General information
The P&C Association of Bates Drive School meets twice a term in weeks 3 & 8. We meet on a Monday evening at 7.00pm in the staff room at the school. Everyone is welcome.
What is a P&C association?
A Parents & Citizens Association is a school-based organisation consisting of parents, guardians, school staff and interested citizens. They are created to bring the school and the community into close cooperation. A key feature of public education is creating partnerships based on mutual respect, shared goals and trust between parents/carers and teachers. Student learning improves when the two work together in the best interests of the child. One platform for developing these vital partnerships is the P&C Association.
Functions of a P&C association
The key focus of the P&C Association is to provide a forum in which parents can articulate their needs and aspirations for their children and contribute to a developing partnership with the school. The meetings provide opportunities to share ideas and concerns, build a shared understanding of key issues, jointly agree on goals, and collaborate on a range of projects. The Bates Drive P&C Association also organise fundraising activities such as raffles, chocolate drives and BBQ's. Over the years the monies raised from these projects have funded such things as the sensory room, covered walkways, underground cabling, PA systems, interactive smartboards and vital teaching aids just to name a few. The fundraising efforts of the P&C have enabled and assisted Bates Drive to continue to be a wonderful, modern and highly stimulating learning environment.
Who can join the P&C association?
The P&C is open to everyone: parents, caregivers, teachers, grandparents, and members of the community. There is no pressure to take a role on the executive committee – you are welcome to come along to be a part of the group, enjoy a cup of coffee and meet other families.
Crucially, P&C Associations are a window on a child's education. Participation in the education process is one of the best expressions of support you can give your child. It has the greatest impact on children's engagement with schooling and educational success.