Parents & Citizens

2009 -10 P & C OFFICE BEARERS
President: Deb Richardson
Vice President: Ester Johnstone
Hon. Secretary: Sharyn Owen
Correspondence: Heather Whitwell
Hon. Treasurer: Nigel Purdy
Assistant Treasurer: Bronwyn Stuart
Executive Members: Jo Purdy, Bharti Vadolia, Jim Bainbridge, Elaine Murray
P&C Representatives
LSHS School Council: Deb Richardson
Fremantle East District Council: Ester Johnstone, Sharyn Owen
Willetton Drug Action Group: Vacant

WHAT IS A P&C?
Where a Parents and Citizens’ Association exists in a school, the Association is authorised by legislation to:
• appoint a parent representative to the School Council and gives them the task of representing the collective views of parents (the representative is selected by and from financial members of the P&C Association)
• act as a forum where the collective parent view can be developed (P&C meetings provide an opportunity to share concerns, insights and knowledge on school-related issues, which the P&C can also raise for discussion at the School Council)

WHAT DOES THE LEEMING SHS P&C DO?
Involvement in school
At Leeming SHS, the P&C has a very active role in helping educate our children by providing resources and services, and having input into management decisions.
At P&C meetings, parents and others discuss school-related matters. Members are consulted and advised about the activities and policies of the school, and the decisions of the School Council. This is an opportunity to find out what is happening in our school and to be involved.
The P&C’s support provides additional school resources that enhance the educational prospects of our students and would not otherwise be possible.
For example, in 2007, the P&C supported whole-school programs, special leadership programs, Fuel Your Day Breakfast for Blokes, Solar Car Challenge and specialised equipment for subject areas.
Funding
In lieu of major fund-raising activities, such as fetes and raffles, parents are asked to make a voluntary P&C contribution to ensure that no individual contributes excessively in terms of time or money. The sooner these contributions are received, the sooner the funds can be allocated for the benefit of all students at our school. This approach also allows us to concentrate on strategic issues associated with the students’ education and wellbeing.
There is also a tax-deductible P&C building fund that is specifically used for air-conditioning the school. We have already completed the Science, Mathematics, Computing, Home Economics and English blocks.
Operations
The P&C operates the canteen and uniform and bookshop (including second-hand sales) as services to the school community, rather than profit-making ventures. Any surplus funds generated by these operations are transferred to the general account to help fund additional school resources.
Volunteers
The P&C operations employ staff but rely on the support of volunteers to function. Unlike primary school, once children are in high school it is harder to make a direct contribution by helping in the classroom and on excursions. However, volunteering in the canteen provides an opportunity to see how the school operates and network with other parents.

Membership and Meetings
Membership of the P&C costs $1 and can be paid at any meeting or forwarded to the Treasurer. Meetings are held on a Wednesday in the school staff room, from 7.30 pm to 9.00 pm, with two meetings in Term 1 and one meeting in each of Terms 2, 3 and 4. Note that only financial and ex officio members can vote at P& C meetings.

General Meeting Dates
The dates for General Meetings and other P & C functions in 2009 are listed below. A reminder will appear in the P & C News (back page of school newsletter) before each meeting or function.
25 February (General Meeting)
25 March (Annual General Meeting)
13 May (General Meeting)
17 June (Parent Information Evening – to be confirmed)
5 August (General Meeting)
9 September (Parent Information Evening – details to be confirmed)
28 October (General Meeting)
23 November (P&C and Reaching Out Awards Evening)

CONTACTS AND INFORMATION
To contact us, please send an e-mail with P&C Secretary in the subject line to leeming.shs@det.wa.edu.au or leave a message addressed to the P&C Secretary with the school administration.
P&C news appears regularly in the P&C Post section of the school newsletter.
We also invite parents and citizens to attend P&C meetings to find out what’s happening at our school.
To find out about volunteering in the P&C’s operations, please contact the Coordinators by telephone on 9310 1300:
Canteen - Mrs Sue Walker (Monday-Friday)
Uniform and Bookshop - Mrs Pauline Maroni or Mrs Jo Purdy (Opening times 10.15 – 1.45 Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday) Direct line 9332 4121

Parents & Citizens Last updated May 12, 2009