Notes related to General Business

P&C contribution to learning support teaching

Name of Project/ Initiative

P&C contribution to learning support teaching

Name/s and contact details of proposers

Alexa McAuley, Pat Macpherson

Description of Project/Initiative.

In 2025 the P&C contributed $38,371 towards learning support teaching. This included $12,000 paid in January (related to 2024 costs) and $26,371 in June, related to 2025 costs.

Principal King has advised that the amount of $26,371 allocated in 2025 was able to fund a teacher for 1 extra day per week, up from the 3 that are funded by the Dept of Education.

Summary of benefits:

Learning support provides personalised adjustments to help students with additional learning needs succeed. The Department of Education allocates learning support resources to students with disabilities, whose learning support needs have been assessed.

We understand that the additional P&C contribution enables additional capacity in the learning support team, to support students beyond those whose specific needs have been assessed.

We understand that the P&C contribution also helps enable Ferncourt to run enrichment activities for selected students.

What amount needs to be funded by the P&C this year?

We are recommending that in 2026, the P&C commits the same amount that we contributed in 2025 – i.e. $26,371.

Note that preliminary budgeting for 2026 indicates that:

·       This amount would represent approximately half of our 2026 budget.

·       We are in a position to budget for this same amount as in 2025, providing there are no other major changes to items typically budgeted by the P&C.

What other (non-financial) support is required?

None.

Is ongoing funding or other non-financial support required in future years?

The P&C has made contributions to learning support over many years, but the amount is reviewed each year.

Will some of the cost be funded in other ways?

Yes. P&C funding would be a top-up on top of funding from the school. The Department of Education allocates resources based on needs.

Is the funding request time critical?

In-principle support before the end of 2025 will assist the school to plan for 2026 including decisions about staffing.

School may not need to invoice the P&C until mid-2026.

Is there any further information you would like to add?

No.