School Council

Why are we doing this presentation? Last Meeting Future Meetings Talking over one another Unnecessary tension and tones Unbecoming behaviour from adults What did this accomplish? A negative, non supportive image to school community One person speaking at a time Everyone feel like they have a right to speak Friendly environment Behaviour that reflects adults What will this accomplish? A positive, supportive image to the school community as well as inclusiveness

What we will cover Purpose of School Councils Code of Ethics By laws Thoughts/Question? Motion to Approve Set up (Name plates) Continuity Mandate PIC meeting Fundraising Voting Members Closing

What is our main purpose? Successful education requires a strong partnership between the school, the home, the staff and members of the community What do school councils do: School councils serve in an advisory capacity to the school Principal, and the Board to promote continued excellence in education, placing the overall interest of students first. School councils engage parents in their child’s learning and provide a powerful network of support Through the active participation of parents, school councils work to improve student achievement School councils participate in fundraising initiatives to help raise funds for overall school needs Participating on the school council is a rewarding experience for all those who value the opportunity to make a difference in their children’s education.

CODE OF ETHICS

Nottawa Elementary Code of Ethics A member shall consider the best interests of the students A member shall be guided by the school’s and the school board’s mission statements A member shall act within the limits of the roles and responsibilities of a school council, as identified by the schools operating guidelines, the school board, and the Ontario Ministry of Education A member shall become familiar with the schools policies and operating practices and act in accordance with them A member shall maintain the highest standards of integrity A member shall recognize and respect the personal integrity of each member of the school community

Cont’d A member shall treat all other members with respect and allow for diverse opinions to be shared without interruption A member shall encourage a positive environment in which individual contributions are encouraged and valued A member shall acknowledge democratic principles and accept the consensus of the council A member shall respect the confidential nature of some school business and respect limitations this may place on the operation of the school council A member shall not disclose confidential information

Cont’d A member shall limit discussions at school council meetings to matters of concern to the school community as a whole A member shall use established communication channels when questions or concerns arise A member shall promote high standards of ethical practice within the school community A member shall declare any conflict of interest A member shall not accept any payment or benefit financially through school council involvement

Conflict Resolution By-Laws

Nottawa Elementary Conflict resolution By-Laws Council members are elected to serve the school community and will demonstrate respect for their colleagues on council at all times If a council member or members become disruptive during the meeting, the chair shall ask for order Disruptive behavior is any violation of the Code of Ethics If all efforts to restore order fail or the unbecoming behavior continues, the chair may direct the individual council member(s) to leave the meeting, citing the reasons for the request The removal of a member for one meeting does not prevent the council members from participation in future meetings

By-laws Cont’d The incident shall be recorded and submitted to the Superintendent of Schools within one week of the meeting When the chair has requested the removal of a member or members from a meeting, the chair shall request that the disputing members of council participate in a special meeting, the purpose of which will be to arrive at a mutually acceptable solution to the dispute. Such a meeting may be a private meeting, and shall not be construed as a meeting of the council The chair may request the intervention of an independent third party to assist in achieving a resolution to the dispute. An independent third party may be a board official or another individual mutually agreed on by the parties in the dispute Any resolution at the meeting to resolve the conflict shall be signed and respected in full by all parties to the agreement

Set Up Please sit where you name is placed Talk with the person next to you – get to know other council members! Please leave your name plate when you leave

Continuity Binder - PIC Mandate from the Board is that all schools will have 2 continuity binders One with the Chair and a mirror image of it in the school office for all parents to see Goal is minimum the last two years This way you can go back and see what worked/didn’t work and see what you may want to keep the same or change All council happenings will go into binder – this way everything is in one place Hand over when new Chair/Council comes in for easy transition Ensures continuity is carried on for the greater good of the school and the ease of the new council PIC started all these binders for the Chairs this year – we will add to ours over the course of the year

Fundraising Update Poinsettias A Sub Committee has been formed and our 2 initiatives are well under way.

Voting Members Currently the only voting members are those on elected positions on council Chair only votes if a tie If you would like to be a voting member please fill out form Must be able to commit to coming to all meetings We need Quorum in order to pass motions on items voted on

Thank you for coming out to school council and we all look forward to a positive and productive year