Penetanguishene School Council

Annu= al Report

For = the

2007= -2008 School Year

The new school year brings a fresh start to the P= SS School Council. All parents of students at the school are welcome to join Council to help maintain active communication between school, home and the Board. Meeting dates will be posted as an= open invitation for everyone to attend and become involved.

School Councils are advisory organizations made up primarily of parents. The pur= pose of the council is to make recommendations to the principal on how to help improve student achievement and enhance the accountability of the education system to the school community. It is a terrific opportunity to meet with other parents and find out how your child fits into the entire school framework.

By attending School Council meetings, members are given notice of changes and/or replacements in the teaching and office staf= f as well as program alterations and additions.= Last year, Council members heard first hand about the Small Engines – Power Sports and Outdoor Education co-op programs, the Specialist H= igh School Major program, as well as the proposed student exchanges. Members were asked to peruse and c= omment on the school’s Fundraising Proposal and Field Trip Plan and were apprised of the changes in the Attendance Policy, Bill 52, the new Assessme= nt Reports, Aboriginal Self Identification framework and the Places of Learning operation involving students from Christian Island. Information on school activities s= uch as Take 9 Day, Grade 9 Orientation, Take Your Kid to Work day, “Movember”, Grade 8 Transition Day as well as assemblies, workshops, and special events such as a Pow Wow, was shared with Council. Every meeting, a staff report was = given to update parents on events and programs such as the Student Shadow Council, tutoring programs, PA Day activities, after school math programs, coaching = and sports achievements.

Being involved with School Council provides opportunity to learn and partake in important Board meetings and events. The 2007-2008 school year saw Coun= cil members take part in the Capital Strategic Planning meeting, help create the School Valuation Framework, and provide members for the Accommodation Review Committee. Through Council Chair’s meetings, Board initiatives and policies are introduced and discussed such as Bill 212 – the Safe Schools Act.<= /p>

The PSS School Council does a minimum of fund rai= sing in order to fulfill its mandated obligations such as the Council Scholarship. Funds raised dur= ing the silent auction held during the PSS/James Keating Cookie Walk and the M&M Meats promotional days went toward School Council expenses. The Cookie Walk was made possible through a “Parent Reaching Out” grant provided by the School Bo= ard.

Student Council reports are given every meeting w= hen possible. They are a tremendo= us insight into the spirit of the school.&nbs= p; Last year, School Council members heard about the plans and successe= s of dances, spirit days, a Leadership Conference and Winterama ambassadors. The Student Council’s chosen charity, “Free the Children”, was benefited by a profitable cof= fee house as well as by a tremendous yearend carnival in which School Council members helped. Student Counc= il also helped fund raise for the victims of a house fire in the community.

A PSS School Council meeting is an interesting, informative, and enjoyable evening gathering. Come join us and see how smoothly = our school runs from the inside out.