QCPCA

AGM and State Conference - Just doing it for our kids.

P&C delegates, Education Qld Personnel, QCPCA Life members and guests from throughout Queensland attended the 59th Annual General Meeting and State Conference held in Gympie on 12-14 September 2008.

Mr Darrin Edwards, Principal, James Nash State High School officially opened the conference following the wonderful entertainment provided by the Gympie State High School Stage Band and the Kalkie State School Drum Band. It is exciting to see the talent and pride shown by our school communities, some travelling a substantial distance to be there.

The keynote address was delivered by speaker John Joseph, Director, Focus Education Australia. This was an informative and witty presentation that was thoroughly enjoyed by all. John spoke about "The Four Worlds", the personality types of students and their relationship to Parenting. This was followed by presentations from the Qld Studies Authority on the Qld Certificate of Education and by the Qld Association of School Tuckshops – Tuckshop Snapshot for 2008, which presented the results of a survey of the processes and money raising abilities of tuckshops in State schools in Queensland. A Regional Executive Information session was also held on the Friday afternoon. Delegates travelled on the Silver Bullet train to Amamoor for the Friday evening Welcome Reception hosted by the Gympie Regional Council. Thanks are given to the Amamoor P&C for the great catering job they did on the evening.

Saturday focused on the business side of the AGM. Margaret Black was re-elected as State President and we also welcomed our other newly elected Officers: State Vice Presidents Charles Alder and Ben Thompson, State Secretary Kaye Harth and State Treasurer Margaret Leary. The Hon Rod Welford addressed delegates on Saturday afternoon and questions to the Minister included the issue of full time teacher-aide time for Prep classes, State Schools of Tomorrow Round 2 and future direction in Education for 2009 – The Year of Creativity.

Delegate debates included first-aide training for teacher-aides, drug education/issues in schools, chaplaincy, healthcare in schools and participation in decision-making. Urgency motions brought to the floor included topics such as ongoing maintenance of air conditioning systems, the desire for Qld Government funds to build new kindergartens to be invested in the existing state education system, trade training centres and staggered school start times. Well done to all those who contributed.

On Saturday night the official conference dinner was held at the Gympie Civic Centre. On arrival, guests were entertained by Lark, the string Quintet from James Nash State High School. The Hospitality Studies Students from Gympie State High School superbly provided the catering for the evening. Our MC Graham Engeman did a great job and the entertainment provided by musician Graeme Jensen was enjoyed by all. We must acknowledge both Garry Cislowski (Metropolitan West) and Kaye Harth (Darling Downs) who were awarded QCPCA State Life Membership and Wally Thomasson Northern), Loris Doessel (Wide Bay) and David Lloyd (Darling Downs) who were awarded QCPCA Outstanding Service awards.

On Sunday, delegates were presented with the new 'P&C Toolkit' Toolkit' to review prior to release early in 2009. Following this, the conference delegates broke into four groups for the first session to brainstorm ideas on productive relationships and effective communication. Thanks to our workshop facilitators, Jenny Haddrell, Assistant Director-General, Department of Education Training and the Arts, Kirsti Kee, Regional Executive Director, Wide Bay Burnett, Ian Wenzell, Principal, Gympie South State School and QCPCA State President, Margaret Black. The later part of the morning saw conference delegates re-group to address some of the topics coming from the first session and the panel of four also answered a number of questions from the floor.

Thanks are given to our major sponsors Marsh Pty Ltd (Insurance Brokers), Pixi Foto School Photography, Gympie Regional Council, and to the other sponsors, Australian School & Club Fundraising Specialists, Mars Fundraising, QIEC Super, SDS (Stationery Suppliers), Fergies Printers, Suncorp Insurance, AIG Insurance, Liberty International Underwriters, Quality Hotel Airport International, Gaypak, Hydrogen, Chef's Toolbox, The Novelty Wholesaler, Barker Boys, Eduquip, Entertainment Services Theatrical, Cooloola Colour Graphics, Design N Play and Corporate Express for their support.

The conference closed midday Sunday and delegates were entertained by the Gympie West State School Choir - Araluen Chorus. Assistant Director-General, Jenny Haddrell, closed the conference on a positive note by acknowledging the on-going need for genuine partnership between schools their P&Cs, QCPCA and Education Qld.

