1. A collaborative project by ASCA/ERLC/ARPDC as a result of a grant from Alberta Education to support implementation Alberta School Councils’ Association School Council Leaders Webinar with Lisa Dickner

2. Presenter Image and Bio SC Leaders Webinar 2 Lisa is an Edmonton-based Instructor/Facilitator who has worked with ASCA over the past four years. In addition to supporting her own school council, she has worked as an Executive Director (provincial sport), instructed in the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP), trained college instructors and fire-fighters on instructional skills, and worked as an independent consultant with non-profit boards throughout Alberta. Lisa is also currently working with the Community Learning Network providing regional support to Alberta’s Community Learning Councils.

3. Advocacy Consultations Site Services Conference Annual General Meeting Web Site Materials Alberta School Council Resource Manual SC Leaders Webinar 3 This ASCRM icon in the bottom right-hand corner of presentation slides indicates that more details can be found in the ASCR Manual

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5. To understand the roles of school council members so school council can focus on supporting and enhancing student learning and performance SC Leaders Webinar 5

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7. 1.Confidentiality of names and opinions – discuss the content with anyone who will listen! SC Leaders Webinar 7

8. 1.Confidentiality 2.Listen actively to others SC Leaders Webinar 8

9. 1.Confidentiality 2.Listen actively to others 3.Share if you feel comfortable SC Leaders Webinar 9

10. 1.Confidentiality 2.Listen actively to others 3.Share if you feel comfortable 4.Respect others’ opinions and views SC Leaders Webinar 10

11. 1.Confidentiality 2.Listen actively to others 3.Share if you feel comfortable 4.Respect others’ opinions and views 5.Take responsibility for your own learning SC Leaders Webinar 11

12. 1.Confidentiality 2.Listen actively to others 3.Share if you feel comfortable 4.Respect others’ opinions and views 5.Take responsibility for our own learning 6.Have fun. SC Leaders Webinar 12

13. SC Leaders Webinar 13 A. Northern Alberta B. Greater Edmonton Area C. Central Alberta D. Calgary and Southern Alberta E. Other Where are you?

14. A.Parent B.Student C.Teacher D.Principal or Admin E.Community Member SC Leaders Webinar 14

15. A group of people who work together to advise the principal and the board respecting matters relating to the school. SC Leaders Webinar 15 Refer to Handout #1 - Terminology

16. 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. Alberta School Council Resource Manual, 2006 SC Leaders Webinar 16 Refer to Handout #1 - Terminology

17. Foster, develop, maintain and reflect the culture of the school. Provide the opportunity to participate in the advisory role. Create the forum for discussion. Seek and represent school community views. SC Leaders Webinar 17 Refer to Handout #1 - Terminology

18. Principal Teacher Student (if senior high) Parents of children enrolled in the school must be the majority Others as decided School Councils Regulation SC Leaders Webinar 18 Refer to Handout #1 - Terminology

19. 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 to school board Handle monies SC Leaders Webinar 19 Refer to Handout #1 - Terminology

20. SC Leaders Webinar 20 A = < 1 year B = 1 - 2 years C = 3 - 5 years D = > 5 years

21. School governance bodies…. (see school board) Employers…. (see school board) School managers…. (see principal) Approach with Primarily fundraisers Primarily lobbyists Complaint sessions SC Leaders Webinar 21 Refer to Handout #1 - Terminology Alberta School Council Resource Manual, Page 10

22. Everyone is responsible for effective meetings Understanding roles allows people to participate School council members all contribute to ensure meetings are respectful and productive Chair is tasked with the logistics SC Leaders Webinar 22

23. Have you had the opportunity to be the chair person of your school council? =Yes =No SC Leaders Webinar 23

24. link (Principal) coordinator (meetings) communicator (calendar of events, agendas & year-end report) mentor (for School Council volunteers) spokesperson (for the School Council) Chairperson is a: SC Leaders Webinar 24 Refer to Handout #2 – Role of the Chair, Handout #3 – School Council Chair Responsibilities and Handout #4 – Tips for School Council Chairs

