Released on November 8, 2006
The province has introduced new regulations to ensure parents and families are directly involved in their children's learning. The regulations further define the operations of School Community Councils, the new vehicle for parent and community engagement in schools that was proclaimed in legislation on May 19, 2006."I was pleased with the significant amount of input we have received during the development of these regulations," Learning Minister Deb Higgins said. "We know that parent and community engagement is critical in children's learning and in school planning.
"These regulations will do much to assist schools in implementing their first councils and ensure that parents and community members develop a shared responsibility for the learning success of all children," Higgins said. "School Community Councils will make life better for today's Saskatchewan families, and help to build an even better future here for young people."
The new regulations further define operations including:
• Outlining membership of School Community Councils, including the process for election and terms of appointed members;
• Identifying the officers of the councils including chairperson, vice-chairperson and secretary; and
• Describing duties and powers of the councils and the creation of a constitution including a code of conduct and decision-making process for the council.
"School Community Councils will serve as important links between parents, communities and boards of education," Saskatchewan School Boards Association president Lance Bean said. "Councils will support and advise boards in the important work of improving student learning."
School Community Councils are being established across the province throughout the 2006-07 school year. In some school divisions, elections have already taken place, others are currently underway and some are still in the planning stages.
Paul Van Betuw, principal of St. Michael's Community School in Regina said their council's activities have been very successful and well received in the community. "Our Catholic School Community Council provides us a unique insight into the needs and expectations of our families, which we use to develop, communicate and execute our school goals under the umbrella of our school mission and vision," Van Betuw said. "To provide essential opportunities for staff and families to informally interact, our council assists in the planning and implementing of school assisted family events, which builds the strong relationships vital to the success of our students."
More information on the School Community Councils is available online at the Saskatchewan Learning website at www.sasked.gov.sk.ca/branches/pol_eval/scc/index.shtml or by calling 306-787-3938. Local school boards have information on School Community Council elections.
The regulations and the amendments to The Education Act are available online at www.sasked.gov.sk.ca/branches/ed_finance/leg.shtml.
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For More Information, Contact:
| Jacquie McLean Learning Regina Phone: 306-787-5609 Email: jmclean@sasked.gov.sk.ca | Ardith Stephanson Saskatchewan School Boards Association Regina Phone: 306-569-0750 Email: astephanson@saskschoolboards.ca |