Partnership Forums
At Schools First, we want to help you build successful school-community partnerships. We also want you to understand about the Schools First Awards program and the application process.
That’s why between April and June 2010, we’re running 33 Partnership Forums across Australia. To find a location and date that could suit you, go to 2010 Partnership Forums.
What will the forums cover?
The partnership forums will:
- discuss the question 'What is a school-community partnership?'
- provide important information on Schools First including:
- the awards criteria
- the judging, evaluation and celebration phases of the program
- showcase our 2009 winners
- provide practical guidance on how to:
- create successful school-community partnerships
- strengthen existing partnerships
- apply for an award
- generate discussions about opportunities for partnership
You’ll also receive materials to help you evaluate and develop your partnerships.
Where will they be?
The forums will be held in a number of cities and regional centres around the country. Visit the 2010 Partnership Forums page to find your nearest forum and to register.
If you can’t attend a forum, you’ll be able to watch one online via our Online Partnership Forums.
Are they worth it?
We think so! But don’t just take our word for it – more than 700 school representatives attended our
75 workshops last year. Read stories from the facilitators at the 2009 workshops.
Who should attend?
Anyone interested in learning more about school-community partnerships and Schools First. This includes principals, teachers, students, parents, local government, community organisations, local businesses and any member of the community.
Here’s some food for thought
In the interim, we encourage you to think about two things:
1. What are some of the issues affecting our young people and community?
- What solutions could begin to address those issues?
2. What expertise and resources are available in your community?
- How can you start to build or strengthen connections for schools to tap into these opportunities?
Schools can think about partnering with many organisations and individuals in their community. In the context of the Schools First Awards, there include local businesses, retailers, health providers, libraries, local government bodies, Chambers of Commerce, retirement villages, Rotary, Apex, Lions clubs, TAFEs and universities – to name a few! Partnerships could even be created remotely, connected by technology.
Useful Links
Join our mailing list
Partnership Matching Service
Awards and Applications
General FAQs