We hope to see you all in Brisbane for the 2009 AGM and State Conference. Come along, it will be a great time

Answers to your most commonly asked maintenance questions

What is planned and unplanned maintenance?

Planned maintenance is work prioritised by a school and scheduled to be carried out by QBuild within a school's notional allocation throughout the year (e.g. repainting buildings, replacing roofs).

Unplanned maintenance is any unforeseen work that requires immediate attention (e.g. a burst water main or broken windows). QBuild attends to all responsive maintenance requests as a matter of priority. The response time varies due to the locality of the incident, however outside of the remote areas the general times are within one (1) to four (4) hours.

Can the priority of work be changed once a program has been submitted to QBuild? The school is able to change a priority on work that has not been contracted.

Call your QBuild client service officer to negotiate a new time for the work to be carried out.

If urgent projects arise which cannot be funded through the school's allocation what can we do?

You should contact your local regional facility manager if you have any urgent facility/maintenance problems which cannot be funded from the school's allocation (e.g. a failure of underground services or a major vandalism attack).

Who decides on notional allocations?

The notional allocations are formula based, and are calculated by Education Queensland's Central Office. If you have any queries about your allocation, you should telephone your local DETA account manager.

Can I nominate a preferred contractor?

Yes. However, subcontractors are required to be registered with QBuild. The registration process ensures that subcontractors operate within QBuild's code of behaviour and meet QBuild's service delivery standards. Schools should encourage their preferred local subcontractors to register as soon as possible for consideration for future work. Subcontractors can register online by visiting www.qbuild.qld.gov.au and following the instructions.

If I am not happy with the work carried out, do I have to sign the job statement?

No. You do not have to sign the job statement if you are not satisfied with the work. You can outline your dissatisfaction in the space provided on the job statement. When the tradesperson returns the job statement to the QBuild office, a resolution process is initiated. DETA is not charged for the job until you have certified the job statement.

Is QBuild work guaranteed? If so, for how long?

QBuild guarantees all of its work. All products and materials used conform to statutory requirements and are guaranteed for the duration of the manufacturers' specifications.

Do I need to obtain other quotes if I use QBuild?

No. QBuild is the nominated service maintenance provider for DETA. As managers of maintenance delivery, QBuild organises quotes and arranges subcontractors on behalf of the school as necessary.

Can budget allocations be exceeded this year if the school is prepared to take a reduced allocation next year?

While schools should generally try to manage their maintenance needs within the annual allocated budget, there is a capacity to pre-commit some works against next year's allocation (this should not exceed 10%). This is in line with the concept of a rolling program and should be discussed with the DETA Account Manager. If there is over-expenditure then the amount is deducted from the following year's allocation for that school.

Can the P&C Association undertake maintenance projects at our school?

A P&C Association can undertake projects but cannot access a school's notional allocation. If a P&C Association does undertake a project at a school, the Association will be responsible for all risk associated with the job and with meeting all statutory requirements. If the work is not carried out by QBuild it will not be guaranteed by QBuild.

How do I know I am receiving value for money using QBuild?

QBuild's costs are benchmarked and reviewed and are generally within +/- 5% of industry rates. QBuild maintains a large body of suppliers, contractors and staff to ensure they are on call 24/7 and the work is guaranteed and conducted under statutory requirements whilst covering the risk to government.

QBuild has 11 regional offices along with 41 depots across the State. This wide reach enables QBuild to respond to maintenance and construction requirements within compressed time frames using a mix of its own blue collar staff and the wide range of registered contractors it maintains. QBuild also has the ability to plan and deliver work in conjunction with other agencies, reducing disbursement costs and bundling like works to achieve better purchasing prices. QBuild assumes the risk in relation to statutory requirements (not limited to insurances and licences for itself and its contractors) removing the need for schools to have to monitor and address these concerns.

What is covered under service maintenance?

The QBuild Client Service Officer has a list of what is covered under service maintenance and would be happy to supply a copy on request. It typically includes equipment such as fire and security alarm systems, pool care equipment, lifts and air conditioning. DETA Central Office engages QBuild to manage service maintenance on its behalf.

Do the schools pay for service maintenance?

Service maintenance is currently managed by DETA Central Office so that contracts can be let tocover a number of facilities. Costs associated with maintenance contracts and inspections will be paid for by DETA Central Office, but any repairs arising from service maintenance inspections will have to be met from a school's allocation.

