Parent and Michaelian Network - Connected for Life

Old Michaelians and parents routinely engage with St Michael's students and younger graduates to share academic expertise, career advice and professional opportunities. 

Through our Business Directory allowing current and past community members to list their professional and business profiles to other community members, and event series such as industry-specific Professional Networking nights, Career Expos, and the Old Michaelian Academic Mentoring program, students and Old Michaelians are supported at every stage of their learning and professional journeys. 

Our PCA is a welcoming and diverse network of parent volunteers who generate connection and a culture of giving back at St Michael's. Running regular social and fundraising events, and meeting regularly with school staff and leaders, our PCA are respected as genuine partners in decision-making, in the best interests of students, families and friends of our School.  

They foster a vibrant parent community through fundraising, events, support and friendship; underpinned by our School values of dignity, respect, care and compassion.

There are many opportunities to get involved, such as joining the PCA Committee, taking on the role of a Year Level Representative, volunteering with the Parent Supporters of the Arts, Sport, Communications or Events, helping with lost property and second-hand book and uniform sales, or bringing specific expertise to other PCA events. Guidance, training and support is provided to all new volunteers in order to enable them to perform their roles successfully. 

Throughout the year, there are plenty of year level events such as welcome gatherings, coffee get-togethers, social drinks, and many more!

A defining feature of life at St Michael’s is the strength of our community and the way families, alumni and friends actively contribute to our students’ experience.

Each year, more than 300 volunteers, including current and past families and community partners, contribute to the life of our School. Their involvement helps create a warm, welcoming environment where students see first-hand the value of collaboration, service and shared responsibility.

Volunteers support a wide range of activities and initiatives, including:

• community events and celebrations
• open mornings and engagement activities
• sustainability and garden working bees
• second‑hand uniform initiatives
• parent connection and communications
• fundraising and prize donations

St Michael’s is committed to providing a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for all students, staff, volunteers and visitors. All volunteers are supported through appropriate orientation and guidance, ensuring they feel confident, valued and clear about their role.

We place child safety and wellbeing at the centre of all we do, and volunteering processes are designed to meet our legal and ethical obligations while supporting positive community participation.

Our Second-hand Uniform store (SHU) is coordinated by the St Michael's Parent Community Association (PCA), supporting the textile circular economy. 

Dedicated parent volunteers manage SHU throughout the year, enabling families to purchase, donate and sell St Michael's uniform items.

SHU volunteers run to an efficient and ethical operating model, guided by three key principles: 

• re-love
• re-use
• re-cycle

The work of SHU volunteers results in tonnes of textiles being saved from landfill and also benefits school children in developing overseas regions via our donation partnership with the Katalyst Foundation.