25. Consulting with each other and the chairperson consults with the principal Communicating with the School Community Creating the agenda; anyone may request to have items placed on the agenda, chairperson prepares the agenda Being familiar with procedures Planning & Preparation is for all school council members SC Leaders Webinar 25

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27. Everyone ensures there are welcoming introductions Everyone sets the tone at meetings Everyone encourages and supports participation Everyone is responsible for starting and finishing on time School Council Leaders SC Leaders Webinar 27 Refer to Handout #5 – Increase Meeting Participation and Handout #6 – Running a “Smooth” Meeting

28. Every school council member brings: experiences, wisdom, emotions, values, beliefs and, yes, their own unique personality. Various perspectives are very valuable. Various personalities are also very valuable. SC Leaders Webinar 28

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30. Identify the real “issues” that are the business of School Council Determine an appropriate process for School Council to follow to address the issues, not the personality SC Leaders Webinar 30

31. SC Leaders Webinar 31 The School Council chairperson of Smurf Elementary has asked that members come to the next meeting prepared to offer some ideas that may help to improve the traffic and parking situations around their school. At that meeting, Mr. Sergeant, father of 6 and a prominent member of the business and political communities, suggests that some members of the school council should become certified by- law officers so that they can hand tickets out to anyone committing a safety or traffic violation around the school. He also believes that the license numbers of vehicles parked illegally or driving unsafely should be published on the large sign in front of the school, in the school newsletter and on the school website. Finally, he believes anyone found to be disobeying the traffic and parking rules in the area of the school should be forbidden from bringing their vehicles anywhere within a 4 block radius of the school. SC Leaders Webinar 31

32. SC Leaders Webinar 32 “Real” Issues of the School Council:

33. SC Leaders Webinar 33 Process to deal with the issues, not the personality:

34. The Parent Association affiliated with the Affluence Abounds School Council has several thousand dollars in their bank accounts. They believe that some classrooms are in need of additional, or updated, classroom resource materials (dictionaries, maps, etc). They have also heard that the band classes could use some new instruments, the sports teams need new equipment, the fine arts department would like an Artist in Residence, the library is in great need of new books, some computers need to be replaced and that none of the students have been on an out- of-school field trip in the past 2 years. The parent association would like to know how to spend their money this year, and asks for the help of the school council in making this decision. At the school council meeting, the principal identifies that one of the priorities in the school’s 3-year plan addresses the concern about their students being assessed below the district and provincial averages in Science in all grades. One school council member, Ms. Eyenstine, whose child is failing science, insists that the Parent Association immediately hire Science tutors for any student in need of additional assistance. SC Leaders Webinar 34

35. SC Leaders Webinar 35 “Real” Issues of the School Council:

36. SC Leaders Webinar 36 Process to deal with the issues, not the personality:

37. Use the minutes as a follow-up tool Offer assistance or mentor Share important meeting messages Delegate tasks Follow-up SC Leaders Webinar 37

38. Review what was accomplished Identify areas for improvement Connect with attendees and get feedback Incorporate feedback into the next agenda Focus on balance: productivity vs. enjoyment Evaluation SC Leaders Webinar 38

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40. Don’t wait! Consider everyone a possibility Use training & mentoring Emphasize flexibility & creativity Recognize contributions Engagement SC Leaders Webinar 40

41. One step at a time Practice, Practice, Practice Pat yourself on the back! Everyone is responsible for the leadership of school council Conclusions SC Leaders Webinar 41

42. 1.800.661.3470 780.454.9867 parents@albertaschoolcouncils.ca SC Leaders Webinar 42

43. SC Leaders Webinar 43 www.albertaschoolcouncils.ca

44. SC Leaders Webinar 44 You will be redirected to our online evaluation. Please take a minute to complete it.