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Any parent who has a child in a school has some level of involvement whether it is talking with teachers, getting reports, attending functions, … .
Many parents are seeking a greater involvement. They are also being urged to do so. The level of involvement is fluid depending on desire, time available, confidence and capacity. Schools should embrace parental involvement and work with the benefits this brings.
It may include working in a canteen, hearing children read, accompanying excursions, using their particular expertise in school settings, belonging to parent groups, being a member of a School Council, being involved in policy and curriculum developments, being involved in staff selection, representing the school, … . The list of options is almost endless. By working together in a positive, effective manner, both parties benefit.
This page looks at groups through which parents can achieve greater involvement, advice about involvement from Education Departments and other education groups, information from a range of sources and more.
This page needs further development. Any suggestions or additions are welcomed and will be given consideration.
States & Territories
Australian Capital Territory
- ACT Council of Parents & Citizens’ Associations
Also see their Links page. - Association of Parents and Friends of ACT Schools Inc
‘Established in Canberra to provide parents of students at non-government schools in the ACT with a collective voice in relation to ACT and national education issues.’ - Canberra Preschool Society
- Parent/Carers Partnerships in Education
ACT Department of Education & Training Policy. - Parents as Tutors Program
‘Provides parents with training to help them assist their child to develop literacy skills.’ - Support and Services
ACT Department of Education & Training. Material available to Home Educators.
New South Wales
- All about School Councils
PDF. In multiple languages. - All about School Councils
English version. - Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association [NSW]
‘Working together for equality of access to education for all students who live in rural and remote Australia.’ - NSW Council of Catholic School Parents
- NSW Parents and Citizens’ Association
Parent body for government schools. Check their Fact Sheets for advice and information about PC Roles and Office Holder Positions. - NSW Parents Council
- School Councils, NSW
What they are about and how to be involved. - School Parents
‘We are looking forward to bringing you this bi-monthly ezine covering all the topics that parents deal with while their kids are at school.’
Northern Territory
- Information for Parents
Entry page for parents. Department of Education & Training. - Isolated Children’s Parents Association [NT]
Provides contact names and details. - NT Council of Government School Organisations
Queensland
- Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association [Qld]
‘Working together for equality of access to education for all students who live in rural and remote Australia.’ - Involving Your School Community
How schools are being told to involve their communities. With the Parents & Citizens Association. - Parent Participation [Qld]
Ways of involvement and benefits these can bring. - Parents and Friends Associations of Catholic Schools
‘The statewide parent organisation officially recognised by the Church and Catholic Education authorities for the 289 Catholic schools in Queensland.’ - Queensland Council of Parents and Citizens’ Associations
- Queensland Independent Schools Parents Council
‘Formed in 2003 to provide an effective voice for the parents of students in independent schools.’ - You and Your School
Links to parental involvement through. Education Queensland.
South Australia
- Being Involved
Covers ways parents can be involved, including volunteering and involvement in School Councils. - Federation of Parents and Friends Associations [SA Catholic Schools]
Information, archived newsletters, diary dates, Parent Initiative Grants and more. - Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association [SA]
‘Working together for equality of access to education for all students who live in rural and remote Australia.’ - Role of Governing Council‘Governance in schools and preschools is the responsibility of the governing council whose role is directed by the constitution and code of practice’.
- South Australian Association of School Parent Clubs Inc.
There appear to be some problems with this site. It will be maintained only until the next update unless these are resolved. - Volunteering
Considers multiple options.
Tasmania
- Council of State School Parents and Friends’ Associations
- engage
‘engage is a magazine for parents and carers of Tasmanian Government school students. It aims to improve communication between the Department of Education and parents and carers.’ PDF download, or access through local schools. Check engageIT for an ‘easy to read technology guide’. - Information for Parents and the Community
Advice for parents on all aspects of schooling and involvement. - Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association [Tas]
‘Working together for equality of access to education for all students who live in rural and remote Australia.’ - Parents and Community
‘Your Rights and Responsibilities’. - School Life
- Tasmanian Catholic Schools Parents and Friends Federation
‘Represents the parents of about 15 000 students who attend 37 Catholic schools in Tasmania. It liaises with Catholic Church authorities, peak education bodies and the Tasmanian Government and its instrumentalities to maintain and protect the interests of Catholic school students and their families.’
Victoria
- Australian Council of State School Organisations, Victoria
- Parent Link [DEECD]
- Parent Participation at School [DEECD]
- Parents Victoria
‘Statewide democratic organisation representing parents of students in Victorian government schools. Parents Victoria provides parents with a voice, presenting an organised parent perspective to State and Federal Governments, educational bureaucracies and institutions, community organisations and the media.’ - Parent Update Newsletter
‘Sign up for Free email updates from the Victorian Education Department. Find what is happening in Victorian government schools and how you can participate in your child’s education.’ - Schools, Communities and School Councils
Official Department of Education & Early Childhood Development site. - Parents Clubs [DEECD]
- VICCSO
‘Provides advice and support to State School Councils across Victoria’. - Victorian Catholic Schools Parent Body
‘Represents parents of students in Catholic schools at diocesan, state and national levels, through school boards, or where none exist, through school based parent support groups.’ - Victorian Parents’ Council
Parents of children in non-government schools.
Western Australia
- Parent Participation
General introduction from the Department of Education & Training. Covers formal and informal areas. - Parents & Friends’ Federation of Western Australia Inc.
‘Catholic school community-based parents’ organisation.’ - West Australian Council Of State School Organisations
- Publications
Includes publications useful for parents. PDF and Word files.
Australian Information
- Australian Council of State School Organisations
Peak body with links to various states. - Australian Parents’ Council
‘National federation of organisations representing parents of non-government school children.’ - Education Foundation Australia
- Family-School & Community Partnerships Bureau
‘Set up to help Australian schools, families and communities build sustainable, collaborative, productive relationships. Research has shown that where effective partnerships exist, the quality of schooling improves, students enjoy more satisfying educational experiences, and communities are strengthened.’ - Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association Australia Inc.
‘Working together for equality of access to education for all students who live in rural and remote Australia.’ - Parent Education and Support Programs
AIFS Conference Paper 2000 - Australian Institute of Family Studies. Article on aspects of parental involvement. A research topic using American information as a basis. - Reporting on Student and School Achievement
Extensive report by Dr Peter Cuttance. Addresses achievement and looks at parental involvement. - Resource Sheet : Involving Parents in Projects
‘Five principles to apply to Parent Involvement’. Discusses these principles and their implementation.
Other Information
- Child & Family WebGuide
‘A directory that evaluates, describes and provides links to hundreds of sites containing child development research and practical advice. Topics are selected on the basis of parent recommendations; they cover all ages.’ - National PTA of America
Education and parenting. Some areas applicable in Australia. - Parent Smart - The Best Search Engine for Parents
‘Your guide to the most helpful information on how to help your child succeed in school.’ US, but usable material. - Project Appleseed
‘The project is to improve parent school partnerships in American schools. A nine page document that includes a parental involvement checklist and six standards of parental involvement.’ -
The Impact of Parental Involvement on Children’s Education
‘A 12-page UK guide providing a summary of research evidence on the impact of parental involvement on children’s education, the stages at which it is know to have an impact, and the types of activities that are influential’