Presidents Message

Welcome to our final newsletter of 2019. As the year quickly comes to an end we hope it has been a fulfilling year for you all. For many families it is farewell to the school system and the start of a new chapter as their children have now finished Year 12. Thank you for choosing a Catholic Education, we are sure the investment you have made in your child's education will have long lasting benefits. For those starting in Catholic Education, no matter what year level your child is, congratulations and we look forward to sharing the journey with you. 

Thank you to all who have held positions or helped in any way to make their parent group succeed this year and congratulations to the incoming office bearers for 2020. If you would like to know more about serving your school community try to attend our Parent Group Induction evening on Thursday 13 February at our offices in Inglewood. This will give you an insight into what is involved in being part of a P&F/ parent group and an opportunity to meet our staff as well as parents from other schools who share your passion to create a great school community.

Save the date.... Great news for 2020 is that our biennial conference will be held on June 5th and 6th and we would love to see you there. In the words of a 2018 participant “I was blown away by the size and quality and really appreciated the networking opportunity.” An event not to be missed!

Saturday 23rd November saw staff, council and other invitees commence work on the CSPWA Strategic Plan for the next three years. This first session was led by Laura Allison from CEWA who used the Appreciative Inquiry method to facilitate the morning. It was very productive and I was blown away with some of the creative ideas that came to the front. As always we very much appreciate the support of Catholic Education WA, who are always willing to share their expertise with us. This in turn helps both our organisations strengthen their partnership, to ensure the best outcomes for all families who choose a Catholic education for their children.

CSPWA is made up of office staff based in Perth and volunteer Councillors from a number of affiliated schools (from across the state) working together to benefit our parents in their school journey. Thank you to our Councillors who have given their time and talents so freely this year, it is not easy to juggle work, family, school and the numerous other commitments we have and find time to be actively involved at a state level.    

Through staff and council representing parents on committees and organisations at both local, state and national level your voice and perspective continues to be heard. Catholic School Parents Australia (CSPA) and the Australian Parents Council (APC) continue to work hard at national level ensuring parents are included in all conversations in that space.  

Thank you to all parents who over the year have particated (sometimes at short notice!) on various committees and reference groups. Your voice is so important within these groups so we sincerely thank you for your participation.

As the year comes to an end I would like to thank our wonderful office staff for another great year, Siobhan Allen, Theresa McDonnell, Anne Marie McGinnity, Sarah Turrell Knight (left in June) and Donna McConville (joined in July). We are blessed to have such committed staff. Remember they are happy to help you with any questions.

With Advent upon us I hope it brings an opportunity to prepare, reflect and pray on what this wondrous season means. Take the time to reflect and share the joy of the true meaning of Christmas. Rejoice, Christ is born.

Wishing you and your family a happy and holy Christmas and New Year. May God Bless you and your family during the Christmas season and in 2020.

Helen Anderson