School Councils

	Board Chair Sarah Hoffman Superintendent of Schools Edgar Schmidt Centre for Education One Kingsway Edmonton, Alberta T5H 4G9 T. 780.429.8000 F. 780.429.8318 E. info@epsb.ca

:: School Councils

School Councils are collective associations of parents, teachers, secondary students, principals, staff and community representative(s) 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 to advise the board.

School councils were created in 1995 and established under the School Act. School councils are mandatory for all schools in the public education system. Through school councils, Albertans assume an advisory role in local education matters that range from academic programs to school policies and budgeting.

School Councils play an important role by providing advice and assistance to school principals and trustees regarding educational issues. Involvement on these councils includes:

focusing on educational matters
providing input on various matters such as program planning, school budgets, and school operations
serving as a liaison between parents, the school, and community groups
locating resources such as speakers and volunteers
gathering information and sharing experiences
supporting the goals and objectives of the school

November 28, 2012 - School Council Training - School Council Training was held on November 28. Participants chose from four workshops. While workshop handouts can never do justice to actual attendance at the sessions themselves, we're attaching them here in case you might find them helpful. Thanks to the wonderful presenters from the Alberta School Councils' Association for sharing their knowledge and expertise with our school councils.
Workshop #1 - Understanding the Purpose of Fundraising Associations - powerpoint and handouts
Workshop #2 - Understanding the Purpose of A School Council - powerpoint and handouts
Workshop #3 - Tools for Effective School Councils - powerpoint and handouts
Workshop #4 - Networking and Connecting with other School Councils - powerpoint and handouts

School Council Information Package

Below please find 2012-2013 School Council information. If you have any problems using these forms please call Jean Jenkins at 780-429-8039 or email jean.jenkins@epsb.ca.

2012-2013 forms:

2012-2013 School Council Welcome Back Message Please read for information about the Partners in Education program and how we can provide support to your school council.

2012-2013 School Council Information and Requirements Please read for important information about legal requirements, privacy issues, etc.

2012-2013 School Council Registration Form This is an editable pdf. Please complete, save on your desk top and send as an attachment to jean.jenkins@epsb.ca by October 30, 2012.

2012-2013 Alberta School Councils' Association Membership This document explains the FREE membership that is available to all district school councils.

2012-2013 Permission for School Council to Contact Parents/Guardians Directly (for your school council's use.)

Annual Reporting

As mandated by Alberta Education in the School Act, school council chairs must prepare and provide an annual report to the Edmonton Public School Board by September 30 of each year. It is recommended the report be completed by the end of June 2012 so that the current school council members are still in the school community and available to contribute to the report.

2011-12 School Council Annual Report

Resources for School Councils

Accounting

Accounting Procedures

Alberta School Councils' Association (ASCA)
#1200, 9925-109 Street
Edmonton, AB T5K 2J8

Phone: 780-454-9867
Toll Free: 1-800-661-3470
Fax: 780-455-0167
Email: parents@albertaschoolcouncils.ca

The Alberta School Councils' Association represents the link between the home and the school by maintaining communication with school volunteers, school staff, and government officials involved in the education of the children of Alberta.

The Alberta School Councils' Association Annual Conference and Annual General Meeting was held April 15 - 17, 2011.
Click here to access some of the presentation notes.

School Council Resource Manual

Bylaws

School Council Bylaws (Edmonton Public Schools)

Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP) Alberta

FOIP (Freedom of Information and Protection)

People for Education Ontario

http://www.peopleforeducation.com/resources/tips.html. This website has some excellent resources families might find helpful. Some of them definitely have an Ontario 'focus' but many of them have good, basic information that is generally applicable to families anywhere. Many of these resources are available in translated formats.

PIPA (Personal Information Protection Act)

PIPA (Personal Information Protection Act)

School Council Training November 7, 2011 Session PowerPoint Presentations/Handouts

If you missed this training opportunity you can find out more by checking below for the PowerPoint and handouts from the sessions. You may also wish to consider booking a session specifically for your school council on one of these or other topics. The Alberta School Councils' Association will be pleased to discuss further training opportunities with you - and there is no cost to your school council. Contact Wendy Keiver by email wendyk@albertaschoolcouncils.ca or by phone at 780-451-7148 for more information and to book a workshop.

Session #1
Novice News
An introduction to what school councils are, what they do, who they benefit.