Strengths: The current model when implemented effectively provides:
- Legal and liability protection for parents (also students helping on P&C activities) volunteering and participating in P&C and school activities/events.
- Accident and injury insurance if required for P&C managed activities.
- Relief from income tax on funds raised.
- A good forum for parents, carers and citizen members to discuss issues and raise concerns.
- Independent (of EDU or government influence) parent input to school administration and management.
- Desirable services to the school eg canteen, uniform shop, after school programs etc.
- Donations of often sizeable amounts of funds or resources to the school.
- Direct input to schooling and educational policy and issues at the school level.
- Parent input via delegates to the P&C Council on schooling and policy issues.
- A forum for school principals to explain educational and school matters & policies.
- Communication of parent input to other relevant ACT government directorates and authorities.
- A channel for school principals to seek parent support in dealings with the directorate.
- Building of school communities, parent friendships and school reputations.
- Promotes parent participation and engagement in the school and schooling.
- P&Cs also have the support of the P&C Council and its staff, their resources and training.
Weaknesses
- Relies on having sufficient volunteers to form the P&C committee.
- Relies on those forming the committee to have the required skills/knowledge.
- Depends on committee members working well together and welcoming of new members.
- Relies on a good relationship with the school principal and their staff.
- Requires good administration and accountability.
- Requires good handovers between outgoing and incoming P&C officers.
Opportunities
- Allows parents to develop useful skills and knowledge which may be useful elsewhere.
- Facilitates the expansion of P&C activities and programs as required.
- Facilitates lobbying on educational matters directly and through the P&C Council.
- Could make good use of modern communications technology to engage more parents.
- Enhance the social capital of the school community by being a point of contact, advice and assistance for parents in need of support.
Threats
- The failure of P&Cs and school principals to attract new parents to the P&C can result in the winding up of the P&C after two years of inactivity/operation (as per the Association Act).
- With the handling of cash and large funds there is always the risk of theft and/or fraud by committee members or employees of the P&C, although this can be covered to a degree by the P&C’s insurance.
- A lack of volunteers can lead to cancellation of P&C and /or school events with resultant loss of reputation and “spirit de corps” for the school.