Victorian Council of School Organisations Inc.

For Parents

The current self-managing model for Victorian public schools relies on a strong Parent - School partnership. In Victoria parent participation in schools is enshrined in the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 and Education and Training Reform Regulations 2007, where school councils are the legal entities that govern schools. The Act has also determined that the majority of members of all Victorian school councils must be parents. The 'For School Councils' page provides information specifically for school councils and VICCSO can provide additional information directly to members of school councils. VICCSO provides a range of quality services to member schools around governance in Victorian schools.

Although only some parents are elected representatives to school council, all parents play a vital role within their children's schools. There is now overwhelming evidence that positive parental engagement with their children's education substantially enhances educational and personal outcomes for children. VICCSO encourages all parents to take an active interest in their children's schools.

The topics below cover some of the ways parents can be involved in their children's education in Victorian schools.

Sub-committees

School councils rely on the work of sub-committees and parents with skills and interests in particular areas (such as curriculum, policy development, communication or buildings and grounds) can make a meaningful contribution to sub-committees. Sub-committees must meet and report to school council regularly, and make recommendations for the full school council to consider. Sub-committees are bound by the principles outlined in the Public Administration Act and Victorian privacy laws. For more information on sub-committees see: www.education.vic.gov.au/management/governance/schoolcouncils/role.htm#3

Policy Development

All schools need to regularly review and update their policies. The DoE guidelines for school councils stipulate that schools must develop their policies in consultation with the school community. Many schools send surveys to all parents when reviewing policies such as uniform or nutrition/canteen. VICCSO recommends that schools actively invite parents to be involved in the development of all policies, including homework, student welfare and discipline, curriculum, equity and extra-curricula programs. Ideally, parents should be informed of which policies are to be reviewed each year, the process to be undertaken, how parents can be involved and any agreed changes at the end of the review process. See www.education.vic.gov.au/management/governance/schoolcouncils/strategicplanning.htm for more information about how schools develop policy.

Communication

The Accountability Framework set down by the Victorian Department of Education's Blueprint for Government Schools incorporates a number of reporting to parent requirements. These include:

The Annual Report to the school community is now required to be provided to every family at the school by the end of June each year. School Performance Reports containing detailed data about the school's performance are not routinely distributed to every family, but must be made available to members of the school community on request.

See www.sofweb.vic.edu.au/standards/account/index.htm for more information on the accountability framework for government schools in Victoria.

Don't forget - positive feedback from parents is just as important as negative feedback. Parents should take
every opportunity they can to compliment their school on what they are doing well.

Parent clubs

Parent clubs or associations operate in most schools in Victoria and can support the school in many ways. Parent clubs can help implement school policies and the school's strategic plan, engage with parents and families and strengthen ties with the local community. Parent clubs are also governed by Victorian legislation. For more information on Parent clubs see Parents Victoria.

Curriculum

Information about the curriculum in Victorian public schools can be found at www.education.vic.gov.au/aboutschool/curriculum/default.htm. Information about Principles of Learning and Teaching in Victoria can be found at
www.education.vic.gov.au/studentlearning/teachingprinciples/principles/principlesandcomponents.htm

Volunteering

Parents have traditionally volunteered in many and numerous ways in schools such as being on school councils and offering assistance with things like classroom reading, classroom support, excursions, working bees, fundraising and other events. Many parents find this a positive way to support students, and to get to know more about their school and their school community. Schools generally have information about where volunteer help is needed in their school newsletter or on their website. VICCSO encourages all parents to volunteer at their children's school and for schools to actively welcome parents from different cultures and backgrounds into their schools.

When things go wrong - making a complaint

By a myriad of standards Victoria provides a very high standard of public education. However there are occasions where legitimate complaints need to be made. Ideally, complaints can be dealt with to the satisfaction of all parties at the local level, but where this fails, parents and students have a right to seek resolution and remedy through an appropriate process. For more information go to our guide - How to make a complaint in a Victorian School.