Parent Involvement

How can parents be involved?

Relationships are warm and friendly in Catholic schools. Parents, students, staff and pastors see themselves as working in partnership. Students belong to a community that really cares about each of them.

Catholic educators see parents as their children's first and most important teachers. Parents are valued as partners in education. They are always welcome in the schools and are encouraged to participate in the life of the school.

Many schools run information sessions for parents on topics such as curriculum and methods of learning and teaching. The principal can provide advice about the school's policies and procedures and the opportunities for parents to be involved in the school.

Parent groups

Parent and Friends associations, parent groups and the Parents Representative Council (PRC) offer many valuable opportunities for parents to become involved with the school and to work with the class teachers, school executive and broader school community

Help please!

There are many school activities which simply cannot be carried out without the help of parents. These include classroom support, running the canteen, organising uniform shops, helping with working bees around the school yard and coaching school sports, to name a few.

Parent education programs

Some individual schools run various programs to inform parents about the ways they can assist their children to get the most out of their time at school. These courses vary in length and are offered at different times of the year in both the daytime and evening. Brochures detailing these programs are available through your school principal.

Join the Parents Representative Council

The Parents Representative Council (PRC) is the diocesan parent organisation that represents the parents and guardians of children attending Catholic schools in the Diocese of Parramatta. The Council consists of parent representatives from primary and secondary schools and works in partnership with the Bishop, the Catholic Education Office, priests and school staff to support the education of our children.

What is the role of the PRC?

The Parents Representative Council exists as a forum to:

• assist parents to develop as educators through discussion and training
• represent the combined opinions and ideas of the parent body in the Parramatta Diocese and to link the Catholic Education Office with the wider community
• promote open communication and keep parents in touch with education and social issues
• share and network ideas on issues that affect the education and spiritual welfare of our children
• support parents in their roles within their family

The Parents Representative Council keeps the ‘big picture’ in perspective. It links with schools, school communities and the diocese to help parents to:

• be aware of their responsibility and role in their child’s education
• keep in touch with emerging issues, such as how Catholic schools are funded, the Religious Education curriculum and healthy school canteens, etc.
• stay informed about current trends in education

A voice for parents

The Parents Representative Council is a member of the NSW and ACT Council of Catholic School Parents (CCSP). The CCSP provides a voice for parents at the State level of the Catholic Education Commission and government agencies.

Each and every Parents & Friends Association must have its individual Constitution, based on the Standard Constitution, approved by the Trustees of the Diocese of Parramatta. Any proposed amendments must also be approved by the Trustees of the Diocese". Fr David Maguire (Diocesan Pastoral Consultant) is also available to assist P&F associations.

Stay in touch

 

Parent Information e-Alert The PRC also keeps in touch with parents via their monthly e-newsletter called Parent Information e-Alert. Email PRC@parra.catholic.edu.au with a request to join the Parent Information e-Alert in the subject line.