(QBuild can be contacted by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )

 

Australia & New Zealand Association for the Advancement of Science (ANZAAS) Youth Forum

ANZAAS was founded 120 years ago and is the only National Science organisation to which all Australian and NZ residents are welcome to join. It is in the process of restructuring and introducing new events and programmes and will in future have a much greater emphasis on school students and young scientists than it has in the past. These changes are designed to enhance ANZAAS' ability to carry out its broad aims of public advocacy of science, inspiring the young in scientific thought and endeavours, and providing a forum for multidisciplinary exchange between scientists and the public.

Its Councillors include representatives from The Australian Academy of Science (AAS), The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE), The Australian Science Teachers Association (ASTA) and Young Scientists of Australia (YSA). Last year the Royal Society of New Zealand (RSNZ) rejoined the Council of ANZAAS after an absence of ten years. The expanded Council creates a continuum within the broad scientific community that has been lacking in Australia for many years.

Not only will ANZAAS be a forum for scientific debate but also it is looking to increase and mobilise its broad membership to assist with practical educational projects at primary and secondary school levels. ANZAAS has embarked on a course to help resolve a crisis in science education that in a few short years will, in the absence of coordinated effort, seriously further deplete the technical skills base that supports our current affluence.

ANZAAS is working to build on its Youth ANZAAS programme for years 10 to 12 school students that has been running successfully for over sixty years. This year's Youth ANZAAS forum took place in Dunedin, New Zealand, in July. Approximately 50 students attended. The young participants acclaimed it as a great success, as the following extract from a letter from a Perth family shows:

"We and Amy are delighted that she was provided with such a great opportunity to experience something very special, which will be a powerful aspect of her overall education, and which enabled her to experience people and ideas that will broaden her horizons."

This year, by way of a trial, ANZAAS is encouraging a few of the students who attended Youth ANZAAS 2008 to be ANZAAS Youth Ambassadors. On returning home they will be expected to assemble a small team of their peers and lead a scientific project approved by ANZAAS. These projects will be designed to demonstrate application of and generate enthusiasm for the science taught in the school curriculum. In future years ANZAAS hopes to attract retired scientists, technologists, engineers and medical practitioners etc., people with high level scientific skills acquired over their working lives, to become accredited ANZAAS Mentors to supervise these groups alongside the science teachers. If this year's trial is successful the programme is expected to extend to all Youth ANZAAS attendees within a few years.

Parents and teachers are encouraged to advise eligible students that applications are now being received for the competitive travel grants for Youth ANZAAS 2009 to be held in Melbourne during the July school holidays. Each year about sixty school students in years 10, 11 and 12 are selected from across Australia and New Zealand to attend the Youth ANZAAS Science Forum. Normally six students are selected from each Australian State and Territory and six from New Zealand.

Details of the event (which includes air travel fully paid by a Commonwealth Government grant) will begin to be announced on the ANZAAS web site at www.anzaas.org.au not later than mid September. Enquiries and expressions of interest can also be directed to Dr. Mike Murray at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

To keep its members and the public abreast of the growing programmes ANZAAS is streamlining its communications. High priority is currently being given to reorganizing the ANZAAS website to provide a user friendly medium for information about ANZAAS events and programmes, about other scientific events involving the public and provision of web links to many other sites of interest, national and international. To catch the attention of school age students the ANZAAS young peoples' news sheet Antenna is moving from hard copy to the web site which will enable the introduction of interactive elements to stimulate interest and provide fast feedback to the editors. Recently in recognition of the widespread use of on line networking by University students and others of similar age ANZAAS has opened up a site on Facebook that is attracting rapidly growing interest. The Members' Newsletter Mercury is already improving in content and as soon as funds allow it will also be subject to upgrade in format and overall presentation.

For general enquiries contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

ANZAAS Council

Barambah Environmental Education Centre now has a P&C

Supporters of the Barambah Environmental Education Centre recently formed a Parents and Citizens Association to promote and facilitate the further development of the Centre. This was made possible by recent changes to the Education Act which now allows Environmental and Outdoor Education Centres to have a P&C to support their operations.,/p>

The Barambah Environmental Education Centre is a residential facility operated by Education Queensland and is situated 50 km south west of Gympie. The Centre conducts excursions for school groups from Monday to Friday during the school year. On weekends or during school holidays the facilities at Barambah EEC are available for hire by community organisations and private groups.

