Parents are recognised as partners with professional teachers in the education of their children, with the parents being the first educators.  The Parents & Friends Association exists for the benefit of the school and as part of its structure, not as something separate from it.  It is not limited in its scope to fundraising but is involved in the total life of the school.
 
The Parents & Friends Association is an integral part of St Mary’s School and provides a formal structure for interested and dedicated parents and/or carers to be involved as a contributing member to our school community.  It is an important part of the school community representing all the parents of the school and sharing responsibility for the school with the principal and teachers.  It is vital in helping create a link between school and families and are highly valued by the staff at St Mary’s School.
 
The Parents & Friends Association of St Mary’s School provides opportunity for parents to meet, usually with principal and staff, in order to ensure that everything necessary is being done for the school and its community and in particular, the students.  These general meetings are held once a term and all are welcome to attend.
 
The Parents & Friends Association of St Mary’s School works very much as a team and every social, fundraising or other school activity is fully supported by that team. The Parents & Friends Association endeavours to plan with the Principal and others to provide optimum resources and a well-resourced learning environment for the children of St Mary’s School.
 
Parent & Friends Activities

• Develop a community spirit - with a Christian ethos 
• Support and work in partnership with Principal and staff 
• Participate in decision making 
• Promote interaction between home and school, parents and teachers 
• Encourage parent participation in teaching and learning activities and school life 
• Assist parents to appreciate teaching and learning programs 
• Promote the school in the wider community 
• Support faith education activities 
• Create a forum for discussion 
• Assist in providing resources to the school when necessary 
• Planning and organising of functions approved by a Parents & Friends Association meeting and the Principal 
• Work with parish and school board in pursuit of common goals
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Resource: www.pandf.org.au