Parents and Friends
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Welcome to
Beaconhills College
Parents and Friends (P&F) Beaconhills values the partnerships we form with families, which strengthen connections between home and school. This creates a dynamic community to support the education of our young people. As a Beaconhills parent, there are many ways to be involved in the life of the school. Joining Parents and Friends is an opportunity for you to meet other parents, socialise and develop life-long friendships.
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Overview Beaconhills has a Parents and Friends group at each campus (Berwick and Pakenham). All parents and guardians of current students from Early Years to Year 12 are welcome to become members of the group.
Each group has 10 members. There are also various ‘Friends of’ sub-groups which help support Parents and Friends with activities such as fundraising for our Beacon of Hope service programs, or helping out at a Mother’s Day stall.
You can choose your level of involvement to suit your schedule, interests and passions.
Parents and Friends meetings are held once a term on campus, with options to participate online. A General Meeting of the group is held once a year, in term 1.
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Principles and purpose Parents and Friends is designed to bring the Beaconhills community together and is guided by the College values of Respect, Compassion and Integrity. These principles underpin the action, policies and approach of the Parents and Friends and its associated groups.
Its key purposes are to: •
foster a sense of community, connectedness and belonging
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encourage parents and guardians to be involved in College life
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support the College in organising activities that enhance students’ experience and community spirit
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raise funds to benefit student and services programs and capital projects
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support volunteerism and College events
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provide constructive feedback on College-related matters, when invited by College leadership.
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Parents and Friends structure Members of each campus’ Parents and Friends group meet once a term. All parents are welcome to attend meetings at any stage.
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Chair Leads meetings, facilitates discussion and participation, communicates with College leadership, represents the group at College functions and community events.
Deputy Chair
Treasurer
Supports the Chair, stands in at meetings/events when needed, helps co-ordinate event planning, fundraising and other activities.
Keeps clear, accurate financial records, provides regular reports to the group and College, plans budgets, ensures legal, fundraising, procurement and other policies are met.
Secretary
General members
Works with the Chair to prepare and share meeting agendas, records meeting minutes, distributes information to members, keeps accurate records and other administrative duties.
Attend meetings, share ideas for fundraising/community initiatives, help organise, run and promote events, support other group roles.
Parents and Friends members are appointed from the parent/guardian community. Terms are for two years and may be renewed.
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How to join At the start of each year the College invites expressions of interest in joining Parents and Friends. Notices will be sent out via parent newsletters, email and posted on the parent portal and College website.
Members will need to have a current Working With Children (WWC) check.
You may nominate yourself by submitting an Expression of Interest Form. •
Existing P&F members may renominate.
The Executive Principal (or their delegate) reviews all nominations to ensure alignment with the College values, policies and compliance requirements, such as a Working With Children (WWC) check.
The groups welcome all parents and guardians, value diversity and encourage participation from the whole College community.
The appointment process is designed to be friendly, transparent and supportive of people stepping into the volunteer roles for the first time.
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Child safety and respectful behaviour Beaconhills College is committed to creating and maintaining a child-safe and child-friendly organisation. The Child Safe Policy applies to all adults in the College, including the Parents and Friends and its associated groups.
All members of Parents and Friends are also expected to uphold the College’s Parent Code of Conduct. Members should be respectful and inclusive at all times.
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Parental Assistance Program Your time with the P&F counts! Hours volunteered can be credited to your College fees through the Parental Assistance Program. Click here for further information.
Relevant links •
The Beaconhills College Parents and Friends Group Framework
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Expression of Interest Form
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Volunteer registration induction
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Child Safe Policy
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Parent Code of Conduct
Questions? Feel free to contact enquiries@beaconhills.vic.edu.au if you have any questions. 15
Pakenham Campus: 30-34 Toomuc Valley Road, Pakenham VIC 3810 Berwick Campus: 92 Kangan Drive, Berwick VIC 3806 1300 002 225 | enquiries@beaconhills.vic.edu.au | www.beaconhills.vic.edu.au CRICOS: 03182J