The role of the Centre is to promote the value of the local and global natural environments and to create an awareness of the consequences of lifestyle choices. Their goal is to empower individuals to develop personal and community strategies to limit their impact on the environment.

Barambah EEC is the ideal venue for workshops or conferences with comfortable accommodation, large dining room, commercial kitchen and lush native gardens. It provides the perfect environment for special occasions, small conferences and peaceful weekend retreats. Bushwalking, Naturalists and Bird Watching clubs frequently hire the facilities because of the abundance of flora and fauna within the Centre grounds and in the surrounding forest.

'With the support of the P&C, we will now be able to apply for external funding and ensure the facilities at Centre keep improving,' Principal Mark Cridland said. 'It is a wonderful asset to the community and we hope to become a model for sustainable living.'

 

Photograph from left:

• Mark Cridland, Principal of Barambah EEC with P&C executive committee -
• Stacey Brown, Treasurer;
• Peter Jackson, President;
• Ros Cridland, Secretary and
• Greg Lennon, Vice President.

Building the Mental Health and Wellbeing of School Communities across Australia

MindMatters is a national mental health promotion, prevention and early intervention initiative funded by the Department of Health and Ageing. It is a universal approach and aims to build the capacity of secondary schools to enhance the social and emotional wellbeing of students and staff. The initiative involves a resource kit (provided free to every school with a secondary enrolment), a professional development program and a dedicated website. Since 2000, MindMatters has provided professional development to over 90,000 people across Australia which has included 82% of all schools with secondary enrolments. This high level of interest represents not only quality resources and training but also schools' growing acceptance of the strong links between wellbeing and academic learning.

MindMatters is managed by Principals Australia (formerly the Australian Principals Associations Professional Development Council) and employs project officers in each state and territory across Australia. The project officers are financed to provide training and support to schools with secondary enrolments to develop a whole school approach to social and emotional wellbeing and enhance partnerships within education sectors and organisations at the state level.

The MindMatters resources are based on the internationally recognised Health Promoting Schools (HPS) Framework. The HPS Framework looks at what is taught, how it is taught, policies, structures and processes related to wellbeing - including behaviour management, as well as partnerships with parents, families and community agencies. After 5 external evaluations and 6 years of experience of MindMatters use by schools, the components of the HPS framework have been expanded for the future to help schools identify and work strategically upon a whole school approach to wellbeing. MindMatters is also developing a deeper level of training for use over the next few years which will build the capacity of schools to not only progress their whole school approach but also to focus on students who might be experiencing high mental health needs. This training includes decision making about selective and indicated interventions, referral pathways and how schools can ensure a continuum of connection for all students.

In Queensland, 90% of state schools, 79% of Catholic schools and 68% of Independent schools have been involved in MindMatters professional development since 2000. In QLD during the last four years alone, over 4000 people have attended this training including principals, teachers, Guidance Officers, School Based Youth Health Nurses, Youth Support Coordinators, parents, students and community agencies.

Since the beginning of the project, MindMatters has worked with QCPCA as well as the Department of Education, Training and the Arts, QLD Catholic Education Commission, Independent Schools QLD, Mental Illness Education QLD, QLD Health and QLD Secondary Principals Association. At least one nominated representative from each of these areas sits on the MindMatters QLD State Reference Group to ensure two-way communication is maintained between MindMatters and education directions and policies.

Parents are an essential component of the school community and all schools are encouraged to have a parent representative on their core team to build a whole school approach to mental health and wellbeing. MindMatters has also presented a number of workshops on ways to build resiliency for young people and are developing a workshop on Communities do Matter which explores the diversity within communities and how schools can work in respectful partnership to enhance school and community mental health and wellbeing planning and action.

Further information on MindMatters can be found at the following link http://cms.curriculum.edu.au/mindmatters/ and Jane Taylor (MindMatters QLD State Project Officer) can be contacted on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

Education Tax Refund

Australian working families are set to benefit from the Rudd Government's decision to create a new Education Tax Refund, to help with the costs of education.

About 1.3 million families (with 2.7 million students) will be eligible for the refund tax offset which is expected to benefit Australian families by more than $1 billion a year.

