Parent Participation at School
Involvement in schools by parents and carers helps children achieve the best possible learning outcomes. You can participate in school life, both formally and informally, through school councils, parent clubs, volunteering and staying up to date with news about what is happening in education.
Parent Update
The Department produces' an electronic newsletter each term especially for parents. This newsletter helps parents stay up to date with new initiatives and programs the Department is developing to improve the schools in Victoria.
For more information and to subscribe, see: Parent Update
Volunteers in school
Victorian government schools have volunteer programs where parents can directly participate in school activities. Opportunities are available for parents who wish to volunteer, helping in school activities like: canteen, excursion and school events, assistance with reading and mathematics programs, and participation in environment committees and cultural groups.
Contact the school to find out about volunteering opportunities and programs.
School councils
The school council comprises parents, the principal, staff and sometimes community members. It assists in setting the educational policy of a school. Councils have between six and 15 members. You don’t need any particular qualifications or experience - schools look for enthusiastic parents who want to help improve the learning outcomes for all students.
Elections must be completed by the end of March. All parents or guardians of students enrolled at the school are eligible to vote.
For more information, contact your school or see: School Councils.
There are two school council organisations that provide information about and support for school councils:
- The Association of School Councils in Victoria (http://www.asciv.org.au) or call (03) 9808 2499
- Victorian Council of School Organisations (http://www.viccso.org.au/) or call (03) 9429 5900
Parent clubs
Many schools have a club or association for parents seeking an active role in the school. Parent clubs provide input into school decision-making, and in partnership with school council, organise social, educational and fundraising activities.
Parent Clubs - has a model for constitutions and information on financial procedures for parent/welfare clubs.
Parents Victoria is a voluntary organisation that offers advice for parent clubs in government schools, as well as providing an advocacy service for individual parents.
For more information, go to the Parents Victoria (http://www.parentsvictoria.asn.au) website or call Parents Victoria on (03) 9380 2158 or 1800 032 023.
Parent help with careers
Parents have a key role to play in their child’s career planning, and can have a powerful impact on their child’s career development.
To help provide the best possible support and guidance to their child, parents need current information on the options and pathways that are available to young people.
For more information see: Careers and transitions.
More information
For more information, you can contact the school, see: Schools Online (http://www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/schoolsonline) or Regions.