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In a time when there is little reverence for the image of God in the human person, we are summoned to care for human life with an ultimate respect. R. Lord, keep us mindful of your image present in our children. In a world marked by poverty, oppression and war, we are commanded to work for justice and peace. R. Lord, strengthen our resolve as we stand for justice and peace in your name. In an age that seems more fearful of the future, we are directed to give an account of the hope that is within us. R. Lord, may we ever instill in our children the gift of faith, rooted in hope and bound in love. This Moment of Promise, OCCB

Welcome To All! 4

“Reflection Cards”  Choose one card from your table  Join others in the room whose cards have the same colour as yours (blue, green or orange)  Create groups of 4-5 of the same colour (e.g. 4 people with blue cards)  Take a moment to reflect on the word on your card  Share with your group how that word is meaningful to you in your connection to your child’s Catholic school community. 5

 1993 Ontario Parent Council (OPC) established  1994 OPC recommends parent councils in every school  1995 Royal Commission on Learning recommends “school community councils”  1995 boards to develop policies  1997 School Councils mandated by Ont. Law  2002 School Councils: A Guide for Members  2011 Catholic School Councils play a valued role in the life of our Catholic schools 6

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  Acknowledge the vital role that all of the Catholic School Council partners play in contributing to and sustaining a strong Catholic school community  Recognize the important contributions of an active, inclusive Catholic School Council in creating caring, welcoming school communities  Envision a partnership of home, school and parish, with a focus on supporting student learning, well-being and spiritual growth 8

 Articulate a difference between Parent Involvement and Parent Engagement  Discover resources available on the DSC, LDCSB and Ministry websites  Connect with members of many Family of Schools Catholic School Councils and reach a common understanding of: 1. the role of Catholic School Council 2. how to conduct effective, inclusive School Council meetings 9

School Councils: A Guide for Members (Ontario Ministry of Education, 2002) At your tables… 1. Briefly scan the section of the document assigned to your table. 2. Using three separate sticky notes, record each of the following using the guide: 1.One statement your group already knew 2.One item about which you were not familiar 3.One question your group has regarding the section you read 3. Place the three sticky notes on the appropriate sheet at the front of the room. 10

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1. Clarity of the Roles a. Parents participate effectively and authentically in the advisory role b. Principal acknowledges the contributions of council c. Principal and the Catholic School Council Chair work in partnership to achieve the shared goals of the school community and Council d. School Council members view themselves as contributing partners in Catholic Education e. CSC members have a clear understanding of their role (e.g. chair, treasurer, secretary) 12

2. Efficient and Productive School Council Meetings a. Elections - in keeping with guidelines and timelines b. Agendas – co-create with principal and chair c. Minutes – record and distribute to council d. Financial reporting – monthly status and the use of the $ Base funding and PRO Grants d. Decision-making - consensus based decision making e. Communication – share the good work of the council with the school community and the system (newsletters, your CSC webpage & District Council page) 13

3. Set and Achieve Attainable Goals for the Year Create goals aligned with your School Improvement Plan (SIP) in the areas of: a. Community Building – Welcome back BBQ b. Student learning – communication with teachers/principal, host a Literacy Night c. Faith Formation – plan and attend liturgical celebrations, charitable/social justice initiatives d. Policy & Practices i. Examine and update school guidelines for homework, code of conduct, dress code, school improvement planning, healthy school climate ii. Review and give feedback to Board policies iii. Become involved in committee work/ event planning 14

 The earlier in a child’s educational process parent involvement begins, the more powerful the effect Engaging Parents: Improving Student Achievement 2006  Positive parental aspirations for their children’s educational achievement have a strong relationship with children’s actual achievement Parent Engagement Policy for Ontario Schools,

 Communicate regularly with your child’s teacher(s)  Contact the principal if further assistance is needed  Seek out opportunities to be involved/engaged in the life of the school  Read your school newsletters and website  Know your School Council members  Attend School Council meetings  Inquire about the learning goals of the school  Engage in learning activities at home…sometimes, just for fun!! 16

1. LDCS Board website o Go to Community District School Council Home Page o Monthly meetings o Special Events (e.g. “When Violence Becomes Entertaining”) o Calendar of Events o Parent Engagement Resources o The Parent Welcome Kit template o PRO grant tips and best practices, annual Base Funding application ($500) 2. Ministry of Education

The Catholic School Council is a vehicle for engaging more parents in the school community in order to improve student achievement and to have a strong, informed and unified voice for Catholic education across the province of Ontario. Engaging Parents: Improving Student Achievement,

If a concern arises about your child, contact: o Your child’s teacher(s) o The school’s Principal o The school’s Affiliate Superintendent o The Director of Education o Your Elected Catholic School Trustee We are all partners in Catholic Education to support the achievement, well-being and spiritual growth of our children. 19

Plan a School Activity or Event Parent Involvement and Parent Engagement e.g. Board Game Night, Family Math Night, Bullying Prevention, Positive Parenting … In your planning, consider:  The goals of the event – remember student achievement, faith formation through parent engagement).  Parents roles(organizers, volunteers and attendees).  Possible barriers for some to be able to attend (e.g. cost, transportation, babysitting, language barrier).  Solutions offered by the school and CSC for optimum attendance  Funding opportunities ($500 annual base funding, PRO Grants, networking /sharing with neighboring school (s)) 20

 Parents can be generously involved in the activities of the school and yet not really engaged in the learning of their child or the promotion of a healthy school environment.  Parents who are involved and engaged have an awareness of the their ability to support not only their child’s learning and well-being but the learning and well being of the community in partnership with the school by:  Valuing and using the avenues of communication between home and school  Contributing to the life of the school and to the health of the system  Knowing the learning and improvement goals of the school so that they can support the achievement of not only their own child but that of the other students.  Advocating for their own child as well as for the school community through the support channels of the school and the Board  Accessing Resources to support achievement of all students in the community and sharing that information with other schools. 21

When we learn to see life through the eyes of a child, that is when we become truly wise. Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta 22

Acknowledge Recognize Envision Articulate Discover Connect Evaluation form - How did we do? Other suggestions to support CSCs? Next steps? 23

Lord God, you have made us and formed us in your image and likeness. You have called each of us by name to serve you and your people through the gift of Catholic education. Guide the work we do; bless us and the Catholic educational community with whom we are engaged on this sacred journey of learning. May Jesus the teacher inspire the work of our hands, and keep us ever mindful that all of us involved in Catholic education are working to bring about the reign of god on earth. We ask this through Mary, the first teacher of Jesus. Amen 24