Eligible families will be able to claim a 50 per cent refund every year for key education expenses up to:

1. $750 for each child undertaking primary studies (maximum refundable tax offset of $375 per child, per year)
2. $1500 for each child undertaking secondary studies (maximum refundable tax offset of $750 per child, per year).

Families receiving Family Tax Benefit (Part A) with children undertaking primary or secondary studies or whose school children receive Youth Allowance or another relevant payment will be eligible for the Education Tax Refund.

The refundable tax offset will apply to expenses incurred from 1 July 2008 and will be claimed upon lodgement of a 2008–09 income tax return.

Eligible families will be able to recoup the cost of purchases including:

1. laptops;
2. home computers and associated costs;
3. home internet connection;
4. printers;
5. education software;
6. trade tools for use at school;
7. school text books; and
8. stationery.

Eligible expenses are for items that support a child during school and improve the quality of education.

Parents will then be able to claim 50 per cent of these expenses through their tax return at the end of the financial year.

(Government press release)

 

Email Account for all P&Cs

Following discussions between QCPCA and Education Queensland, the P&C Email system has been reviewed, revised and revitalized on the Education Queensland platform.

There have been 2 new email addresses created in each school for the use of the P&C.

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The new system has been built with the idea in mind that, in today's environment, the vast majority of P&C Presidents and Secretaries will have their own, private email account. So, emails forwarded to the P&C Presidents and Secretaries email addresses will be automatically redirected to a private email account.

There are advantages in this approach - users who already have a private email account do not have to set up another at the school and remember another user name and password - they simply use their existing account as a receiving point. Additionally, these users will not need to visit the school to collect their emails.

For those Presidents and Secretaries who do not have a private email account, you will be able to access your "P&C emails" when you call at the school to collect the hard copy correspondence from the P&C pigeon hole. It will simply be one additional step in the communication cycle. This may also encourage some to set up a private email account for the convenience that it brings.

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO START RECEIVING EMAILS

The process of linking the Presidents' and Secretaries' private email accounts will be undertaken by the MIS (Manage Internet Service) Administrator in each school. Larger schools have a dedicated person for this task and in many smaller schools it will be the Principal.

At your next P&C meeting, each P&C President and Secretary should provide their private email address to the Principal and ask that the school's MIS Administrator make the necessary changes to the system. Once this is entered into the system, QCPCA, at State and Regional levels, will be able to keep you informed about matters of interest to you eg: Regional meetings, developments in education, surveys seeking your opinion on educational/parental issues etc.

You can also contact QCPCA by responding to these emails or via the contact link on the QCPCA website.

We expect the process to be relatively straightforward and easy to maintain. It will also become part of your annual checklist to ensure that the correct email addresses are listed for the P&C President and Secretary at each school.

Under an agreement with Education Queensland, QCPCA will not send out emails with attachments. Rather, if there is further information to be conveyed, over and above the plain text of the email, you can access this by way of a link to the QCPCA website.

We know that this system will provide us all with a better communication medium and hope that with your interest and participation we will all be better informed about what is happening in education in Queensland.

We thank all those people in Education Queensland's systems area for their help and expertise so that we could get this up and running.

Gambling Community Benefit Fund Review

A forum was recently held for key stakeholders including QCPCA to provide feedback on the current process for making applications to Community Benefit Funds, in particular the Gambling Community Benefit Fund.

The review is being undertaken to look at simplifying and streamlining operations, aiming to clarify the purposes and objectives of the funds and to implement consistent policies and procedures. The review will make recommendations to strengthen the transparency and accountability of the funds, making sure eligibility criteria are clear and the application processes remain user-friendly.

The review is providing recommendations to the Minister about changes based on an online survey that was conducted, to which over 400 responses were received. Although the forum discussed a number of topics, it is not certain yet as to what will change. The Minister will need to approve any policy modifications.

A change already implemented is the change in name from the Qld Office of Gaming Regulations to the Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing. The funds can now be accessed via their new website, www.olgr.qld.gov.au, where a number of Fact Sheets available can be accessed to gain more information. The Gambling Community Benefit Fund has also presented a number of information sessions throughout the State.

It is anticipated that any major changes to the funding application package will not take effect until 2009-10.The Funding Application Package Version 4 is the current application form that should be used and can be downloaded from the website along with the Parents & Citizens Associations Fact Sheet that provides information and advice.

