September 13, 2011 St. Francis High School 7:00 pm Introductions: Take a minute to get to know each...

New School Council Chair Orientation Session

September 13, 2011St. Francis High School

7:00 pm

Introductions:•Take a minute to get to know each other.•Provide your name, school, and any other information you would like to share.

School Council Orientation Sept. 13, 2011 2

Gathering Prayer

Superintendent Diduch: We begin by marking ourselves with the sign of our faith.

All: † In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Superintendent Diduch: As we set out upon another academic year, let us listen to these words from the Gospel of St. John:

“Jesus said to his disciples: This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go out and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.” (John 15:12-13, 16—17)

Please join in our opening prayer…

School Council Orientation Sept. 13, 2011 3

Gathering Prayer

All: Lord God, your love for us is extravagant. Continue to open our minds to the wisdom of your unfailing love and mercy as we join staff and students in exploring the district’s new faith theme. Fill our hearts with the spirit of your charity that we may please you by our thoughts and bear lasting fruit in your kingdom.

Be with us during this time of orientation and bless us with your grace. Help us to learn and fulfill our duties with enthusiasm and generosity. Guide our efforts to build and strengthen relationships within our school communities, that we may faithfully live the commandment of love and be true reflections of Christ through our hospitality, openness and leadership.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen

† In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

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For coming out tonight and for taking on the very important role and responsibility as School Council Chair.

Your commitment to your school community is very much valued and appreciated by your school administration and staff, by all parents in your school, the district, and the Board of Trustees.

Parent Involvement is very important. You will receive a lot of support along the way.

Congratulations!!! and Thank You!!!

School Council Orientation Sept. 13, 2011

†

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Serafino Scarpino, ChairWards 1, 2, & Cochrane

Mary Martin, Vice ChairWards 13 & 14

Lois Burke-GaffneyWards 6 & 8

Margaret BelcourtWards 4 & 7

Linda WellmanWards 3, 5, & Airdrie

Rosemarie GoerlitzWards 9, 10, & Chestermere

Cathie WilliamsWards 11 & 12


Calgary Catholic School District 2011-2012 Board of Trustees

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Dr. Lucy Miller, Chief Superintendent

Michael Barbero, Superintendent, Area A Schools

Luba Diduch, Superintendent, Area B Schools

Judy MacKay, Superintendent, Area C Schools

Gary Strother, Superintendent, Area D Schools / Information Technology

Mark Rawlek, Superintendent, Area E Schools / Support Services

Dr. Andra McGinn, Superintendent, Specialized Program Schools /

Instruction / Religious Education

John Deausy, Superintendent, Finance & Business / Secretary Treasurer

Craig Foley, Superintendent, Human Resources


Calgary Catholic School District Senior Administration

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Promote parental involvement in the education of their children

Facilitate with building community looking to include all voices

Understand local, district and provincial agendas, mandates and concerns and share with school council

Facilitate consultation with parent community and share outcomes with Trustees


Role of School Council Chair

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School Councils are collective associations of parents, teachers, secondary students, principals, staff and community representative who work together to effectively support and enhance student learning. They provide one means for members of the school community to provide advice and consult with the principal and advise the board…. (School Councils in Alberta, page ii) (CSSD School Council Handbook D.1)


Who is School Council?

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Transparent operations and communication of information

Shared with administration and school council chair

Administration shares with all staff and seeks input and feedback

School council chairs share with school councils and seek input and feedback

Administration report results to Dr. Miller through superintendents

School council chairs report to Trustees (through the office of Superintendent Diduch)

District Consultation Process


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School Council Handbook, D.2. Principal and SCC/executive consult on

setting meeting dates and agenda items. Build consensus before SC meeting.

Principal has final responsibility for all school and budget decisions.

Supports and advises the SC from the administrative perspective.

Executive Positions and Roles


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School Council Chair ensures minutes are recorded and maintained.

Ensures regular communication with school community.

