In 2017 Catholic School Parents Australia embarked on a project along with the Federal Department of Education and Training, ARACY (Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth), and University of Southern Queensland to research parent and Principal views of parent engagement in schools across Australia. Following the research, in 2018 various members of Catholic School Parents Australia began designing and writing content for what is now a national research based parent engagement toolkit title 'Gearing Up for Parent Engagement', available for all schools and parents across Australia.

The toolkit focusses on transition to primary and secondary school and provides reseources for parents, teachers and principals to encourage parent engagement during transition and beyond, beginning with the development of positive relationships between parents and teachers.

Above: (Back left): Wayne Crase (Catholic School Parents QLD and CSPA), Peter Grace (Council of Catholic School Parents NSW and CSPA), Christine Wanjura (Catholic School Parents Archdiocese Canberra/Goulburn and CSPA), Federal Minister for Education Dan Tehan, (Front from left): Carmel Nash (Catholic School Parents QLD and CSPA), Selina Walker (Catholic School Parents Archdiocese Canberra/Goulburn), Siobhan Allen (Catholic School Parents WA and CSPA), Jacinta Collins (National Catholic Education Commission), Rachel Saliba (Catholic School Parents Victoria and CSPA).

In September this year, we were excited to be a part of the launch at Parliament House in Canberra. The federal education Minister, Dan Tehan officially launched the toolkit and the website and resources were finally available.

During the launch, Education Minister Dan Tehan stated, “Parents should take an active role in their child’s education. These Toolkits help parents navigate some of the tricky junctures in a child’s journey though the school years. When parents and teachers have a health, engaged relationships, our students benefit.” 

CSPA deputy chair Ms Carmel Nash said, “this important resource was essential for families and schools to help them make the transition into primary and secondary schools a great experience for children, young people and their families”.

We invite you to explore the toolkit website and share with parents and staff in your school community.