SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ASSOCIATION OF STATE SCHOOL ORGANISATIONS
Supporting schools, governing councils and state education through training, advice and advocacy
SAASSO Services
SAASSO provides vital services to its members, parents and public education in South Australia:
Training
As a member of a Governing Council, you provide a vital service to education in South Australia – and you do it as a volunteer! As such, you are entitled to training. SAASSO provides a range of training courses, specifically tailored to provide you with the knowledge you need to fulfil your role on your Governing Council:
• Governance
• Budget
• Out of School Hours Care (OSHC)
• Canteen
• Meetings & Procedures
• Aboriginal Participation in School Governance
SAASSO will come to your school, at a time that is convenient for your council.
Advice
Governing Councils must adhere to the Education Act / Children's Services Act, a constitution, code of practice and the DECS Administrative Instructions & Guidelines. In addition, there are rules for the school budget, OSHC, canteen and responsibilities as an employer. Then there are the little things that aren't written down.
Quite simply, the information and legislation can be overwhelming. SAASSO provides:
• A comprehensive repository of governance resources SAASSO education website
• The latest research & developments via School Post
• A telephone advisory service for specific governance queries. Phone (08) 8223 2266
• An email advisory service. Email feedback@saasso.asn.au
• Bulletins and an emailed weekly Education Update
Advocacy
There is much to be achieved for our children to receive the education they need and deserve.
As Governing Councils and as parents, we have the right and responsibility to contribute to this process.
SAASSO supports the continued improvement in our public school system at the local, state and national levels:
• Sadly, too many Governing Councils still experience conflict either at their school or with DECS. SAASSO can help devise the best strategy to resolve problems you may be experiencing.
• As SA's Governing Council association, SAASSO works as an advocate for members, lobbying for an enhanced role in public schools.
• As our state's peak parent body, SAASSO strives to have the parent voice heard in the decision-making processes which govern the education and welfare of their children.
• As a key education stakeholder, SAASSO works to communicate and influence the raft of developments occurring as part of the Education Revolution.
Representation
As part of its service to education, SAASSO represents Governing Councils and SA's public school parents on numerous committees, boards, working groups etc.
Listed below are the ongoing committees SAASSO's staff and volunteer State Council sit on; striving to enhance the quality of education in South Australia.
•Australian Sustainable Schools Initiative - South Australia (Steering Committee)
•Child Protection Steering Committee
•Early Years Literacy and Numeracy Program Stakeholder’s Group
•Learner Wellbeing & Drug Strategy
•Materials and Services Reference Group
•School Loans Advisory Committee
•Education and Care Legislation Reform Stakeholder Advisory Group
•Inter-Sector Values Forums & Advisory Committee
•International Education Advisory Board
•National Centre Against Bullying
•Parents In Education (PIE) Panel
•SA Curriculum Frameworks Ref Group: Early Years
•SA Curriculum Frameworks Ref Group: Primary Years
•SA Curriculum Frameworks Ref Group: Middle Years
•SA Curriculum Frameworks Ref Group: Senior Years
•Special Needs Education Network
•Premier’s Be Active Challenge Advisory Committee
•Teachers Registration Board
•PIE Grants