Follows existing school council by-laws (check if these are in place at your school and review with council).

Solicit input from all members. Submit year-end report to the Board of

Trustees by Sept 30th of following year.

Executive positions and roles…..


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S1: School Councils provide parents a valuable avenue for parent involvement in their children’s school.

A1: True or False


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A1: True


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SC work is governed by the ◦ School Act (RSA 2000, Chapter S-3)◦ Alberta Regulation 113/2007, and ◦ CSSD mandate: SC handbook

Resource links (next slide) ◦ Refer Section K: Appendix A

Refer page D.2 SC Handbook


A1: True


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School Act (RSA 2000, Chapter S-3) http://www.qp.alberta.ca/574.cfm?page=s03.cfm&leg_type=Acts&isbncln=9780779733941

Alberta Education:◦ School Councils Regulation

http://www.qp.alberta.ca/documents/Regs/2007_113.pdf ◦ Alberta School Council Resource Manual, revised 2007.

http://education.alberta.ca/media/464094/scm.pdf◦ Guide to Education, September 2011, Regulations, page 13-

14 School Councils Regulation, AR 113/2007, School Act, Section 22 http://education.alberta.ca/media/832568/guidetoed.pdf

CSSD mandate:◦ School Council Handbook, www.cssd.ab.ca under Parent

Centre / School Councils or http://www.cssd.ab.ca/default.asp?V_ITEM_ID=192

S1: Resource Links


http://www.qp.alberta.ca/574.cfm?page=s03.cfm&leg_type=Acts&isbncln=9780779733941

http://www.qp.alberta.ca/574.cfm?page=s03.cfm&leg_type=Acts&isbncln=9780779733941

http://www.qp.alberta.ca/574.cfm?page=2007_113.cfm&leg_type=Regs&isbncln=9780779724086

http://www.qp.alberta.ca/documents/Regs/2007_113.pdf

http://education.alberta.ca/media/464094/scm.pdf




http://education.alberta.ca/media/832568/guidetoed.pdf

http://www.cssd.ab.ca/

http://www.cssd.ab.ca/default.asp?V_ITEM_ID=192

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S2: The purpose of SC is to affect student learning and school environment in a positive way.

A2: True or False


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A2: True


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Communication is key – principal and SC chair and executive come to understand school priorities and work together on support of successful outcomes.

Important to understand how the school and district operate and communicate these processes to parents.

The best happens when SC and the principal work together for the benefit of all students.


A2: True


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S3: The SC mandate as per Alberta Education and the District gives SC chairs, executive and membership the authority to initiate new programs and experiences for students.

A3: True or False


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A3: False


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The role of SC is to “advise” the principal and work collaboratively to promote enhanced learning and a positive climate and culture.

Collaboration is the key when looking to creating the “best possible” learning environment for students.

Refer page D3 “Role of Principal” and “Role of School Council Chair.”


A3: False


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S4: When parents have a concern about their child and/or school operations, their first point of contact is the SC chair?

A4: True or False


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S4: When parents have a concern about their child and/or school operations, their first point of contact is the SC chair?

A4: True or False


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S4: Communication Protocol

INDIVIDUAL TRUSTEE

SCHOOL STAFF MEMBER

PARENT SCHOOL COUNCIL

AREA SUPERINTENDEN

T

PRINCIPAL

TEACHER

CHIEF SUPERINTENDEN

T

BOARD OF TRUSTEES


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S5: SC’s function is similar to what was previously called “PTAs’ (Parent Teacher Associations).

A5: True or False


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A5: False


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A5: False


SC’s have expanded to include parents, principals, teachers, students, past chair and members of the community (refer to Section B.1 – Membership).

SC’s advise the principal and the Board of Trustees in accordance with the delegation (refer to Section K.2)

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S6: The SC Chair and/or Executive meet with the principal to establish the SC Agenda.

A6: True or False


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A6: True


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In Alberta, SC’s are governed by the School Act and Regulations.

