P&C Day 2026, President’s Address
3 days ago
P&C Day 2026, Federation of Parents and Citizens Associations of NSW
Happy P&C Day! Today, across New South Wales, we celebrate the thousands of parents, carers and community members who give their time, their energy and their passion to their school communities. This year’s theme is Purpose in Action. What better way to describe what every P&C volunteer does, every single day!
This year, P&C Day is particularly special for me, as Jannali East Public School has the wonderful privilege of celebrating not only our school’s 70th Anniversary, but 70 amazing years of Purpose in Action that got us here. None of that would be possible without every volunteer who has given their time, energy and passion since the school was founded. And I won’t skip the opportunity to shout out those carrying that torch into this exceptionally special year: the whole JEPS P&C exemplify what Purpose in Action truly looks like. From the volunteer-supported canteen and entirely volunteer-run uniform shop that quietly keep the community ticking, to the mango drive, and the Trivia Night that had families laughing and giving in equal measure. They continue to strengthen cooperation between parents and staff, support student wellbeing and opportunity, and ensure every family has a genuine voice in their school. Seventy years of that. What a legacy!
And that’s just one school. Across NSW, over 2,000 P&C Associations are doing this every single day, and that is something worth celebrating.
That same purpose was and continues to be on display right across NSW P&C Associations, and at Federation, we are proud to be part of it. NSW public schools are now funded to 100% of the School Resourcing Standard; a campaign P&C Associations across the state have fought hard for, and one that is Purpose in Action at the highest level. We continue to work with the NSW Department of Education to ensure what families are asked to pay for is clearer and fairer. Our Annual Volunteer Awards celebrate the exceptional P&C members, associations and principals who go above and beyond for their communities.
The Objects of a P&C Association are not words on a page. They are the canteen roster. The meeting attended after a long day at work. The grant application drafted at 10pm. The fundraiser that builds something lasting. They are purpose in action, every day.
To every volunteer across NSW – past and present – thank you. You are what this day is about.
Happy P&C Day 2026!
Kaitlin Serrano
President, Federation of Parents and Citizens Associations of NSW
Author
P&C Federation
The P&C Federation is committed to a free public education system which is inclusive of all, irrespective of culture, gender, academic ability and socio-economic status. Parents, as partners in the education process, have a right and a responsibility to play an active role in the education of their children. We support nearly 2,000 P&C Associations across NSW, represent the voice of parents and work to help public school communities to thrive.