Updates
Catholic School Advisory Council
The primary purpose of a Catholic School Advisory Council is to focus the resources of an entire community on the well- being and effective learning of our students. The following information is an excerpt of our St. Vincent de Paul School Constitution.
Purpose
Our St. Vincent de Paul School Council is an advisory body of parents/guardians, teachers, principal, vice principal, staff, community and parish representatives who work together to enhance student learning while promoting Catholic faith and values.
Objectives
The objectives of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School Council shall be:
- To recognize that our school is an extension of our homes
- To support the faith development of the school community.
- To establish and maintain effective communication and co-operation among the home, the school and the parish
- To continue to work together in building school/community spirit through open lines of communication among all partners, and recognizing their diversity.
- To encourage the highest ideals of family life and to increase parent/guardian involvement in the education of their children.
- To encourage and support school based activities and programs
- To establish and monitor progress of subcommittees
- To advise on the allocation of fundraising resource
Code of Ethics
- A member shall consider the best interests of all students
- A member shall be guided by the Waterloo Catholic District School Board (“WCDSB”) mission and vision
- A member shall act within the limits of the roles and responsibilities of a school council, as identified by the school council constitution, WCDSB, and the Ontario Ministry of Education
- A member shall become familiar with the school’s policies and operating practices and act in accordance with them
- A member shall maintain the highest standards of integrity
- A member shall recognize and respect the personal integrity of each member of the school
- A member shall treat all other members with respect and allow for diverse opinions to be shared without interruption
- A member shall respect the time allocated in set agenda for each discussion point
- A member shall encourage a positive environment in which individual contributions are encouraged and valued
- A member shall acknowledge democratic principles and accept the consensus of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School Council
- A member shall respect the confidential nature of some school business and respect limitations this may place on the operation of the St. Agnes School Council
- A member shall not disclose confidential information
- A member shall limit discussions at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School Council meeting to matters of concern to the school community as a whole; conversations are not reflective of individual concerns/staff
- A member shall use established communication channels when questions or concerns arise contacting the principal as needed
- A member shall promote high standards of ethical practice within the school community
- A member shall declare any conflict of interest
Duties and Responsibilities
- Participate in St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School Council meetings
- Act as a link between the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School Council, the school community and the community at large
- Encourage the participation of all parents/guardians and of other people within the school community
- Set priorities ourselves for the enrichment of the lives of the students at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School
- Arrive at decisions with consensus when possible if a decision cannot be reached using consensus, a vote will be taken to determine result or decision
Duties and Responsibilities
The members of the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School Advisory Council (CSAC) shall:
- Participate in council meetings
- Act as a link between CSAC, the school community and the community at large
- Encourage the participation of all parents/guardians and of other people within the school community
- Set priorities for the enrichment of the lives of the students at St. Vincent de Paul CES.
- Submit annual activity and financial reports to the Principal and the Board.
CSAC acts in an advisory capacity to the principal. Other issues can include the preparation of school profiles, extracurricular activities and the establishment of ad-hoc committees for fundraising.
Anyone in the school or broader community is welcome to attend and to observe CSAC meetings. These meetings deal with many issues important to the school community; however, they are not forums for the discussion of parent-teacher-student issues. These concerns will be referred to the Principal.
Our CSAC is always looking for dynamic individuals in our community to be part of the team. All are welcome!
Characteristics of Effective School Councils:
- Focus on student learning and the best interests of all students are actively involved in setting school priorities for improving student achievement
- Promote meaningful parental, parish, and community involvement and actively seek the views of their school communities
- Have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities
- Include members who represent the diverse views of their school communities
- Keep well informed about school and board policies and procedures
- Have clear and consistent processes for decision making
- Communicate with the community about their activities
- Maintain high ethical standards
- Have members who have developed mutual trust and respect for one another
School Council Executive: 2020-2021
Alice Figueiredo and Filomena Cruz – Chairs
Gorette Varao – Secretary
Karen Rodriguez – Treasurer
Council Meeting Dates – 6:00 p.m. start. At this time, our meetings will be conducted virtually. Please contact the school and we can provide you with the meeting link.
Location: St. Vincent de Paul Learning Commons
Wednesday, September 30, 2020 – Meeting minutes will be posted once approved by council
Wednesday, October 28, 2020 – Meeting minutes will be posted once approved by council
Wednesday, January 27, 2021 – Meeting minutes will be posted once approved by council
Wednesday, March 24, 2021 – Meeting minutes will be posted once approved by council
Wednesday, May 26, 2021 – Meeting minutes will be posted once approved by council