Community
“The achievements and celebrations of our students on their journey through school life are supported and cheer led by a focussed, committed and inspired teaching and support staff and ever enthused and engaged parents community”
Chris Cotching, School Principal
Chatham is widely renowned for its active and engaged parent community - it’s one of the things that make us an outstanding school. Our Parents’ Club is a key part of the ‘village’ feel that’s been fostered over many years and offers a warm welcome to all families at Chatham. We pride ourselves in providing a range of fun events that strengthen the home-school partnership and sense of community.
This group of dedicated volunteers, co-ordinate more than 15 social and fundraising activities throughout the year as well as organising morning teas, staff celebrations and making sure new families are warmly welcomed to the school. All current families and carers are welcome to become active members of the Chatham Parents’ Club and contribute to this enthusiastic, passionate and dedicated group.
Through the generosity of the community and our sponsors, Chatham Parents’ Club is able to raise considerable funds for school equipment and vital resources. With a whole school approach, we also ensure there’s a healthy dose of fun involved with plenty of opportunities for socialising.
Chatham Parents’ Club meets once a term in the Parent Pavilion with our minutes and recommendations submitted to School Council. All families are welcome to attend the Parents’ Club meetings that foster a connection between the school, our Principal and seeks support from all families for our events.
Our main events include, but aren’t limited to:
Grand Fair (bi-annual)
Night Market
Mothers’ and Fathers’ Day Breakfasts and Stalls
Grandparents’ Day
The Walkathon
Welcome BBQ + Buddy Picnic
School Disco
Annual Parents’ Social Event
Gingerbread House Making
Meet the leadership team who provide support and guidance across all events:
President: Jacqueline McGowan
president@chathamparentsclub.org
Vice-President: Cynthia Tan
vicepresident@chathamparentsclub.org
Treasurer: Kate James
treasurer@chathamparentsclub.org
Secretary: Jo Harris
secretary@chathamparentsclub.org
Class Representatives Co-ordinator: Pam Nasiakos
Fundraising: Caroline Kennon
fundraising@chathamparentsclub.org
Communications Liaison: Bree Knights
comms@chathamparentsclub.org
Logistics: Kate Rippon
logistics@chathamparentsclub.org
It’s time to get involved
– you know you want to!
The beauty of Chatham is that everyone can be involved in some capacity. This is great for the school and your child will absolutely love the fact that you are involved. Volunteering in a range of capacities, role models a commitment to the school, a connection with the community and a contribution to the success of the schools’ vision and values. Your family will be part of this community for many years as you journey through primary school, so here are a few ideas to get involved, make some friends and we promise, there’s nothing scary about it!
Join the Parents’ Club, and come along to the meetings. Parents’ Club holds its’ meetings once a term on a Friday morning, which is open to everyone and is attended by the Principal.
Help Co-ordinate an event. There are plenty to choose from and you get the full support and guidance of Parents’ Club.
Volunteer at an event. We use the Sign Up website to make volunteering super easy. Shifts are short and you’re guaranteed to make a new friend or two. You’re kids will love to see you helping out!
Help behind the scenes of events. Distribute flyers, chop fruit, make goodie bags…
Become a Class Rep. Each class has two class reps who co-ordinate coffee catch ups, distribute CPC communications and liaise with the classroom teacher.
Join a School Council Sub Committee. These committees often require niche skills and experience, which the parent community has in spades. Or lend your skills and expertise on an ad hoc/advisory basis.
Become an event sponsor. Do you have a business that can support our fundraising through sponsorship? Either through in-kind donations of products or services, or with cash donations?
For more information or to get involved, contact us on: chathamparentsclub@hotmail.com