Transcript Catholic School Council Networking

1
2
In a time when there is little reverence for the image of God
in the human person, we are summoned to care for human
life with an ultimate respect.
R. Lord, keep us mindful of your image present in our children.
In a world marked by poverty, oppression and war, we are
commanded to work for justice and peace.
R. Lord, strengthen our resolve as we stand for justice and
peace in your name.
In an age that seems more fearful of the future, we are
directed to give an account of the hope that is within us.
R. Lord, may we ever instill in our children the gift of faith,
rooted in hope and bound in love.
This Moment of Promise, OCCB 1989
3
Welcome
To All!
4
“Reflection Cards”





Choose one card from your table
Join others in the room whose cards have the same
colour as yours (blue, green or orange)
Create groups of 4-5 of the same colour (e.g. 4
people with blue cards)
Take a moment to reflect on the word on your card
Share with your group how that word is meaningful
to you in your connection to your child’s Catholic
school community.
5







1993 Ontario Parent Council (OPC) established
1994 OPC recommends parent councils in every
school
1995 Royal Commission on Learning recommends
“school community councils”
1995 boards to develop policies
1997 School Councils mandated by Ont. Law
2002 School Councils: A Guide for Members
2011 Catholic School Councils play a valued role
in the life of our Catholic schools
6
7

Acknowledge the vital role that all of the Catholic School
Council partners play in contributing to and sustaining a
strong Catholic school community

Recognize the important contributions of an active, inclusive
Catholic School Council in creating caring, welcoming school
communities

Envision a partnership of home, school and parish, with a
focus on supporting student learning, well-being and
spiritual growth
8

Articulate a difference between Parent Involvement and
Parent Engagement

Discover resources available on the DSC, LDCSB and Ministry
websites

Connect with members of many Family of Schools Catholic
School Councils and reach a common understanding of:
1. the role of Catholic School Council
2. how to conduct effective, inclusive
School Council meetings
9
School Councils: A Guide for Members
(Ontario Ministry of Education, 2002)
At your tables…
1. Briefly scan the section of the document assigned to your table.
2. Using three separate sticky notes, record each of the following using the
guide:
1. One statement your group already knew
2. One item about which you were not familiar
3. One question your group has regarding the section you read
3. Place the three sticky notes on the appropriate sheet at the front of the
room.
10
11
1. Clarity of the Roles
a. Parents participate effectively and authentically in
the advisory role
b. Principal acknowledges the contributions of
council
c. Principal and the Catholic School Council Chair
work in partnership to achieve the shared goals of
the school community and Council
d. School Council members view themselves as
contributing partners in Catholic Education
e. CSC members have a clear understanding of their
role (e.g. chair, treasurer, secretary)
12
2.
Efficient and Productive School Council Meetings
a. Elections - in keeping with guidelines and timelines
b. Agendas – co-create with principal and chair
c. Minutes – record and distribute to council
d. Financial reporting – monthly status and the use of the
$500.00 Base funding and PRO Grants
d. Decision-making - consensus based decision making
e. Communication – share the good work of the
council with the school community and the system
(newsletters, your CSC webpage & District Council page)
13
3. Set and Achieve Attainable Goals for the Year
Create goals aligned with your School Improvement Plan (SIP)
in the areas of:
a. Community Building – Welcome back BBQ
b. Student learning – communication with
teachers/principal, host a Literacy Night
c. Faith Formation – plan and attend liturgical
celebrations, charitable/social justice initiatives
d. Policy & Practices
i. Examine and update school guidelines for
homework, code of conduct, dress code, school
improvement planning, healthy school climate
ii. Review and give feedback to Board policies
iii. Become involved in committee work/
event planning
14

The earlier in a child’s educational process parent
involvement begins, the more powerful the effect
Engaging Parents: Improving Student Achievement 2006

Positive parental aspirations for their children’s
educational achievement have a strong relationship
with children’s actual achievement
Parent Engagement Policy for Ontario Schools, 2010
15








Communicate regularly with your child’s teacher(s)
Contact the principal if further assistance is needed
Seek out opportunities to be involved/engaged in
the life of the school
Read your school newsletters and website
Know your School Council members
Attend School Council meetings
Inquire about the learning goals of the school
Engage in learning activities at home…sometimes,
just for fun!!
16
1. LDCS Board website
o
www.ldcsb.on.ca
District School Council Home Page
Go to Community
oMonthly meetings
oSpecial Events (e.g. “When Violence Becomes Entertaining”)
oCalendar of Events
oParent Engagement Resources
oThe Parent Welcome Kit template
oPRO grant tips and best practices, annual Base
Funding application ($500)
2. Ministry of Education
www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/parents/involvement/
17
The Catholic School Council is a vehicle
for engaging more parents in the school
community in order to improve student
achievement and to have a strong,
informed and unified voice for Catholic
education across the province of Ontario.
Engaging Parents: Improving Student Achievement , 2006
18
If a concern arises about your child, contact:
o
Your child’s teacher(s)
o
The school’s Principal
The school’s Affiliate Superintendent
o
o
o
The Director of Education
Your Elected Catholic School Trustee
We are all partners in Catholic Education to support the achievement,
well-being and spiritual growth of our children.
19
Plan a School Activity or Event
Parent Involvement and Parent Engagement
e.g. Board Game Night, Family Math Night,
Bullying Prevention, Positive Parenting …
In your planning, consider:





The goals of the event – remember student achievement, faith
formation through parent engagement).
Parents roles(organizers, volunteers and attendees).
Possible barriers for some to be able to attend (e.g. cost,
transportation, babysitting, language barrier).
Solutions offered by the school and CSC for optimum attendance
Funding opportunities ($500 annual base funding , PRO Grants,
networking /sharing with neighboring school (s))
20


Parents can be generously involved in the activities of the school and yet
not really engaged in the learning of their child or the promotion of a
healthy school environment.
Parents who are involved and engaged have an awareness of the their
ability to support not only their child’s learning and well-being but the
learning and well being of the community in partnership with the school
by:
 Valuing and using the avenues of communication between home
and school
 Contributing to the life of the school and to the health of the
system
 Knowing the learning and improvement goals of the school so that
they can support the achievement of not only their own child but
that of the other students.
 Advocating for their own child as well as for the school community
through the support channels of the school and the Board
 Accessing Resources to support achievement of all students in the
community and sharing that information with other schools.
21
When we learn to see life through the
eyes of a child, that is when we become
truly wise.
Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta
22
Acknowledge
Recognize
Envision
Articulate
Discover
Connect
Evaluation form - How did we do?
Other suggestions to support CSCs?
Next steps?
23
Lord God, you have made us and formed us in
your image and likeness. You have called each of
us by name to serve you and your people
through the gift of Catholic education. Guide
the work we do; bless us and the Catholic
educational community with whom we are
engaged on this sacred journey of learning. May
Jesus the teacher inspire the work of our hands,
and keep us ever mindful that all of us involved
in Catholic education are working to bring about
the reign of god on earth. We ask this through
Mary, the first teacher of Jesus.
Amen
24