Webinar Wednesdays

SEPTEMBER 2020

The Work of School Councils: It’s NOT About the Meeting!

School Councils often struggle with identifying the types of activities and work they should be doing in order to truly fulfill their legislated role. In this workshop, school councils are encouraged to examine what they are doing in relation to their intended purpose and the intended result of their work, and then consider alternative means of including their school community.

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Charter Schools in Alberta - GUEST Presenter John Picard, Executive Director, The Association of Alberta Public Charter Schools (TAAPCS)

Are you curious about how, and why, Charter Schools are included in Alberta’s public school system? Join John Picard, as he addresses the concepts, and misconceptions, of Charter Schools as one choice parents have for their children’s education.

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School Council Purpose

Understanding the legislated role of school councils including which topics/areas are open for discussion and which require caution helps to prevent tension and dysfunction within a school council and the school community.
Learning how to identify the work of school councils, how to frame a “personal issue” from a school council perspective and how to broach sensitive topics is essential for new and returning members.

OCTOBER 2020

Return to Learn - GUEST Presenter Adrian Xavier, Ever Active Schools

Ever Active Schools is providing a virtual learning session to support the parent community with a return to learning, prioritizing health and well-being for all. Understanding return-to-school scenarios will vary and may change as the school year progresses, the Comprehensive School Health (CSH) framework is adaptable to school needs. Join us as we explore how to plan and implement well-being initiatives to address school health and support educational outcomes. This is a perfect opportunity for School Councils to collaborate with their school administration to support the school community.

Fundraising Association Partnership Purpose

Fundraising Associations (FRAs) are separate, legal entities with distinct rules to follow, responsibilities to comply with and liabilities to consider. Positive, collaborative, mutually respectful relationships with the principal and school council are integral to the success of each and in the best interests of students. Clarity of who has authority for what, is essential.

Respect in School Online Program
GUEST Presenter Kathy Theberge

Respect in School is a 90-minute online training program that includes content on preventing, identifying, responding to and reporting incidents of bullying, abuse, harassment and discrimination (BAHD) in schools.
The Ministry of Education has made safe and respectful schools a priority by offering Respect in School online training free of charge. 
The program is designed, specifically, to provide school leaders (teachers, admins, EAs, custodians, parent volunteers, etc.) with the tools they need to foster a safe and respectful learning environment. 
This session will provide a brief history of Respect Group, steps to implement the program, FAQs, and testimonials from Alberta-based colleagues who have implemented the program in their school division.

Tools for Effective School Councils

Resources, tips, templates and tools will be provided to help participants to understand the culture of their local community and basic volunteer psychology. Strategies to increase the effectiveness of school councils will be offered.

NOVEMBER 2020

Mental Health Discussion

ASCA, in partnership with CASA Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health, will present a virtual discussion about mental health concerns in the community.
The session will start with viewing the CASA’s Family Advisory Council’s Photovoice Research Project – a video created to show what it is like to navigate the mental health system from a parent’s perspective. An informal discussion sharing experiences, thoughts and concerns will follow.
Panel guests are Brandi Rai, ASCA President, Denise Milne, CASA CEO, and Melissa Appleton, Family Advisory Council member.

The School Council - Trustee Relationship

Understanding the relationship is vital to assist you in successfully furthering your role in the school community. School councils should understand the role of the school board Trustee, and the Trustee should be aware of their role on school council.
A Trustee is a valued partner who can share school board information with parents they represent, and gather valuable parent perspectives from division school councils.