1. EPSB Novice News 1

2. EPSB Novice News 2 Sonia Rovang

3. Overview Discover:  What School Councils are  Who School Councils benefit  What School Councils do EPSB Novice News 3

4. A group of people who work together to advise the principal and the board respecting matters relating to the school. A means for parents and community members to work together with the school to support and enhance student learning. EPSB Novice News 4

5.  School Act  School Act Regulations “Handout” Reminder EPSB Novice News 5

6. What’s in it for you ? EPSB Novice News 6

7.  Gain an understanding of the school and its programs  Build a relationship with principal, professional and support staff  Get involved in school improvement planning  Advise the principal on school improvement strategies and processes EPSB Novice News 7

8. Discover the thoughts and hopes of the broader school community Acquire a group of aware and engaged ambassadors, advocates, supporters of the school Benefit from parents on school council who can advise on the school’s 3-year education plan, support the goals in the plan and encourage other parents to do the same (i.e.: guest speakers, action at home, awareness of areas of focus, etc) EPSB Novice News 8

9.  Gain insight into parents’ ideas, philosophies and values  Can provide information to a district wide collective of school councils or individual school councils  Receive feedback on proposed policies, directions prior to proceeding EPSB Novice News 9

10. Act as an information conduit through attendance at school council meetings or written correspondence to Chairs Bring the parental perspective from schools back to the board agenda EPSB Novice News 10

11. ☺ Higher student achievement ☺ Better student attendance ☺ Positive student attitudes and behaviors ☺ Higher student graduation rates EPSB Novice News 11

12. Foster, develop, maintain and reflect the culture of the school Create the forum for discussion Provide the opportunity to participate in the advisory role Seek and represent school community views EPSB Novice News 12

13.  Principal  Teacher  Student (if senior high)  Parents of children enrolled in the school must be the majority  Others as decided EPSB Novice News 13

14. Advise principal and board on any matter relating to the school Decide operating procedures for itself Carry out activities related to its advisory role Submit annual report of activities and financial statements (if needed) to school board Handle monies with caution EPSB Novice News 14

15.  School governance bodies…. (see school board)  Employers…. (see school board)  School managers…. (see principal) Approach with  Primarily fundraisers  Primarily lobbyists  Complaint sessions Alberta School Council Resource Manual, Page 10 EPSB Novice News 15

16. Teacher EPSB Novice News 16 ASCA School Councils Minister of Education School Board Superintendent District Office Staff Principal Council of School Councils (COSC)

17. EPSB Novice News 17