What is a P&C Associaton?
P&C Associations are volunteer groups of parents and citizens who play an important role in public school communities. P&C Associations have been around for over 100 years, with parents and local citizens giving countless hours of their time to improve and contribute to public education.
Many people will interact with P&C Associations through sausage sizzles and fundraising events, but this is just one small fraction of what P&C Assocaitions do. They can be involved in running essential school services like canteen, after school care, band, and uniform shops; and they are central to shaping the values and priorities of the school community. P&C Associations represent parents and empower them to have a voice in decisions that affect students’ learning, wellbeing, and school culture.
What do P&C Associations do?
P&C Associations play a key role in bringing public school communities into close collaboration. Through a range of activities, meetings, and events P&C Associations are working to enrich public school communities and to unite them around the shared goal of enhancing public education.
Common P&C Association Activities include
- Regular meetings with office bearers, members, school staff and principal
- School-improvement projects
- Community events
- Running essential school services
- Fundraising
- Celebrating key days and events
- Community support initiatives
- Representing and advocating for the school community
- Working with school leaders on matters related to public education
Who can join a P&C Association?
P&C Associations are for everyone in the school community! They are open to any parent or carer of a child who attends the public school, all school staff and any citizen who lives within the catchment area of the school.
We believe that school communities thrive when parents and carers are involved in their child’s education, and when as many as possible are involved in their P&C Association.
P&C Association meetings and initiatives are for everyone who belongs to the school community.
What are the governing documents for P&C Associations? See below!
What Constitution does a P&C Association have to follow?
Under the Education Act 1990, the NSW Minister for Education must approve the constitution of P&C Associations. The Minister has approved two constitutions, both of which you can find below:
How do I know if my P&C is Incorporated?
We can help! Reach out to us on 1300 885 982 and we will be able to tell you which constitution your P&C falls under.
My P&C is not incorporated, what should I do?
We strongly encourage P&Cs to incorporate. Not only is the process free and easy, but it offers legal protection to officers and members. To learn more about incorporation contact our friendly Member Services team at mail@pandc.org.au.