President's Message

Welcome to the 2013 school year. Time certainly does fly.

As we return to the school year I encourage all school community members to be safe around the school site and particularly look out for those energetic young people in the 40 kilometre speed zones.

The year ahead looks to be once more dominated by political issues with the announcement of the Federal Election being held on Saturday 14 September 2013. I encourage all members to start a conversation with their Federal Member of Parliament and other possible candidates, a great talking point is the Gonski Report which would address real need for our children in public education. As well, remember if your P&C association is going to host a fundraiser on election day because your school site is a Polling Booth you must contact the Returning Officer and seek permission, the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) will be able to provide you with more information.

On the state Government front we have the continuing reform of Local Schools, Local Decisions - the name says it all, get in and have a say. You may have heard a lot about "Principal autonomy" however LSLD is actually about school community autonomy. Whilst there is a lot of concern in educational communities over the proposed and expected changes as parents we all know that it is much more beneficial to be involved and be part of the solution. We would tell our own children to try something and see if they like it before they turn their nose up at it, perhaps it is time we did the same?

Wherever you are in our great state of New South Wales I sincerely hope that the year ahead is one where the minds of our children are given every opportunity to prosper in professional and engaging learning environments.

Sincerely
Lyall Wilkinson