Message from The CEO

As we head into Term 4, it’s not only a busy time for schools but also a critical moment for planning ahead to 2026. For many principals, staff, and P&Cs, this is budget season – the time where we map out priorities for the year ahead and set the direction for what our school communities will look like in 2026.

The Department of Education’s Financial Management (Schools) Procedures, Section 2.1.1, is clear: principals have a responsibility to consult with their P&C on the needs and priorities of the school throughout the budgeting process. This is not just a formality – it’s an acknowledgement of the unique role P&Cs play in representing families, shaping the school community, and planning their own activities. After all, how can a P&C effectively plan events, fundraising and services without knowing what’s ahead for the school itself?

This year, we also have reason to pause and reflect. Earlier in 2025, the NSW and Federal Governments signed a historic agreement to fully fund public schools – moving towards 100% of the Schooling Resource Standard for the first time. This means schools will increasingly have the resources they need and deserve to deliver a high-quality education for every child. For parents and P&Cs, it opens the door to think differently about our role: not filling funding gaps, but imagining what value we can add to make our schools vibrant, inclusive and supportive places for children and families.

P&Cs are so much more than fundraising bodies. They are community hubs. They run canteens, uniform shops, bands, and extracurricular programs. They host events that bring families together. They provide opportunities for children to see their parents and carers in leadership roles. They advocate for children and represent families to the school. And yes – sometimes they raise funds – but always to enrich the school experience beyond the delivery of public education.

Where P&Cs come in is to provide the extras that are unique to each school community – projects and opportunities that make a school special. To help guide this, we’ve developed our resource “Funding and Donations to Schools”, which sets out what governments should fund, what P&Cs often fund, and how to protect everyone’s interests through a Deed of Gift. This is designed to ensure transparency and accountability, and to support P&Cs in making decisions that reflect the voices of their members and communities.

As you consult with your principal, set budgets and plan your P&C’s activities for the year ahead, I encourage you to draw on this resource – and on each other. Together, we can ensure that the work of P&Cs continues to strengthen public education across NSW.

Finally, if you’re looking for inspiration, ideas, or practical strategies for your P&C’s 2026 activities, I warmly invite you to join us at our

2025 P&C Federation Conference, now Saturday 29 November 2025. We have an incredible lineup planned, with opportunities to connect, learn, and celebrate the important role of P&Cs. I would love to see you there.

👉 Find out more and register here