School councils are an important forum through which members of school communities play an advisory role in school improvement planning. School councils are a structured group of parents, principals, teachers, and community representatives whose purpose is to advise the principal and the school board respecting matters relating to the school. It is a means for parents and community members to work together with the school to support and enhance student learning.
A school council is a vehicle to support meaningful parental involvement in decisions that affect the school and its operations. School councils provide the venue for parents to reflect the wishes of the broader community for the education of its students and to actively participate in giving advice and support to the principal in the operations of the school. The actual decision-making authority of the school council is limited
to:
- Determining the school council's operating procedures
- Setting policies to govern school council activities at the school level, as described in the Education Act
- Planning engagement activities that align with the school council’s legislated purpose
- Choosing to provide advice to the principal and the school board
As a statutory entity, and not a legal authority, the main function of a School Council is advisory. Fundraising Associations (whose main role is fundraising) are incorporated societies that provide a way for parents/caregivers and the community to provide financial resources and support to the school. Members who serve on a School Council can also serve on a fundraising association, and vice versa. At Beacon Hill School, our fundraising association goes by the name Parents' Plus.
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