What is PFG?
- The Parents & Families Group (PFG) is made up of the adults who have a child enrolled in the School. Membership is automatic on enrolment with the School, so if you are a parent/carer of a child at Cardiff Steiner School, you are a member of the Parents & Families Group.
- In addition to being a member, some parent/carers are Chair/Co-Chairs, Class Reps and Working Group Reps.
- Chairs/Co Chairs, Class Reps and Working Group Reps form a PFG Steering Committee that prioritises and organises activities and contributes to streamlined communication.
Activities
Overseeing a calendar of activities to provide many ways for parents and families to get involved with the community. For example:
– Social Events for whole school and individual classes
– Education Events e.g. a talk by a teacher or staff member about different aspects of Steiner Education or the School
– Gardening Days
– Fundraising Events
– School Fairs
– Working Days
Communication
Contributing to transparent, informative and two way communication within the School e.g. between Class Teachers and Families, The School Management Team and Families and between different Working Groups. They provide opportunities to talk and share views, contribute to the School Newsletter and facilitate Class WhatsApp groups. In addition, Class Reps are a point of call for parents/carers when they don’t know where to go!
Prioritisation
Providing direction for where we put our energy. It is a space for communication between Working Groups, where different priorities can be and sorted so the PFG is contributing to a School Community where our children and families are thriving. By organising activities in advance and communicating clearly about them we hope that families are supported to get involved in the way they want to.
How is the PFG Committee structured?
- Each class has at least two Reps who are part of the PFG Committee; a Class Rep (chosen by the Teacher) and one or more Working Group Reps (volunteered).
- The PFG Committee is made up of the Chair/Co-Chairs, Class Reps and Working Group Reps and meets once a month. At least once a term members of the School Management Team attend to reflect and plan together.
- The Chair/Co-Chairs have responsibility for communication, organising Committee meetings, making links between working groups and overseeing fundraising done by PFG.
- The PFG Committee organises itself into working groups, each facilitated by a Working Group/Class Rep. The Working Group includes as many parent/carers from PFG who want to be involved and may change in membership with different priorities/projects.
- The current working groups are:
• School Fairs
• Social and educational events
• Garden Group
• One off projects (e.g. Hot School Meals)
Overview of Roles
- Every child’s parents/carers will be automatically signed up to the PFG on enrollment to the School
- Parents and carers are encouraged to actively take part in the community activities organised by the PFG as part of the Waldorf education principles. There will be a variety of activities at different times of day/week/year to support as many people to participate as possible
