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Introduction to the P & F Federation
The primary right of parents to educate their children must be upheld in all forms of collaboration between parents, teachers and school authorities, and particularly in forms of participation designed to give citizens a voice in the functioning of schools and in the formulation and implementation of educational policies.
(Article 5, Charter of the Rights of the Family)
Parents are recognized as partners with professional teachers in the education of their children, with the parents being the first educators. Ideally the Parents & Friends Association consists of parents and teachers and should be open to input and/or representation from the student body.
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 Association is the formal structure which represents all the parents of the school and acts in their interest and on their behalf and not only for those parents who are willing or able to attend P & F meetings. It is the only organization officially recognized by the Church and Catholic education authorities as representing parents.
History of the Federation of P & F Associations in Queensland
Catholic schools finally received long-sought recognition with a general change in community attitudes following World War II. In order to maintain the momentum, the Federation of P & F Associations in Queensland was formed in 1960. It continued the fight, aiming in order of priority to
Ø win recognition by government of Catholic schools’ claim for a just share of public funds to assist in the education of children attending Catholic schools and support parental right of choice
Ø establish appropriate structures for the benefit of Catholic education e.g. the formation of the Catholic Education Council and the Archdiocese Development Fund (ADF) recommended in 1963
Ø gain representation for parents in all important areas of church and education to ensure their voice was heard
Ø inform parents and the Catholic community of important issues in Catholic education
Ø develop better and closer relationships with teachers in Catholic schools
Read more of the Federation's history.
Mission Statement of the Federation of P&F Associations in Queensland
The Federation seeks to:-
· Confirm and promote parents/carers as partners in the delivery of Catholic education.
· Support parents/carers in their choice of schooling for their children.
· Achieve equitable access to and distribution of funds from government for all students.
· Actively remove barriers to equity in the education of our children.
This statement reflects the “soul” of the Federation:
The spirit that unites us in growth with Christ
As a Catholic community active in a wider world, we seek to build the kingdom through strong, caring families. As parents we share this responsibility in the educational mission of the Church. We recognize and emphasize our role as the primary educators of our children, setting an example of servant leadership in the different educational and faith communities to which we belong.
We believe that Catholic schools are an integral part of the development of the Faith Community. Parents believe they have a responsibility to ensure the continued existence of Catholic schools. Commitment to these beliefs today ensures that we promote and champion the cause of Catholic schools.
As the recognized group, representative of parents and parent organizations in Catholic Education, we strive to facilitate co-operation and partnership with other agencies.
We aim to develop more effective parent leadership formed in Gospel Values.
We aim to support all Parents and Friends groups and others in their endeavour to share in the work, responsibility and leadership of carrying out the Church's educative mission.
We are committed to serving parents and friends who constitute the Associations we represent. To this end, we strive to support each other at Federation recognizing each individual's gifts. Through our commitment and support we seek to strengthen the bonds of community and foster confident lay leadership.
