Dear Parents and Carers,

Parents and educators from other schools often ask why we have both a School Board and P&F Association, and why we have not moved to a Community Council model. The first answer I often give is that whilst we still have enough parents eager to put their hand up and be involved we will keep going with this model, but the deeper answer is that both parent groups fulfill different roles and are both vital to the running of the school.

The School Board is made up of elected parents and staff members. They take a keen interest in forward planning for the whole of the St Benedict's community. The role of the School Board is to support the mission of Catholic Education at St Benedict's, in accordance with the Code of Canon Law, Archdiocesan directives and guidelines and polices of the Catholic Education Commission and Catholic Education.

The School Board has a decision making role in certain policy areas and an advisory role in others. The policies of the school are always set within the wider mission of Catholic education. In the areas where it has responsibility for the development and monitoring of policy, the School Board operates within the policy and procedures determined by the Catholic Education Commission and Catholic Education. It provides particular support in the development of the Catholic ethos, pastoral care, financial matters, strategic planning and the promotion of the school in the local community. The School Board has responsibility to consult with the P&F on the expenditure of levies or funds in keeping with Archdiocesan regulations.

The Parents & Friends Association (P&F) has a major role to play as a parent forum, in developing the community of parents, students and staff, and in fundraising. All parents are welcome to attend any meeting of the P&F and Executive members are elected from the parent community. The P&F works closely with the Principal and staff to provide input on parent priorities, support the School Board, provide social interaction for parents to develop supportive networks and raise money for school resources. A Committee, consisting of a President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, governs the Association. Annual General Meetings are held at the beginning of each school year to elect the Executive.

All members of the School Board and P&F are approachable should you have any questions about their role or the school. They are also your representatives so please feel free to chat with them should you like to raise any concerns or issues you may have.

Thank you for your ongoing care and partnership in your child’s learning.

God bless.

Rachel Smith
Principal