Parents' Association
Term 3
President: Priscilla Hetherton
Treasurer: Bruce Rohde
Secretary: Caitlin Cameron
NEXT MEETING
WEDNESDAY 3 SEPTEMBER, 7:10PM
Hello Mullum School Community,
This fortnight's page is jam-packed with information regarding projects and events our Parents' Associaiton (PA) members are currently working on and how the Mullum community can get involved.
The PA are always looking for more members and the invitation is extended to all parents and carers of current Mullum students, to join. More information at the end of this page.
Till next time
Mullum Executive Committee
SPOTLIGHT
Introducing Caitlin (pictured) - The saying "If you want something done, give it to a busy person" describes Caitlin's work ethic to a T. Caitlin is the Secretary of the Mullum Parents Association. During PA meetings, her cheerful demeanour belies the inner focused scribe, capturing all the important discussions and decisions. Her ability to take all that information and convert to succinct minutes - which she sends out within a couple of hours at the end of the meeting - is a valuable skill. Caitlin is also part of the school's Friends of the Gardens (FrOGs) where many a time you will find her watering the garden.
Current project - Caitlin initiated and swiftly organised the Cadbury Chocolate Fundraising Drive to raise money for our school.
Previous projects - Caitlin took the school disco to the next level: the glam deco, the amazing lighting and the great sound system. If that were not enough, she also made dinner for the volunteers!
Future plans - To meet the PA fundraising goals for the year Caitlin is continually thinking of ways to meet the target which in turn will benefit the students.
Here are Caitlin's tips on how to get involved -
1. Sell a box or more of chocolates or lollies. Each $60 box will raise $20 or $25 respectively for Mullum.
2. Volunteer for FrOGS who welcome anyone with or without a green thumb to help tend the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden. This weekend's Working Bee will include work on the garden with a call out for much needed fresh fruit and vegetable scraps for composting.
3. Come and join the PA and join Caitin and others as they plan to meet the fundraising goals. Contact the school office or mullumparentsassociation@gmail.com for more information.
Thank you Caitlin for all the work you do as a member and the Secretary of the PA. Your attention to detail when planning events/fundraising and work on the PA is valued.
WHAT IS HAPPENING
Friends of the Garden (FrOGs)
FrOG's welcomes new volunteers and donations of seedlings, plants, compost or mulch. Even if you don't have a green thumb, any help or interest is welcomed. Please email mullumparentsassociation@gmail.com or contact the school office who will pass on your details to one of our FrOGs coordinators.
Whole School Book Exchange -Tomorrow
Books are coming in now for the Book Exchange and tomorrow all students will be going home with a book to keep. PA member Annie, came up with this great idea of a book exchange to coincide with Book Week.
Chocolate Drive (Pre-purchase)
PA Secretary Caitlin, is organising a Cadbury Chocolate drive. Chocolates or Lollies for the holidays. Flyers came home this week, get your order in so you are ready for the holidays.
Father's (special person) Day Stall, Friday 5 September
PA member, Bao, will be co-ordinating the promotion, volunteers and the set up/pack down of the stands for this year's Father's Day Stallfor students to buy presents for their fathers, fathering figures and special person in their life.
Trivia Night - Major Fundraising Night
Save the date! Tickets go on sale soon.
Saturday 11 October 7pm
Ringwood Bowls, 2-12 Loughnan Road, Ringwood
Bring your snacks, your gold coins and your knowledge of all things trivial, silly and smart. If trivia is not your strong point, no problem at all, still come long as there will be games of chance and skill plus raffles on the night giving everyone the same odds of winning a prize to take home. Digger and Tim and PA members Pei, Bruce, Bao and Priscilla are planning the Mullum Trivia Night, our major fundraiser for this year. This will be a great evening out, only for the adults.
Annual General Meeting Wednesday 19 November
Before the AGM in November, there are two more PA meetings: Wednesdays, 7.10pm on 3 September & 15 October. The invitation is open to all Mullum parents and guardians to attend these meetings and to join the PA. With the AGM just around the corner, members can cast their vote for the President, Secretary and Treasurer. That evening the new President will lead discussions of events and fundraisers for 2026 plus the goals for that year. If you have ideas for Mullum or want to support the goals the PA sets for 2026, please come along to one of the next two meetings, join the PA and have your say at this year's AGM.
STAY TUNED FOR UPDATES:
Paint & Sip - Date to be confirmed
Back by popular demand, Annie and Erin are planning another Paint & Sip. With a lot of painting and a lot of sipping, last year's event was a relaxed, fun evening for parents and carers. One does not need to be a Kahlo or Vermeer. Paint and Sip is guided painting by none other than our own Deanne Lawn, whose easy going instructions ensure everybody gets to take home their own work of art.
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"How do I join this amazing Parents' Association?" I hear you saying...
The invitation is always open to join the Parents' Association. Your ideas and help will be most appreciated. Time poor? We hear you! Life is so very busy. With the level of commitment solely up to you, you can be a member of the PA and join in on events that suit your schedule. Please email MullumParentsAssociation@gmail.com for more information.
What is the Parents' Association?
Parents’ Clubs (alternatively called Parents’ Associations) promote the welfare of, and provide support to, the school and its community. Parents are key partners in their child’s learning. By interacting with the school and other parents, parents’ club members can use their skills and experience to work collaboratively with others in supporting the school and its students and build a sense of community within the school. You can read more about Victorian Government school parents' clubs here:
https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/parent-clubs/policy
Why join Mullum PA?
Joining the PA as a registered member means you will actively contribute to the wellbeing of the school community by participating in the life of the school. It's a great opportunity to meet other families through the organisation of social events, and raising funds for the direct benefit of the school. By being a member of the PA, you will have regular opportunities for two-way flow of information and discussion between the parents' club, principal, other school staff and school council so you can stay informed and contribute to school proposals. Joining the PA at or prior to the Annual General Meeting means that you will have voting rights at the Annual General Meeting.
What is the time commitment?
Joining the PA as a registered member is free, and your level of involvement is entirely up to you. As a member, you will be invited to attend committee meetings occurring approximately monthly during the school year. At least 3 members need to attend a meeting to meet quorum. All members are notified of the date of a PA meeting at least one week before. To best meet community needs, meetings can be held in person or via teleconferencing at a time that suits (e.g. after hours).
If you are one of three elected office bearers (President, Treasurer, Secretary), your responsibilities are outlined here: https://www.parentsvictoria.asn.au/toolkit/committee-office-bearers-overview/ General committee members will also be sought. These committee positions are for one year, and declared open again for nomination and election at the Annual General Meeting.
How do I join Mullum PA?
You can join by completing the official form approved by the Minister, which is available at the school office or downloadable here. Forms can be returned to the office, at the Annual General Meeting or emailed to mullumparentsassociation@gmail.com