Assistant Principal - Mission and Wellbeing
The wonderful work of our P&F supporting the Mission of the College
One of the great joys of my career in Educational Leadership has been working with the Parents & Friends group, in both Bathurst and Kempsey. At St Paul’s there is a wonderful committee who meets at the school two or three times a Term with the primary function being the organisation of potential fundraising for specific College resourcing. The meetings are very positive and informative and allow the College's Senior Executive the opportunity to liaise with parents and carers regarding current events and future planning.
How does the work of the P&F support the Mission of our school?
As an example, at the March meeting the discussions included a comprehensive outline of the improvements the College is supporting in making the toilets a safer and more hygienic space. The advent of vaping in schools across Australia has placed significant pressure on schools, as these spaces cannot be supervised by staff.
Since 2021, the student numbers at St Paul’s have increased significantly and the College has sought to ensure all facilities can satisfy the cohort requirements. During this Term the College has changed staff supervision rosters so staff can ensure that students do not take their bag into the toilet. This can be problematic for girls during menstruation as pointed out by the P&F. As a result of ongoing consultation the College has increased the number of sanitary bins in each toilet and is presently costing other sanitary resources within all girls toilets. The College looks forward to opening additional toilet spaces during 2023 and considering different designs that suit our cohort’s needs.
I had the opportunity to then speak to staff about our discussions and comment on the inclusive and supportive nature of the gathering. This matter is an example of how positive discussions between the parent body and the Senior Executive allows voice towards better opportunities for our students.
My advice to parents/carers at St Paul’s is to take the opportunity to come along to a P&F meeting and meet the wonderful parents and friends who are supporting this committee. You have a chance to provide your opinion on topical matters and gain an understanding of the fundraising priorities of the P&F group.
The next P&F meeting takes place on 8 May in the staff lunchroom beginning at 5.30pm - all are welcome!
Mr Geoffrey Melville - Assistant Principal - Mission and Wellbeing