The closing date for last round of applications for 2008 is 30 November. If the closing date falls on a weekend, applications should be received on the last working day before the closing date.

Further contact details are as follows: New email address: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Phone: 07 3237 4284 or 1800 633 619 (freecall outside Brisbane)

Madonna Stewart QCPCA Representative

 

Meet our State Officers and National Representatives 2009

Charles Alder: State Vice President (Met West Region)

I am married with 4 children and operate my own business. I have been involved with Calamvale Community College P&C for a number of years and P&Cs for 6 years.

I initially became involved because I wanted to contribute and make a difference in the system for the benefit of mine and ultimately all children. I was recently elected as President for Met West Regional Council and look forward to raising and dealing with issues relevant to our community.

Through my role as State Vice President I hope to continue to assist QCPCA in providing effective communication, information and ideas to P&Cs and be seen to be leading us to our goals.

 

Ben Thompson: State Vice President (Met East Region)

I have been involved in my P&C (Kedron State School) now for over a decade. I have been everything from fundraising co-ordinator and chair of the Tennis Club sub-committee to President of the P&C and Fete Convenor (a job I found rewarding but swear I will never do again!).

I have been involved in the Met East Regional Council for a number of years and have been Vice President and President. I am a very big supporter of public education and I am honoured to have been elected Vice President of QCPCA and I look forward to working with P&C's and Regional Council's across the state to improve our P&C's and State Schools.

 

Margaret Leary: State Treasurer (Peninsula Region)

I am married and have 2 children and work as an Accounts Assistant in a Law Firm.

I have been involved in P&Cs for over 10 years and have held every position over this time. I became involved in P&Cs because I am passionate about ensuring children in schools have positive learning environments that provide quality outcomes.

I am part of the Peninsula Region Council and with the team we try to ensure that P&Cs have the knowledge to undertake their roles and assist them to build strong communities within their own schools and networks. I believe parents can make a real difference to the Educational environment through working with P&Cs and school communities and as State Treasurer I look forward to assisting P&Cs across Queensland achieve their goals.

 

Kaye Harth: State Secretary (Darling Downs Region)

I am married, have 4 sons and work as a teacher aide in Special Education in a state high school setting.

My involvement in P&Cs and QCPCA spans many years. During that time I have seen first hand the interest that parents show in the outcomes of decisions that affect their children, their school and their community and how their opinion has been able to influence debate.

I am passionate about parents having that voice in achieving goals. State school education is great and is a team effort of which P&Cs are an important part. As QCPCA State Secretary I will continue to promote the P&C voice as part of that team.

 

Dianne Loddon: ACSSO Vice President (South Coast Region)

(The Australian Council of State School Organisations) I am married and have 2 children and 2 grandchildren; I want to make sure that they get a great education in the State system.

I got involved in the P&C when my children were still at school and then when they finished I took some time off for good behavior. When my first granddaughter came along I went back to being involved in the P&C, as I wanted to make sure that she got a great state education.

I have always been involved in my school's P&C as I do have 1450 children to look after, in my role as the Community Liaison Officer at Robina SHS, and make sure that they get a great State School education.

I became involved at State Level as I could see that QCPCA makes a difference, they have a great partnership with Education Queensland and I could see that they were listening to us. I have enjoyed my ACSSO Vice President role over the last year and look forward to working with the Federal Government on ways to support and improve our children's learning.

 

P&C property Insurance - Are You Adequately Insured

It is that time of year again when tuckshops are running down stock for the holiday period and stock takes are being undertaken in uniform shops.

Consequently, this time presents an ideal opportunity for the P&C Association to review and establish if a temporary cover increase for seasonal stock is required during this period.

The P&C should have a detailed and up to date list of all equipment and stock either owned by them, or for which they have assumed responsibility.

All items purchased by the P&C Association and not intended for use by the P&C Association for fundraising or their business becomes the property of the Corporation of the Minister for Education, in consequence of the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006 and Education (General Provisions) Regulation 2006.

P&C assets should be EDQUIPED. In case of fire or other disaster, the central computer record can produce a list of equipment for the school to assist in the replacement procedure. This includes P&C assets. Putting P&C Assets on the EDQUIP Register does not take away the P&C's responsibility for the equipment and assets purchased for use by the P&C in carrying out its business.

