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What is a P&C Association?
A P&C Association is a school-based organisation with membership open to parents, teachers, students and interested citizens. P&C Associations are sometimes known by other names, like infants/parent clubs. The name does not matter. The important thing is that the school parent organisation meets the requirements set out in the Education Act 1990.
What does the Education Act 1990 say about school parent organisations?
The Education Act states that P&C Associations and kindred bodies (similar associations under different names) are established to:
- Promote the interest of the school by bringing parents, citizens, students and teaching staff into close co-operation;
- Assist in providing facilities and equipment for the school and promoting the recreation and welfare of the students at the school;
- Encourage parent and community participation in curriculum and other educational issues in schools;
- Report, when requested by the Minister, on the material requirements of the school and advise on the subject of maintenance of the school, alterations and additions to school facilities and the selection of new sites;
- Assist and co-operate with teaching staff at public functions associated with the school;
- Be responsible for the election of parent representatives to any school council constituted at the school in consultation with the principal of the school; and
- Assist in any other matters in which the Minister may seek the co-operation of the Association.
These objects and functions are included in the standard and prescribed constitutions for both incorporated and unincorporated Associations.
What other objectives can school parent organisations have?
Federation also suggests that each school parent organisation ensures that its bylaws contain the following objectives:
- To participate in the activities of the school and communicate with all members
- of the school community;
- To co-operate with the activities of the Federation of Parents and Citizens'
- Associations of New South Wales and its District and Regional Councils; and
- To do such other things that may promote the interests of public education.
The Department of Education and Training issued a statement "The Partnership Between Schools and Established Parent Bodies" in February 1998 outlines the parent organisation's role in providing "a forum in which parents can develop their partnership with the school and articulate their aspirations for their children's education."
Do school parent organisations have to be called P&C Associations?
No. The Education Act refers to school parent organisations as P&C Associations and "kindred associations". Kindred associations are often known as Mothers' Clubs, Infants' Clubs, Parents' Clubs, School Community Groups or other names.
Kindred associations have equal status and purposes as a P&C Association and may affiliate with P&C Federation. Ladies' Auxiliaries are usually subcommittees of P&C Associations and should not be viewed as "kindred associations
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