Over 200 parents, community members, teachers and school-based administrators are members of School Community Councils (SCCs) in 23 Sun West schools. The function of School Community Councils is, through an advisory and practical manner, to assist the administration of the school and the Board of Education in:
- Developing shared responsibility for the learning success and well-being of all children and youth;
- Encouraging and facilitating parent, community and youth engagement in school planning and improvement processes;
- Delivering educational and extra-curricular programs; and
- Providing the school and division with a critical link to facilitate understanding of the community.
School Community Council duties vary as needs change in schools, but members are commonly involved in:
- School learning improvement planning;
- Family and community engagement;
- Review of school finance and activities; and
- School Community Council development.
Learning improvement and wellness
School Community Councils in Sun West and throughout the province work with school staffs to help improve student achievement and wellness. In Sun West, all schools set an improvement goal based on data and the needs of their students. Areas for improvement could include achievement in the literacies of reading, math and writing, increased student engagement and increased mental/physical health and wellness.
School Community Councils play a critical role in helping schools with improvement planning and meeting their goals. Each fall, SCC members are invited to join the school staff in the development of the school’s Level 3 School Strategic Plan and contribute a parent and community perspective into areas for improvement. This planning results in actions that the staff takes with students and parents and actions that involve the staff and SCC working together. When schools and SCCs work together good things happen for our students.
Family and Community Engagement
An important role of the School Community Council is to encourage and facilitate parent and community engagement in all aspects of school life.
Many of years of research show that involving the families and community contributes to children’s academic and social success.
The evidence is consistent, positive, and convincing; families have a major influence on their children’s achievement. When schools, families, and community groups work together to support learning, children tend to do better in school, stay in school longer, and like school.
(Henderson, Anne T. & Mapp, K. (2002). A New Wave of Evidence: The Impact of School, Family and Community Connections on Student)
Sun West School Division SCCs:
- Recognize the importance of parents/families in identifying and addressing children’s needs.
- Help build positive relationships and create a welcoming school climate.
- Support parents and make families feel valued and connected.
- View all parents/families as important and equal partners in their children’s well-being.
- Focus on families' skills and strengths.
- Build strong connections between schools and community organizations.
- Engage in planning that creates and promote multiple opportunities for parents and the community to participate in school activities.
Positive impact of SCCs
Student Benefits
- Increased involvement in classroom activities and a more positive attitude towards homework:
- Improved grades and graduation rates; and
- Higher attendance rates and greater enrollment in post-secondary education.
Parent Benefits
- Enhanced communication between parents, administrators and teachers;
- More opportunities for learning activities in the home; and
- Better understanding of how schools operate.
Community Benefits
- Increased cost-effectiveness due to the pooling of time, money and effort.
- Strengthened community pride through involvement in the school’s achievements.
Invitation
If you are interested in becoming an SCC member talk to your school principal about how you can get involved or call the Sun West School Division office and ask to speak to the Division SCC Representative. The partnership among families, schools and communities creates the best opportunities for students to reach their potential as students and people. We welcome you to our team.
Resources for SCCs:
1. Administrative Procedures
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES 130 School Community Council Duties
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES 131 School Community Council Meeting and Election Processes
Form 131-1 SCC Sample Ballot
Form 131-2 SCC Contact Information
Form 131-3 School Community Council Year-End Evaluation
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES 132 School Community Council Finances
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES 133 School Community Council Communication