NSW public school communities include students, teaching and non-teaching staff, parents and carers, and the broader community. Authentic engagement with the school community helps build a culture of high expectations and inclusion. A well-established body of research shows an inextricable link between parental engagement and a child’s academic success and social wellbeing.

Public schools are committed to working together with families and the broader community to drive School Excellence.

Each school community is unique in its richness and diversity. All families have a voice in NSW public schools, irrespective of their English language proficiency, Aboriginality or cultural/ linguistic background, religion, socio-economic status, gender, age, access to technology or geographic location.

The School Excellence Framework (SEF) describes the importance of community engagement in schools, and includes it throughout the elements of learning, teaching and leading.

The Australian Professional Standards for TeachersExternal link require school staff to develop capabilities in effective community engagement.

NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group

Our commitment to establishing genuine and meaningful relationships is exemplified in how we, as an organisation, relate to and engage with the NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (NSW AECG) and the DoE/ NSW AECG Partnership Agreement.

Our work with this peak Aboriginal Community partner helps ensure Aboriginal voices are heard, valued and respected when we are determining the future of education for not only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students but all students.

Schools engage their communities in developing a shared vision, identifying strategic directions, and tracking and reporting progress as the basis for achieving school excellence.