Important to establish a process to meet and finalize agenda items.

Agreement needs to be reached before agenda brought to members at large.

Speaking with one voice strengthens a school community and is best for enhancing positive climate and culture.

SC initiatives need to reflect the school Three Year Plan.


A6: True


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S7: Educational Societies have their own mandates and function outside SC Regulations.

A7: True or False


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A7: True


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When the best happens, Educational Societies work to support the work of the SC and the school’s Three Year Plan.

Under the School Act, SCs are the only legal body that has an advisory role (to the principal and the Board when requested) within a school community.

Refer to Section I: Fundraising for information on Educational Societies.


A7: True


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S8: SCs act as the “eyes and ears” of the Board of Trustees.

A8: True or False


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S8: SCs act as the “eyes and ears” of the Board of Trustees.

A8: True


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Trustees are elected by the public to oversee the work of the district.

“Trustee” comes from the word “trust”. ..the public have placed their trust in the Board of Trustees to ensure that the District is carrying out Alberta Education mandates with respect to the operation of the district and schools in their care.

Trustees respond and consult with parents and want to hear from them on a regular basis.

School Council Chairs and Trustee General Meeting, Parent and Trustee Forums, Program & Accommodation meetings and specially called meetings (refer page H.4) or on our district website at: http://www.cssd.ab.ca/default.asp?V_ITEM_ID=192

S8: SCs act as the “eyes and ears” of the Board of Trustees.A8: True


http://www.cssd.ab.ca/default.asp?V_ITEM_ID=192

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S9: SC Chairs have a responsibility to bring back all information received from the district to SC meetings.

A9: True or False


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A9: True


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The SC chair is the liaison between the Trustees and their school community.

Any and all information received by the SC Chair needs to be shared at SC meetings.

Any feedback or input for parents, on a any given topic, is forwarded to Trustees (through the SC liaison to the Board – Superintendent Diduch).

School Councils prepare a Year-End Report that is forwarded to the Board of Trustees by September 30 of each year. In Calgary Catholic, this report is forwarded to the liaison to the Board.


A9: True


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S10: In its “advisory” capacity, SCs help the school reflect a community spirit and work together with the principal toward realizing mutually established school goals as stated in the School Three Year Plan.

A10: True or False


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S10: In its “advisory” capacity, SCs help the school reflect a community spirit and work together with the principal toward realizing mutually established school goals as per the School Three Year Plan.

A: Very True and reflective of what it looks like when the “best happens”!


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Parents look to SC chairs for leadership. Important for SC chairs to know the School Act on School

Councils, School Council regulation and information in the SC Handbook to run effective meetings and know how to direct parents when request(s) come forward.

Important for SC chairs to embrace the full scope of their positions including advisory to their principal, district and at the government level.

S10: In its “advisory” capacity, SCs help the school reflect a community spirit and work together with the principal toward realizing mutually established school goals as per the School Three Year Plan.

A10: Very True and reflective of what it looks like when the “best happens”!


43School Council Orientation Sept. 13, 2011

Questions

All questions are relevant and important. If your question was not answered in the

course of this meeting, using the Feedback Sheet, please provide your name, school, and e-mail address with your question(s) and leave on the table when leaving or fax to Luba Diduch at 403-500-2919 or email your questions to [email protected].

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For stepping up to the leadership position. For working in an advisory role to the principal in

working together for creating the best possible learning opportunities for all students.

Thank you!!!


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Superintendent Diduch: On this feast of St. John Chrysostom, patron of preachers, we pray as one:

All: † In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

As we conclude our meeting, we thank you for the gifts you have placed in our care and for the call to serve you and one another through our gifts. Continue to lead and direct our activities that we may work collaboratively with others and remain steadfast in our endeavour to uphold the dignity of each child in our district. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.

†In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Closing Prayer


September 13, 2011 St. Francis High School 7:00 pm Introductions: Take a minute to get to know each...

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