How to Join and Contribute to a Catholic School Council

Introduction

A Catholic School Council (CSC) is a vital part of the school community, providing parents, staff, and students with the opportunity to influence school decisions, support initiatives, and build a stronger school environment. Every parent has the right to participate, and understanding the roles, responsibilities, and policies guiding a school council is essential for making a meaningful contribution.

This guide covers how to join a Catholic School Council, the role of Policy 606, the structure of the executive council, initiatives parents can lead, and what school councils can and cannot do.

1️⃣ What is a Catholic School Council?

A Catholic School Council (CSC) is an advisory body made up of parents, teachers, school staff, and community members who work together to support student learning and well-being. While school councils do not have decision-making authority, they provide input to the principal and school board on key issues impacting the school community.

📌 Key Responsibilities of a School Council:

✔ Support student achievement and well-being

✔ Foster communication between parents and the school

✔ Organize fundraising and community-building events

✔ Provide input on policies, programs, and initiatives

✔ Advocate for school improvements and resources

2️⃣ How to Join a Catholic School Council

📌 Step 1: Understand Policy 606 (Catholic School Councils Policy)

Policy 606 outlines the roles, responsibilities, and operations of Catholic School Councils. Key points include:

✔ Every publicly funded Catholic school must have a school council

✔ The majority of members must be parents

✔ Members are elected annually at the beginning of the school year

✔ School councils serve in an advisory role to the school principal

🔹 Where to Find Policy 606?

Policy 606 is available on the school board’s website or can be requested from your school office. Reviewing this policy ensures you understand the framework of the council before joining.

📌 Step 2: Check Eligibility

Most parents can join the school council if they have a child enrolled at the school. However, there are a few eligibility rules:

✔ Any parent/guardian can run for election

❌ School board employees must declare their employment if they want to join

❌ The principal cannot be a voting member but serves as a key advisor

📌 Step 3: Attend the First Meeting & Nominate Yourself

• The first school council meeting of the year (usually in September) is when elections take place.

• Interested parents must submit a nomination form before the meeting.

• If there are more nominees than positions, an election will be held.

📌 Tip: Even if you are not elected, you can still attend meetings as an observer and contribute as a volunteer!

3️⃣ Understanding the Catholic School Council Executive Roles

Every Catholic School Council has an Executive Council, which includes:

📌 Executive Council Positions & Responsibilities

✔ Chair / Co-Chair – Leads meetings, liaises with the principal, and represents the council

✔ Vice-Chair – Supports the chair and takes over duties if needed

✔ Secretary – Records meeting minutes and maintains documentation

✔ Treasurer – Manages school council finances and reports on fundraising

✔ Parent Members – Participate in discussions, events, and decision-making

📌 Other roles may include Fundraising Chair, Volunteer Coordinator, and Community Representative.

4️⃣ School Council Initiatives & Events

✅ What a School Council Can Do (Approved Initiatives & Activities)

✔ Fundraising & Grants – Raising money for school programs, technology, and student enrichment

✔ Hot Lunch Programs – Selecting vendors based on PPM 150 nutrition guidelines and organizing lunch distribution

✔ Parent Workshops – Hosting seminars on special education, technology in learning, and mental wellness

✔ Community Building Events – Organizing cultural celebrations, family nights, and guest speaker events

✔ Teacher & Student Support – Creating teacher wish lists and funding classroom resources (if the budget allows)

✔ Safety & Infrastructure Improvements – Advocating for playground upgrades, traffic safety, and accessibility improvements

✔ Book Fairs & Literacy Programs – Encouraging reading through book fairs and library funding

✔ Uniform or Dress Code Feedback – Providing recommendations on school uniforms (if applicable)

❌ What a School Council Cannot Do

❌ Hire or evaluate teachers/staff – Hiring and performance evaluations are handled by the school board

❌ Manage school budgets – Councils can raise money, but financial decisions are made by the principal and board

❌ Implement curriculum changes – Councils can provide input, but curriculum is set by the Ministry of Education

❌ Make school-wide policies – Councils advise but cannot enforce rules

📌 Tip: The best way for councils to influence decisions is through constructive discussions and well-researched proposals!

5️⃣ Events & Programs Led by School Councils

Here are some of the most popular events and initiatives Catholic School Councils can organize:

📌 Educational Events

✔ Parent workshops on AI in education, supporting student learning, and special education

✔ Career days with guest speakers from various professions

✔ Coding and STEM nights to encourage technology learning

📌 Community & Family Events

✔ Movie nights, bingo nights, and seasonal festivals

✔ Multicultural nights celebrating diversity

✔ Parent-teacher social gatherings

📌 Student Support & Fundraising Initiatives

✔ Annual read-a-thons and book fairs to promote literacy

✔ Raffles, silent auctions, and bake sales

✔ Spirit Wear fundraising for school pride

📌 Hot Lunch & Healthy Eating Programs

✔ Selecting PPM 150-approved vendors

✔ Organizing volunteers to distribute meals

✔ Expanding menu options based on parent and student feedback

6️⃣ How to Be an Effective Catholic School Council Member

💡 5 Tips to Make a Difference:

✔ Stay informed – Read board policies and attend meetings regularly

✔ Be proactive – Take the lead on projects and fundraising efforts

✔ Communicate openly – Work collaboratively with parents, teachers, and the principal

✔ Respect school policies – Advocate effectively within the school board guidelines

✔ Encourage parent participation – Make sure all voices are heard and included

Conclusion: Get Involved & Make an Impact!

Joining a Catholic School Council is one of the best ways for parents to contribute to their child’s education and create a stronger, more engaged school community. Whether you run for a position, volunteer at events, or participate in discussions, your involvement matters!

📌 Take Action Today!

✅ Attend the next school council meeting

✅ Talk to your principal about joining the council

💬 Are you a school council member or thinking of joining? Share your experiences in the comments!