President’s Message
11 months ago
I hope everyone has had a wonderful Harmony Week and enjoyed the celebrations taking place in schools across New South Wales! It has been a pleasure to hear your stories and see your dedication to fostering inclusivity in public schools.
Harmony Week is something I personally feel very strongly about, as the concept underpins the primary function of P&Cs in school communities. P&C Associations are responsible, under the Education Act 1990, for bringing “parents, citizens, students and teaching staff into close co-operation”.
Today is International Day Against Racial Discrimination, where we reflect on the importance of open conversations and meaningful action. Each year this day challenges us to acknowledge our preconceptions and to take meaningful, and often personal action for change. This is a growth-mindset that is reflected in the way P&Cs operate, with open doors and open hearts.
No matter who we are or where we come from, we have a shared responsibility to create inclusive spaces where every student, family and educator feels safe and valued.
This week, I have been inspired by P&Cs unveiling projects that promote inclusion within their schools. From the Inclusion Mural unveiled by Wahroonga P&C, to orange shirts and cupcakes on sale through Picnic Point’s P&C, or the Bollywood Incursion by Thirlmere P&C – the creativity and commitment to inclusion has been wonderful to see!
The Federation has seen an increase in enquiries regarding inclusivity and wellbeing which demonstrates the commitment of our communities to meaningful change. I invite you to join our CEO, Gemma Quinn, next Thursday evening where she will present alongside Family Advocacy in a webinar on Inclusion in P&Cs and schools. This is an important opportunity to explore how we can embed inclusion at every level of our school communities.
I fundamentally believe that P&Cs are beautiful, welcoming spaces. People are complex, but we are all striving to do our best for our school communities. That spirit binds us together—not just within our individual schools but as part of a statewide movement dedicated to the betterment of families, children, and education.
Celebrate your successes, listen to your peers, be open to new ideas, and take action when needed. We are proud of you. We are just like you. And we are in this together.
Happy Harmony Week and International Day Against Racial Discrimination.
Aresha Quaass
President, P&C Federation 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.