Who should do this?

If you are already a member of your school P&F or an Office Bearer, are new to a role or would just like to find out more about how parent groups work and the role descriptions.

How will I benefit?

Upon completing this induction, you will understand what each person on the committee does, the general running procedures of a P&F, the function of a parent organisation within each school, what you can expect, and your responsibilities in fulfilling a position. It’s important to know that this is not about passing or failing, it’s about capacity building. You will also receive a certificate that can be used as proof of completion.

How long will it take?

Approximately 45 minutes, at your own pace.

What will I learn?

• About the CSPWA
  
• A bird’s-eye view of WA Catholic schools
• What is a school P&F?
• Governance – what is it? What can and can’t school P&Fs do?
• The set of governing rules – the Terms of Reference
• The different roles – what are you?
• The importance of planning and handover
• Confidentiality
• Forming and maintaining relationships
• Ways of communicating
• The Road to Resolution – suggestions for resolving conflict
• An introduction to CEWAs Quality Catholic Education Framework, Social Teaching Principals and Child Safe Framework
• Where to go for more information

Through advocacy, representation and support, CSPWA seeks to work for and within Catholic school communities and to inspire parents to be engaged and genuine partners in their children’s education.

Established in March 1954,Catholic School Parents WA (formally the Parents and Friends Federation of Western Australia) is the peak body providing an independent voice for parents of children in Catholic schools across the State.

CSPWA represents the interests of all Catholic school parents. It is the officially recognised body representing the interests of parents by the Catholic Education Commission of Western Australia (CECWA) and other educational committees. Government and other agencies seek state level parent representation in consultations and on review panels, committees of enquiry and statutory boards. CSPWA fulfils this important role on behalf of parents of children in Catholic schools.

CSPWA ensures that the parent perspective is heard in the conversations around educational decision making at many levels. It ensures that participation of parents as the first and ongoing educators of their children is paramount in all discussions. CSPWA is affiliated with Catholic School Parents Australia (CSPA) to provide a voice for parents at the national level.

CSPWA supports genuine partnerships, strong relationships, and to this end supports the establishment, maintenance and development of P&Fs in Catholic schools as integral partners to achieve positive and successful education outcomes and wellbeing for students and their families. To this end, CSPWA also supports parent leaders in their development.

For more information, visit our website, www.csp.wa.edu.au