The parent behind the P&C

“I don’t need any more coffee mugs,” Ms Jenkins said with a laugh.

From hand-picked gifts to homemade treats, Ms Jenkins puts plenty of thought into the stalls, which have become some of the P&C’s biggest fundraisers.

“We have tried to go back to including homemade goods in the stall,” she said.

“When I was younger, our mums would make a lot of stuff for the Mother’s Day stalls.”

The Mother’s Day and Father’s Day stalls, along with the school’s Christmas concert, brings parents together while raising money for the school.

Over the years, that money has helped pay for new sandpit toys, books, blinds and televisions.

Now, the P&C has its sights set on a new goal: new iPads for students.

The school’s needs are determined by teachers, and sometimes students, putting in requests.

“It was one of the students who wrote to us about getting blinds for one of the new classrooms,” she said.

For Ms Jenkins, moments like that show exactly where the P&C’s fundraising can make a difference.

And while the bigger fundraisers help provide lasting resources, some of the P&C’s smaller events are also about giving students something to look forward to.

Throughout the year, the group runs Zooper Dooper, hot chocolate and cupcake days.

“It’s a special treat day for the kids. They all love it,” Ms Jenkins said.

The P&C even has a secret weapon when it comes to cupcakes, with one school mum known as an “amazing cake baker”.

Having been involved with P&C since 2018 and president since 2020, Ms Jenkins is well-versed in running these events, but said she was passionate about more than raising money.

“Initially, I just wanted to be involved in my kids’ school,” she said.

“It’s a wonderful little school, and we’ve got amazing teachers and amazing kids.

“It's just a really good community here.”

From choosing gifts to organising treats, Ms Jenkins enjoys being part of everyday life at Kialla West, while giving back to a school she loves.