Council Committees and Working Groups on special topics

Several Council sub-committees focus on issues and improvements on specific topics and share expertise across parent associations. These are outlined below.

To join any of these groups, use this nomination form.

All our Working Groups function by email, and the occassional online meeting. For most, the time commitment can be very little, or up to 5 hours per term, depending on how much you wish to be involved.

Before/After School Care Working Group

This working group aims to provide a forum for P&CS/schools with such programs to exchange information and ideas, to discuss problems and solutions.

Canteen Sub Committee

A forum for P&Cs who run school canteens to discuss problems and solutions, share expertise and plan joint initiatives in response to need. See recent minutes and related resources.

Clothing Pool & Uniform Shop Working Group

Share information and discuss issues concerning co-ordinators of school clothing pools/uniform shops.

Disability Working Group/Special Education Reference Group

Council’s Disability Education Reference Group (DERG) connects ACT parents and provides advice to Council on special education issues. All ACT public school parents and carers of students with disabilities who agree to abide by the Committee's Terms of Reference are welcome to join the Group, simply contact us.

It provides nominated members to represent Council on the Disability Education Reference Group set up by the ACT Government to advise the Minister.

Early Learning Committee

Purpose is to advise the P&C Council on all matters relating to early childhood learning in the ACT. It is supported and managed by Council’s Early Learning Officer. See the summaries of previous meetings.

Esafety Working Group NEW!

Purpose is to work with the Education Directorate to determine what parents and students want and need to ensure students are safe from online abuse, predators and scammers.

Election Working Group and Sub Committee

Provides advice to Council Executive on ACT election strategies, priorities and lobbying and oversees the implementation of the election plans.

Financial Literacy Working Group NEW!

Purpose is to work with the Education Directorate on developing and delivering useful financial literacy learning for all school levels.

Gifted & Talented Students Working Group

Provides input to Council policy and submissions on G&T issues.

Parent Support Group on Violence in Schools

Given the more than 40,000 public school students in the ACT, the incidence of violence by students is relatively very low. However, following discussions with a number of parents, Council has formed a support group for parents of children involved in violence in schools, both as victims and instigators of violence. The Support Group will provide a forum for parents and carers to share their experiences. Read the terms of reference for the group. You can also share your experiences by submitting a case study which we will be compiling to assist in our advice to the Education Directorate.

The formation of this Group led to a joint project with the Education Directorate to address violence in schools. See more on the Building Strong and Safe Communities for Learning project.

The work of the Group also informed Council's submission to the ACT Parliamentary Inquiry into the management and minimisation of bullying and violence in ACT schools. The final report of this inquiry was welcomed and supported by Council.

Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Working Group

Assist Council in implementing its already approved RAP, by suggesting ideas for achieving our goals and developing new strategies as we take this journey towards greater understanding.

Sustainability Interest Group NEW!

Purpose is to advise the P&C Council on sustainability issues and related educational outcomes for students in ACT public schools and colleges.