Parent Associations

What is the purpose of a parent association?

Parent Association (PA)

• Strives to develop at a school a real sense of community between parents, teachers and students.
• Works closely with the school authorities especially the Principal to achieve common goals.
• Encourages interaction and cooperation between home and school.
• Encourages active participation by parents in the life of the school.
• Have a friend raising as well as fund raising role.
• Provides a forum for discussion of relevant educational issues for parents.
• Assists in planning and organising functions for parents.
• Works to provide additional resources for teachers.

The Executive of the Parents Association

• Is responsible for planning, management and organisation of the Associations affairs.
• Holds regular meetings open to all parents and the Principal and teachers Conduct meetings according to accepted practices.
• Uses organisational tools such as sub-committees to encourage wider participation.

Association Levies

Some PA's charge parents a small annual levy which is usually included on their fee accounts. This can mean less emphasis needs to be placed on fundraising

Fundraising

It is important that parents have a say in how funds are spent. Parents need to see benefits derived from resources they fundraise for. There needs to be a clear understanding about what the school itself is responsible for and what the parents can fundraise towards.

All purchases must be approved by the parents before the PA Executive acts, and all appropriate records must be kept by the Treasurer.

Constitutions

It is recommended that the PA has a constitution to ensure its smooth running, and that there be a regular turnover of the Executive.

For a draft constitution click here.

Incorporation

A summary of the benefits etc. of incorporation can be found at Consumer Affairs website www.consumer.vic.gov.au