St Paul’s values strong parent-school partnerships, enhancing children’s faith, education, community spirit, and resources.
At St Paul’s we value the partnerships forged between parents and the school. We believe such relationships enhance the faith development as well as the social and educational outcomes for children. Engagement with parents also allows the school to benefit from a broader resource and encourages community spirit and cohesion.
“Parents have a particularly important part to play in the educating community, since it is to them that primary and natural responsibility for their children’s education belongs.”
MACS policy
St Paul’s is fortunate to have a parent community that works proudly to support programs, assist with the provision of resources, and jointly oversee the maintenance of grounds and facilities. St Paul’s encourages all families to become involved in the life of the school and their child’s education. The following are current avenues of participation that parents may wish to consider according to personal interests, abilities and availability.
The School Advisory Council comprises the Parish Priest, Principal, Staff Representative and an elected body of parents. The Council meets approximately twice per term. The Council acts as a forum for discussion on matters pertaining to education issues, curriculum and public relations. A variety of sub-committees emanate from the Advisory Council, including the Parents & Friends Committee. Members of the school community may attend meetings of the Advisory Council. Nominations for vacant positions on the Advisory Council are called three weeks prior to the Annual General Meeting.
St Paul’s has a very active Parents and Friends Committee, which all parents are invited to join. The P&F supports the school through a variety of fundraising initiatives and social events, including, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day gift stalls, Hot Lunch Days and the school disco.
At St Paul’s we appreciate the assistance of parents on school excursions. Support is often required with inter-school sport, the various camp programs and school sports days.
In an effort to reduce overall school maintenance costs, parents are encouraged to attend one working bee throughout the year. Every working bee concludes with a morning or afternoon tea where parents have the opportunity to socialise. Working bees are scheduled throughout the year and are advertised in the school newsletter.
During the year there are many events where the parents can participate or provide assistance. For example, school sports carnival, St Paul’s Feast Day, events related to whole school topics, sacramental celebrations, and evening faith gatherings.