Principal Report

October 5th, 2016School Council Meeting

York Region District School Board

● third largest school district in Ontario ~ over 123,000 students

● 176 elementary schools and 32 secondary schools

● Director- Mr. J. Parappally; Chair of the Board - Ms. Anna

DeBartolo

● 12 Trustees make up the ‘board’ - WBPS Trustee - Mr. Billy Pang

● WBPS Superintendent - Mr. Peter Tse

School Council - WBPS Mission Statement

“Our School Council believes that collaborative partnerships among the school, the family and the community are essential to improving student learning. Our aim is to achieve the highest possible standards of education in an open, trusting environment that promotes learning in our diverse community.”

(WBPS School Council Constitution, May 2016)

A day in the life of a School Principal ...

● ensuring that students are supervised; ensuring and monitoring safety

● talking with students - informally and formally

● meeting with staff members - teaching and support

● communicating with parents - proactively and follow-up

● focussing on student achievement, engagement, and safety

● responding to Ministry and Board directives and issues

● collaborating and learning with others

Administrator Responsibilities - we have many duties and

responsibilities under provincial law and school board policies

● providing a safe and welcoming learning environment

● leading the professional learning of our staff

● ensuring curriculum in being delivered and assessed appropriately

● building relationships with various stakeholders

● ensuring resources are effectively delegated among students and programs

● many operational aspects of our job that contribute to student achievement and

well-being (discipline, timetabling, parent communications, etc)

If you have a question...

1. Your child’s teacher

2. Principal or Vice-Principal

3. Superintendent - Mr. Peter Tse

4. Trustee - Mr. Billy Pang

WBPS

We want ALL students to:

● understand and believe that ‘It Costs Nothing To Be Kind’

● be recognized for their efforts - socially and academically

● be challenged, engaged and inspired ~ and not afraid to take risks in their learning

● embrace a ‘growth mindset’

● have voice and choice in their learning and leadership opportunities

● have trust in our school staff as supports for their learning

● have a sense of belonging and school pride here in our Berczy Bears’ Den

We are partners in education

and we look forward to working together!

Purpose and Objectives of our WBPS School Council

1. Provide positive and innovative advice into decisions made by school administration, the Board, and the Ministry.

2. Participate actively and support the School Plan for Continuous Improvement.Encourage shared responsibility for

student learning among students, parents, and teachers.

3. Support school, family, and community partnerships that assist and encourage effective parental involvement in the

education of their children.

4. Provide a means of regular communication and dialogue between all partners in education

5. Encourage contact with other School Councils

6. Fundraise to enhance the school life of our students

(As per our WBPS Constitution - Article 3)

YRDSB - School Council Fundraising

What may funds be raised for?

● Technology enhancements

● Arts enhancements (band equipment, visual arts enrichment, prologue presentations)

● Healthy, Active Schools enhancements (and tournament fees)

● Classroom enhancements

● Guest speakers, presentations, field trips

● Supply teachers (e.g. extracurricular athletic events) and activities for students

● Ceremonies, awards, plaques, trophies or prizes for students

● School yard improvement projects, (Eco Team gardens)

● Supporting families in need (trip costs)

WBPS Council History of Fundraising -

Our WBPS Council has been very active in fundraising efforts in 3 areas:

1. Education Enrichment

2. Pizza Lunch Fundraising

3. Pasta Lunch Fundraising

It is through these funds that our students benefit from enhanced technology, an instrumental

music program, and a wonderful grade 8 graduation ceremony at Crystal Fountain

School Council -

General Members

Executive Positions:

● Chair - or 2 Co-Chairs

● Treasurer - or 2 Co-Treasurers

● Secretary - 2 Co-Secretaries

● Community Member

….further understanding the roles and responsibilities of the ELECTED positions….

Role of the School Council General Member -not an elected position

● regularly attend and participate in School Council meetings

● maintain a school-wide perspective on issues

● help to achieve the goals established by the School Council

● encourage the participation of all parents/community

● are encouraged to participate in one or more of sub-committees

● if a School Council member misses three (3) consecutive meetings, his/her name will be

deleted from the active list

(WBPS School Council Constitution, May 2016)

Role of the School Council Chair(s) -

● call School Council meetings (minimum 4 per year) in consultation with the principal

● communicate with parents about matters under consideration by the School Council

● in consultation with the principal and Executive members, prepare the agenda for School Council meetings and ensure it is distributed to

School Council members seven days prior to an upcoming meeting

● chair School Council meetings according to the agenda

● ensure the minutes of School Council meetings are communicated appropriately to School Council members within 14 days (max)

following each School Council meeting

● ensure the William Berczy School Council Constitution by-laws are reviewed every two years and are readily available to the school

community

● communicate with and provide advice to the school principal on behalf of the School Council

● participate in information sessions and Council Forums

● consult with senior Board staff and trustees, as required

(WBPS School Council Constitution, May 2016)

Role of the Treasurer -

● be a lead on the Finance Sub Committee and work in consultation with the EOAA (Ms. Debbie Wong)

● request the school EOAA to print School Council reports - to report to council at each meeting

● review the record of all receipts and disbursements of School Council, and the reconciliation of the School Council

funds for the current fiscal year

● collect all monies in the name and credit of William Berczy School Council and provide these funds to the principal

or their delegate to deposit

● approve the disbursement of funds as voted by the School Council after reasonable consultation with the principal.

In the event of an emergency, disbursements may be approved by the executive in consultation with the principal

(WBPS School Council Constitution, May 2016)

Role of the Secretary -

● record, maintain and distribute minutes (final draft) of meetings to School Council members and the school community within 14 days

(max) following each meeting

● prior to the final draft, provide a draft of minutes to the Executive for approval

● receive membership applications and establish the membership list for distribution

● maintain all Council communications in the School Council Documentation binder in the office

● keep School Council Executive and membership lists up to date

● determine who is eligible to vote at the outset of each meeting

● confirm that a quorum is present at a School Council meeting if a formal vote is required

(WBPS School Council Constitution, May 2016)

Role of the Community Member -

● be a member of the community

● shows a demonstrated interest in our school community

● is not currently a parent of a child within our school

(WBPS School Council Constitution, May 2016)

Let’s vote on your School Council Executive!

Chair - or 2 Co-Chairs

Treasurer - or 2 Co-Treasurers

Secretary - 2 Co-Secretaries

Community Member