How can parents take an active role in providing access to a high quality education for their children?
There are a number of ways parents can take part in providing access to a high quality education for their children, including: • regularly communicating with the school and teachers on their children’s educational performance • being involved in the school’s welfare and extra-curricular activities • being involved in the process of school governance by joining the school council. The Education and Training Reform Act 2006 has strengthened the powers, functions and accountability requirements of school councils. The major function of a school council is to establish the broad direction and vision of their school, within the school’s community. School council elections are held during the first school term. The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development encourages parents to actively participate in the school governance process. Currently there are approximately 20,000 councillors serving on government school councils.