As the School holiday period is soon approaching, the exposure for potential claims increases, in particular with Food Spoilage. Therefore, to minimise the exposure in this area, the following simple risk management steps should be taken:

Freezers / Fridges are completely emptied of perishables (where possible) to avoid unnecessary Food Spoilage Claims.

Claims of this nature can simply occur from Power Switches being turned off in error, Power Failure or from Mechanical Breakdown.

Adequate signage to advise that power points are not to be turned off or removed from the socket eg. "Do Not Turn Off Electrical Appliances".

Reduction of Stock Supplies

Regular equipment maintenance checks and services of Cold Storage appliances

Security checks on premises at regular intervals throughout School Holidays.

Finally, please be aware that the QCPCA will be sending your P&C Insurance Invoices and other information that needs to be actioned in early February 2009. So if you are not continuing in your role on the Executive please ensure that this package is given to the incoming Executive to action.

 

QSA VET in Schools

Vocational Education and Training (VET) is a national system designed to skill workers to work in particular industries e.g. plumbing, retail. VET in Schools programs are based on national industry or enterprise competency standards. Students may exit the course with a full qualification or a statement of attainment. Structured Work Placement is highly recommended.

VET in Schools programs may be delivered in the following ways:

1. Queensland Studies Authority VET subjects
2. Stand alone VET
3. School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships
4. Partnership Agreements

Current Statistics:

1. VET recorded on 2007 Senior Certificates: - (unofficial figures) in 2008
2. 41,599 students received a Senior Certificate (in 2006 there were 40,608)
3. 365 external certificates were issued (in 2006 there were 463)
4. 16,714 students achieved VET units of competency/modules embedded in one or more Authority or Authority registered subjects (in 2006 there  were 17,729 students who achieved such embedded VET and in 1997 there were 2,616 students who achieved units of competency/modules embedded in Board (Authority) subjects)
5. 23,204 students from 383 schools successfully completed at least one VET unit of competency module (23,266 students in 2006)
6. 16 046 students successfully completed at least one VET qualification (i.e. completed certificate)
7. 9,153 completed at least one Certificate I
8. 8,527 completed at least one Certificate II
9. 2,286 completed at least one Certificate III
10. 48 students completed at least one Certificate IV or above
11. 3,533 students either completed or were continuing in an SAT

All these figures are up from 2006.

Leanne Penman
QCPCA Representative

 

Swim Club - Blue Card Requirements

There have been concerns about the loss of outside school parents of Swim Clubs run by school P&C Associations due to confusion of Blue Card requirements.

The Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian (the Commission) provides the following information by way of guidance.

"Under the category of "schools – employees other than teachers or parents" volunteer parents of a child attending the school are exempt from requiring a blue card. Under this category the term 'school' would extend to the swimming club that is run by the school P&C Committee and located within the school grounds. The term 'attending the school' does not mean 'enrolled in the school' and includes 'attending' the swimming club. Accordingly, volunteer parents of all children of your club including those not enrolled at the school will be exempt from requiring a blue card to conduct swimming activities."

The Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian

Any information provided is current at this time , however is subject to legislative amendment and regulation. Accordingly, it is recommended that you periodically check the What's New with Blue Card web page located on the Commission's web site at http://www.bluecard.qld.gov.au. Alternatively, you are welcome to telephone the Blue Card Contact Centre on 1800 113 611 or 3247 5145 between 8:00am-5:00pm.

Term 4 Diary Notes for P&Cs

The following checklist is suggested to ensure efficient management of financial audit and end of year tasks that may be applicable to your P & C.

1. Succession Planning should have begun for those members retiring from Executive positions. Information and documents relevant to each committee position should be reviewed and updated in preparation for handover to incoming committee members.
2. P&C planning of goals and objectives including strategies for Marketing and volunteer recruitment for the next year should be underway.
3. Review fundraising calendar for the coming year
4. Draft P&C business plans – AOP and budget
5. P&C involved in school AOP and budget discussions
6. Start preparing audit materials and at the end of the year have the books ready to go to the auditor.
7. Stocktaking of goods for insurance. If an increase in uniforms you may need to increase insurance accordingly
8. Insurance audit – review all P&C assets and ensure insurance coverage is adequate
9. Shutdown checklists for tuckshops, uniform shops and bookshops are ready.

Join with the rest of your team – the volunteers and school staff – to celebrate another successful year.