit with vastly different roles to play and with contrasting experiences along the way.
Second, any focus on the future, whether on what we might want to have happen, or alternatively, what social analysts, statisticians or others tell us is going to happen, begs a question I would like to explore, that is: where are we at now?
What is the answer to the question: are we there yet? In relation to the QCPCA, society, and the aims, roles and responsibilities of agencies which have responsibilities in connection with children and young people?
This is an important question. There is no one formula, social science model, or panacea, for addressing issues affecting children and young people.
To better identify and address these issues, the Commission for Children and Young People produces a Snapshot report each year.
It pulls together national and Queensland data relating to children and young peoples’ health and wellbeing to identify trends and highlight groups most in need of special attention.
This report has been widely supported as a strategy for monitoring and reporting on the state of Queensland’s children. It will provide key stakeholders and decision-makers with, a regular “child check”.”
The QCPCA proposed new Constitution was adopted with no negative votes recorded. This was a landmark decision providing evidence that regional consultation and discussion at all levels does achieve great results. A vote of thanks to the Constitution Committee for all their hard work on this important part of QCPCA business.
Friday night the Welcome Reception was attended and enjoyed by all with the Spanish Dancers, from the Mooloola State School, providing stimulating entertainment for the evening.
Saturday it was back to business with another landmark event in the completion of all business before the conference without extending time.
Saturday night at the Conference Dinner guests were entertained by The Zookeepers and our own QCPCA Idol Rebecca Lanchasire.
At dinner delegates helped our staff members Greg Donaldson and Cathy Hempsall celebrate their 50th Birthdays with an exceptional appearance of Marilyn Monroe and a very young, good looking Frank Sinatra as they sang happy birthday to the pair. Thank you to Margaret Leary (Peninsula) and Michael Breitkreutz (Madonna’s brother) for their fabulous performances.
This year an Outstanding Service Award was presented to Wanda Lambert for all her dedication and Bill McMillan, our honorary solicitor, was surprised by the presentation of a Friend of QCPCA award for all the countless hours and valuable advise he has provided to our organisation over the years.
Sunday Morning saw a question and answer session on issues raised by delegates throughout the course of the conference, following by the workshops.
Common Sense with Corporate Governance – this workshop presented by Chris Whitecross provided participants with an opportunity to better understand their role and responsibilities as volunteers in the governance of the P&C. The workshop emphasised the need for all members to know their constitution, policies and by-laws, to act in good faith and with due diligence, to lead by example and set appropriate standards, beware of defamation and always use common sense.
P&C Accountability – Financial Management Program was presented by Lisa Aitken from Education Qld. Lisa provided an overview of P&C responsibilities in relation to financial management. Education Qld initiatives to assist P&C Associations were also highlighted. Lisa explained the expectations on Principals to provide reports on the school financial situation also.
Many tips and suggestions for improving financial accountability and successful operation of P&C business provided participants with much to think about and take back to their P&C.
Leaping ahead to Emotional Fitness – Di Lawler took her group on a journey of self discovery of their emotions. Di provided insight into how to become more aware of who we are and the roadblocks with need to be overcome to achieve our goals.
Emotional Intelligence is not a fad or a trend and it is definitely not new. During the past 20 odd years much research has been conducted to determine why some people achieved success in life and others (with probably the same opportunities) did not.
The workshop took participants through what is emotional intelligence, why it is important, assessing our emotional intelligence and how to enhance emotional intelligence skills.
Thinking through Difficult Issues – Boys and Male Teachers Debate – Dr Martin Mills explored the reality of education boys and the need for more male teachers debate.
• What are the factors underlying gender imbalance in primary schools?
• Does the gender imbalance have a negative impact upon boys?
• What impact would a proportional increase in the number of male teachers have on the well being of boys?
• What are the likely impacts of the proposed scholarship scheme?
These questions provided the inspirations for healthy discussion on the differences in teaching and learning between girls and boys, interesting statistics on the ratio of male to female teachers and many of the misconceptions about the education of boys.
The conference was closed by Mr Ken Smith, Director-General of Education, followed by a wonderful photo presentation of the weekends events.
QCPCA would like to thank the Sunshine Coast Regional Council team who worked so hard both at conference and in the lead up to conference.
Thank you also to the sponsors, Marsh Pty Ltd, Price WaterhouseCoopers, Mars Fundraising, Sara Lee Bakeries, QTU, QAST, Qld Health, Education Qld, QIEC Super, Fergies Printers, Konica, Quality Inn Airport International, McCafferty’s Greyhound Charters, Impact Office Supplies, Qld Teachers Credit Union, Commonwealth Bank, Underwater World, Australia Zoo, Aust School and Club Fundraising Specialists, Aust Fundraising Magazine and Parmalat (Pauls and Breaka Milk), who made the event successful.
Finally, a view on the conference from a well respected guest, Mr Terry Aulich, ACSSO Executive Officer.
“It was a unique opportunity to not only share ideas but to give me a very good sense of how one of our major affiliates works. It was obvious to me that there is considerable time spent on making delegates feel at home and to ensure that their skills in debating and governance are improved. The organisation of the conference was obviously carefully worked out and professional. There were a number of things done which ACSSO will now try in the future when we organise our own conferences, executive meetings and financial reports.”
Christmas Message and Office Closure
Christmas Message and QCPCA Closure details.
The time is fast approaching where we will have the kids home from school, families and friends will be gathering to celebrate and we have a chance to reflect on our year past and what lies ahead.
As an organisation QCPCA had a very busy and productive year. My first year at the helm was very satisfying and I can honesty say that several of my personal goals and many organisational goals were achieved during the year.
Of course, such achievements could not have been realised without a dedicated team of people and I would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge all those who have assisted in this task. To all those who represented the organisation admirably on committees, at meetings and functions - thankyou for keeping QCPCA in the forefront as an interested and participating key stakeholder. To those who assisted with submissions, feedback and responses - thankyou for making sure that our opinions and comments are valued and considered in matters of the education of our children.
To the State Executive - thankyou for being part of a team that keeps the organisation functioning on a business level and I would like to bid a fond farewell and offer thanks to a few outgoing executive members.
The Officers – Brett Devenish, Grace Jones, Margaret Black and Di Loddon were a great team to work with and made my job so much easier (John Wessling, also Secretary for part of the year did a great job). A special thanks to Margaret Black, came to the end of her term as State Treasurer who displayed an integrity and capacity to carry out duties that has truly been of benefit to QCPCA.
Last but by no means least thanks to the staff of the Operations Support Unit - Greg, Madonna, Cathy, Helen and Robert, who make up the hub of our organisation, because individually we can all come and go, this unit remains the constant rock of support.
The newly elected executive are looking forward to the challenges of the coming 12 months. Our new strategic plan will set the course for future developments as QCPCA continues to achieve its goals and ensure a bright educational future for the students in Queensland State Schools.
I wish you all a marvellous Festive Season and look forward to working with you again in 2005.
Wanda Lambert
State President
The State Office of QCPCA will be closed from 4.30pm 17 December 2004 until 8.30am 10 January 2005.