School Community Councils Celebrating Rural Schools: Looking Back & Looking Forward Building Effective School Community Councils

What are SCCs? School-level councils that involve parents and community members in working together on issues that affect student learning and well-being An important and integral part of school division governance: Established in legislation In every school

What is their purpose? To work with families and community members to: Develop shared responsibility in the school and community for the learning success and well-being of children and youth Encourage families, community members and youth to be involved in school planning and improvement

Who is on the SCC? 5 - 9 elected parent/guardian and community members – majority must be parents/guardians 1 - 2 high school students 1 or more First Nation representatives – where students living on-reserve are attending the school Principal 1 teacher Other appointed members

Who is on the SCC? Other appointed members include: Human services Other CBOs Faith-based Elders Families of: Students with intensive/needs First Nations or Métis students Students for whom English is an Additional Language Students who have recently immigrated to Canada Business and Industry Geographic Representatives Other – town council, RCMP, recreation director, dual-stream schools, priests and parish workers, regional college (career education)

Roles and Responsibilities of SCCs Duties: Develop a good understanding of the needs and goals for student learning in their school and community Develop and carry out School-Level Plans which supports the division strategic plan.

Roles and Responsibilities of SCCs Duties (continued): Communicate annually about its work and accomplishments Account for funds it spends Participate in training, orientation and development opportunities

Roles and Responsibilities of SCCs Duties (continued): The SCC may not discuss or be given access to personal confidential information regarding student families or staff.

Roles and Responsibilities of SCCs Powers: Advice and recommendations to the board of education Advice to the school staff regarding school programs Advice to other organizations

SCCs and School-Level Planning School-Level Plan (SLP) SCCs collaborate with the principal and school staff to develop the SLP SLP planning will involve local stakeholders SLP and accomplishments will be communicated on annual basis

The Education Sector Strategic Plan (ESSP) The ESSP is a multi-year strategic plan (2014-2020) for the education sector The ESSP was developed collaboratively by the education sector Provides a unified approach to education in order to meet the needs of students

Student First Engagement Russ Mirasty and Patricia Prowse were appointed as Student First Advisors to gather feedback on how to improve the education system by putting the student first Student First Engagement Discussion Guide is available on our website at: http://www.saskatchewan.ca/studentfirst

Tell Them from Me Sharing data to support a Student First approach using Tell Them From Me – The Student Voice Student voice is a catalyst for change. Responding effectively to student voice is critical to increasing student engagement which contributes positively to student achievement and well-being.

Support School divisions each have a senior administrative contact to be responsible for school community councils and to support them in: Orientation Training Development Networking opportunities

For Further Information: Ministry of Education – http://www.education.gov.sk.ca/scc Saskatchewan School Boards Association http://www.saskschoolboards.ca