Parents and Friends Association

The School Council primarily consists of all parents and guardians of pupils enrolled at St Bernard's School.

The School Council provides the opportunity for members of the school, parish and Archdiocesan community to support the mission of Catholic education in a particular school. Working with the Parish Priest, Principal and staff the School Community Council members provide leadership to the school community. The School Council has responsibility to take decisions in the following areas:

• supporting the development of the Catholic ethos of the school;
• supporting the pastoral care strategies;
• promoting the school in the local community;
• developing the school’s enrolment policy in line with the Catholic Education Commission’s enrolment guidelines;
• approving and monitoring the school-based budget including the fees collection and remission policy;
• developing capital and maintenance programs;
• developing local strategy plans (finance, buildings, resources) and contributing to Archdiocesan educational strategic planning;
• approving school uniform items decided at school level;
• ensuring that the parish and school community receives the annual School Community Council report; and
• collaborating with the various Parent Working Parties on the expenditure of funds, in keeping with diocesan regulations.

There are a number of ways parents can assist the school.

These include:

• coming along and participating at general meetings
• becoming an office bearer on the Executive Committee
• planning / participating in social activities
• helping in the canteen
• helping out at sporting events e.g Cross Country; Athletics Carnival and Swimming Carnival
• assisting with organising; setting up and working at the major fundraiser the St Bernard's Fair each year

Strong parent support and commitment in all of these areas provide the foundations for a strong and united school community of students, parents and staff.