School Councils: Communication and Engaging Parents
Communication
One of a School Council’s main purposes is to share information with parents/guardians and the community and to seek their ideas and views about matters under consideration by the council.
- Communication can happen through a variety of formats depending on the school community and specific issues or priorities. A combination of electronic and print formats is most effective for reaching all families in a school’s community. Examples include:
- School Council Meetings (councils must have at least 4 meetings per school year) (O. Reg 612)
- Online resources such as a School Council or school website
- Email distribution list and School Messenger (PDF, 184 KB) broadcast
- Zoom virtual discussion forums
- Social Media (Facebook, Twitter)
- Surveys - either online or print versions
- Flyers (sent home with students) and posters
- Notice boards
- Telephone notices (using the school's alert system)
- School Council Meetings (councils must have at least 4 meetings per school year) (O. Reg 612)
School Council E-mail Accounts
All school councils or council chairs are entitled to one TDSB e-mail account. This account gives you access to:
- notices and updates from the school board, Trustees, and advisory groups
- TDSB resources and files that require a log-in (including posted grant opportunities)
- School Messenger digital communication platform
- Zoom virtual meeting platform (PIAC’s Best Practices & Tips for Zoom)
- a non-personal account to manage communication with your school community
- protection under the TDSB Acceptable Use of information Technology Policy P.088 (PDF, 129 KB)
Engaging Parents
Connecting with parents and recruiting new members can be a challenge for any school. Below is a list of suggestions to engage parents in your school community:
- Meet and Greet tables at school events (concerts, open houses, parent-teacher interviews)
- Morning coffee or hot chocolate in the school yard (kindergarten yard, iWalk or Eco days, at the front doors for orientation days)
- Provide dinner and childminding for School Council meetings
- Develop a list of volunteer roles so parents know what to expect - from small commitments (providing baked goods, volunteering a half hour of time, one-time classroom duties) to larger roles (Council positions, school committees)
- Organize a community event (e.g. a community potluck dinner, karaoke night, family dance) that does not involve fundraising.
- Help parents understand school with targeted support events (e.g. family math night, School Improvement planning session, Course Selection presentation)
- Support families with Well-Being events (e.g. Mental Health workshop, nutrition demonstration, family yoga night)
- Speak at school events (new parent orientations (kindergarten, Grade 9), Curriculum Night, school concerts)
- Your Principal can apply to TDSB Continuing Education Dept. for parent workshop funds by contacting belkis.romero@tdsb.on.ca
School Board Consultations
The TDSB consults the parent community on a variety of issues including policy development, new initiatives, and census surveys. Consultation may happen through communication with School Councils, Ward Forums, direct notices to parents, and more commonly as notices on the TDSB website. School Councils play a crucial role in generating awareness for school board initiatives by sharing information with their parent communities.
Community Advisory Committees (CACs)
There are a number of parent and community committees that play an advisory role to the TDSB. School Councils may advertise these committees and encourage their parents to attend meetings. CAC meetings are open to the public. Consult the TDSB website for a comprehensive list of committees and more information on how to get involved.