Overview
The Association of Parents and Friends (P&F), run by parent volunteers has the dual role of building and supporting the parent community, as well as fundraising to support our school and students. Fostering parent communication and friendships is done through events, meetings, presentations and the Convenor system.
P&F meetings help parents stay informed in the complicated modern world of education which has changed so much since their own schooling. Each term there is a general meeting which provides regular updates on key school news and events. The Head of School update is a standing agenda item and presents parents with the opportunity for direct engagement with Dr McGonigle and senior staff on matters of education, welfare or school infrastructure. The P&F meetings are open and informal opportunities to engage with the school and benefit most from a wide range of thoughts and contributions, so participation is strongly encouraged.
The P&F also regularly organise panels and Q&A events on topics of interest to parents. Called P&F Presents, there is one organised each term and they cover topics requested from the parent community. Recent topics have included panels on technology and student welfare. They provide a good opportunity for parents to stay informed about changes in the educational environment.
Attending or helping out at events is a great way to meet new friends
The P&F has its own community newsletter that updates parents on items of interest, upcoming events and P&F meeting dates and minutes.
We look forward to your involvement in the many events (both physical and virtual) we host during the year. Attending or helping out at events is a great way to meet new friends. Perhaps we will see you at the Christmas markets on the iconic rooftop playground or at one of the Welcome in the Square events.
The P&F also coordinate the group of convenors or class parents. See additional information on that below.
All families are encouraged to pay a membership fee with their school fees in Term 1 to offset administrative costs and support P&F community initiatives.
In recent years, the P&F has raised funds for audio visual equipment, staff scholarships, a 3-D printer for Technological and Applied Studies and the refurbishment of the rooftop. Funds are mostly raised through events and student barbeques.
Mrs Helen Carson
P&F President
P&F Executive
| President | Helen Carson |
| Vice President | Jane Randall |
| Secretary | Bradley Smith |
| Treasurer | Simon Chan |
| General Executive | Heidi Beck |
| General Executive | Amanda Green |
| General Executive | Pauline Su |
2023 P&F Key Events Calendar
P&F Newsletters
Parent Convenors
What is a convenor?
Parent Convenors, supported by the P&F, organise year group social functions. These provide opportunities for parents (and sometimes their children) to meet informally to develop friendships and share the highs and lows of parenting and school life. This is much like a ‘class parent’ and we ask for volunteers from each year group in Years 7-12, and each class in Years Kindergarten to Year 6, to foster and encourage social networks, welcome families to the school, support families in need, and liaise with the P&F and the school’s Director of Community Engagement. This is a vital role in a school that draws students from over 220 Sydney suburbs. Convenors are a valuable link between the P&F and each year group. These parents are the “glue” that holds our community together. We look towards building on the existing culture that our parents have created, which is founded on enthusiasm, openness, warmth and friendship.
Who can be a convenor?
Any parents at St Andrew’s Cathedral School. We encourage two to three for each year group Years 7-12; and each class in K-6.
What does a Convenor do?
Convenors work together to:
- welcome families in your class or year group
- enable parents in your cohort to get to know each other
- arrange simple and fun social/connecting occasions
- enhance communication between parents, the P&F, and the School
- support P&F friend-raising and fundraising activities
- attend P&F meetings whenever possible
Convenors also manage the year group Facebook groups which are an easy way to communicate with parents in your year group.
How will I contact the Convenor for my year group or class?
2023 volunteer Year convenors and the facebook group where they can be contacted are listed below. If you have any questions, please email the P&F at P&F@sacs.nsw.edu.au or community@sacs.nsw.edu.au.
Looking for 2023 Parent Convenors?
JUNIOR SCHOOL
| Year | Name | Facebook Group |
| Kindergarten | Carolyn Sz, Valeria Julianto, John Lopes | SACS Seniors 2035 | Facebook |
| Year 1 | Natalie Cooney, Jessica Pramana | SACS Seniors 2034 |
| Year 2 | Erin Dethridge | SACS Seniors 2033 |
| Year 3 | Luke Forsyth | SACS Seniors 2032 |
| Year 4 | Adeline Chung, An Griffin | 2019 Kindy Parents Group |
| Year 5 | Carla Ellerby, Tim Yeoh, Rhys Williams, Stuart Martin, Catriona Morgan | SACS Graduating Class of 2030 |
| Year 6 | Julie Spring, Jenny Morrison | SACS Seniors 2029 |
SECONDARY SCHOOL
| Year | Name | Facebook Group |
| Year 7 | Danyan Lin, Venkata Krishna, Halley Chan, Suganya Krishna, Davina Langton, Meg Price | SACS Seniors 2028 |
| Year 8 | Anthea Chang, Amy Keeton, Fiona Bolus, Mae Leen Choe, Caroline Chan, John Lopes | SACS Seniors 2027 |
| Year 9 | Grace Susanto, Walid El-Khoury, Renee Bennett | SACS Seniors 2026 |
| Year 10 | Dora Georgaklis, Tracy Simpson | SACS Seniors 25 |
| Year 11 | Halley Chan, Nina Still, Rita Elsey, Walid El-Khoury, Renee Bennett | SACS Seniors 2024 |
| Year 12 | vacant | SACS 2023 Parents |
Contact P&F
If you would like to find out more about our activities or support the P&F, please come along to one of our meetings or contact us via email at P&F@sacs.nsw.edu.au
For Facebook, please click on Facebook – St Andrews Cathedral School or you can use the Facebook search bar (if you are a user): St Andrew’s Cathedral School.
For other P&F questions and issues, please continue to use the main P&F account P&F@sacs.nsw.edu.au