VPC E-News June 2024
For 65 years now, VPC has worked tirelessly with Victorian school parents. Our continued existence is a testament to the hard work and support of parents, schools, and parent associations across Victoria.
We are a not-for-profit, ACNC registered Charity Organisation driven by the commitment of a small group of volunteers.
You can be involved as a parent, guardian, school, educator or business; we love to collaborate with all those who are passionate about supporting children through education, from babies through to adulthood and beyond.
If you would like to join, don’t hesitate to contact us at vicparentscouncil.vic.edu.au
Whether it’s once a week or once in a while, we welcome your involvement.
VPC is a registered charity dedicated to everyone
who support Parents in educating their children
VPC E-NEWS June 2024
Dear VPC Community
We are nearly at the halfway mark of this year! The Victorian Parents Council remains committed to fostering connections that offer a supportive community to all parents and provide resources and opportunities to help you engage in your child’s education. Coming up, we have a host of exciting initiatives and events lined up. We look forward to your active participation.
We like to welcome Katrina Gow, who has joined the VPC as a contributor. Katrina is a qualified counsellor and psychotherapist with expertise in supporting parents through challenging times, including school attendance issues. Read her blogs below.
The VPC is continuing the VPC “Family Engagement” Series with Tony Dalton, independent Family Engagement Consultant, who wrote another blog.
The Commission for Children and Young People focus on grooming. Grooming is a form of child abuse and can have a devastating, long-term impact on a child or young person. In this blog you can explore how to recognise the signs and take action to keep children and young people safe.
Our research collaboration with A/Prof Glenn Melvin, continues. A/Prof Melvin is steering the School Attendance Survey which is an ongoing project that aims to understand parent and school staff perceptions of school attendance and non-attendance. We welcome you to complete this survey.
In addition, he is researching and developing “Strategies for parents to support a teen experiencing a suicidal crisis”. If you want to participate in this research or read more, see the blog section below.
We are excited to be hosting another #VPCLive Event next week:
NEW OPTIONS FOR YEARS 10 – 12 Senior secondary education in Victoria has changed. Students can now choose a pathway that supports their strengths and goals.
Join the below Webinar on Tuesday 18 June 24 at 7.30pm, to learn about the new options for your child in Years 10 to 12.
We are currently organising another exciting #VPCLive Event:
RE-ENGAGING IN EDUCATION – FORUM. School Can’t, School Refusal, Avoidance issues are continuing to be a focus of the VPC. We are excited to be hosting our next #VPCLive event, on this topic.
Please save the date: Tuesday 6 August 2024, 7pm
Our invited panel members will discuss a variety of pathways and education options that support attendance and engagement in education for students facing complex school attendance challenges.
A range of speakers with different perspectives are invited, including Department of Education, educators, practitioners, parents, and parent representatives, are part of the expert panel.
Please see the Blogs and Community updates below
VPC is a volunteer non-profit charity organisation, and we are always looking for volunteers willing to share their talent. Please consider an active role at the VPC, all are welcome.
Sincerely,
Eveline Jona, VPC President
vicparentscouncil.vic.edu.au
Victorian Parents Council Inc
The Vibrant Parent Community Est.1959
#VPCLive: NEW OPTIONS FOR YEARS 10 – 12
Tuesday 18 June 2024 at 7.30pm
#VPCLive: RE-ENGAGING IN EDUCATION – FORUM
Tuesday 6 August 2024 at 7.00pm
VPC Blogs
Check out our most recent new VPC blogs
How to parent with a Beginner Mind – Katrina Gow
Learn how to help an anxious teen – Katrina Gow
Are you stuck on a hamster wheel? – Katrina Gow
Positive Relationships and Two-Way Communication – Tony Dalton
In the spotlight: child sexual abuse – grooming – CCYP
Strategies for parents to support a teen experiencing a suicidal crisis – A/Prof Glenn Melvin, Dr Ruth Tatnell, Mr Lachlan James
COMMUNITY UPDATES
VRQA – Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority
- The VRQA welcomes a new CEO, Stefanie Veal will commence on 17 June.
- At the start of the year, we reminded schools about their duty-of-care to students on overseas trips.
- Parents of an apprentice can read VRQA’s BuildUP report about women apprentices in the building and construction industry and find out more about our 2024 enforcement and compliance priorities.
- Parents of children registered for home schooling have primary responsibility for their child’s education. Find out more about Home schooling and unregistered schools.
CCYP – Commission for Children and Young People
- The Commission for Children and Young People has recently launched Youth Voices, an online platform for young people to share their experiences, thoughts and perspectives on the big issues that affect them.
- Visit Youth Voices to read stories from three amazing young people and keep an eye on the Commission’s channels for future articles.
- Blog about Grooming and how parents/carers can support and empower children and young people in organisations.
VCAA – Victorian Curriculum Assessment Authority
- The Victorian Curriculum F–10 Version 2.0 will give Victoria’s students the best opportunity to thrive in a world of increasing change and rapid technological advancement. It also reflects the expertise and feedback of teachers, making it easier for them to plan, assess and report on student learning. Stay up to date with the Victorian Curriculum F-10 Version 2.0 with an upcoming release mid-year.
- Do you have an upcoming artist or innovator in the family? Inspire your child by catching the incredible VCE Season of Excellence, Top Designs exhibition. Running at the Melbourne Museum until 14 July.
- Complete this short 15-minute survey and have your say in the revision of the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) and support resources. If you wish to share this survey with your network, please use the direct link in this email
e-Safety Commissioner
Parents and carers, technology can impact your child’s wellbeing and safety.
At eSafety you can find:
- Guidance on parental controls for your family. Learn how to block, filter, monitor and limit your child’s online activity
- Advice on keeping kids and young people safe online
- Free webinars for expert tips on supporting your family’s online safety
- Assistance in investigating reports of serious online harm and removal of this content