Student Success is Focus on School Councils Day

This year, for the first time, the Provincial Government is setting aside a day during Education Week to formally recognize the valuable contribution of school councils to the enhancement of school programs and student achievement.

“Today, October 10, is School Councils Day – an opportunity to highlight the purpose of school councils, and to encourage parents and community partners to get involved and to learn more about school council activities in their communities,” said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education. “It’s all about making a school a better learning environment, with a primary focus on enabling our students to succeed. I sincerely thank all the parent and community volunteers, as well as the school staff members, who dedicate their time and talents to making school councils work.”

The purpose of a school council is to develop, encourage and promote policies, practices and activities to enhance the quality of school programs and the level of student achievement in the school. The school council is also required to approve a school development plan, and to support and promote that plan to the wider school community.

“Considering the democratic nature of our society, the school council is one of the most valuable institutions to allow students, teachers, and parents to provide democratic and educational leadership within the school,” said James Dinn, President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association. “School councils are critical in giving the school community a voice in shaping their school environment.”

The Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of School Councils (NLFSC) strives for excellence in education for all children in Newfoundland and Labrador and provides leadership, representation and services to school council volunteers and parent organizations.

“Education is not the sole responsibility of professional educators,” said Nathan Whalen, President of the NLFSC. “Students perform more successfully with the involvement of parents and the broader community. School councils play an important role in shaping the learning culture of a school through their advisory and decision-making responsibilities. The federation is pleased to join with the Minister of Education to thank school councils for helping our students reach their full potential.”

For more information on the school development process and school councils, visit: www.ed.gov.nl.ca/edu/k12/development/index.html. 

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2013 10 10                                     10:15 a.m.