Parent Advisory Councils (PACs) are the official voices for parents at the school level. If you have a child in a B.C. public school, you are automatically a member of the school’s PAC.
The School Act gives parents the right, through PACs, to assume an advisory role in every school. A PAC is the officially recognized collective voice of parents at a school. A PAC, through its elected officers, may advise the school board, the principal and staff of the school respecting any matter relating to the school other than matters assigned to the School Planning Council (SPC). PACs are the forum within each school community to discuss matters affecting your school and the education of your children. Parents’ voices are a tremendous value to their school. They offer a wealth of ideas and support in the challenges that face all public schools. PACs strive to represent the diversity within their communities and contribute to the benefit of all students by:
- providing opportunities to educate and inform parents about the school
- involving parents in volunteer activities
- openly discussing parents’ concerns and aspirations for their schools
As an autonomous body, the PAC must abide by its Constitution and Bylaws and the School Act. The JKE PAC is a democratic organization where each parent in the school is automatically a voting member. No members have more than one vote.
Through the leadership of their elected executives, PACs liaise with their parent community. They discuss issues of importance regarding their school in order to adequately advise those that influence their school. In addition to PAC meetings, communication may also be done through newsletters, memos, telephone, email, and Web sites so that all parents have the opportunity for input.
PACs, with strong participation from parents, have an important influence on life at the school and the feelings the community has toward the school and education. There is strong evidence that increased parent involvement in the school results in increased student achievement, accomplishment, satisfaction, and bonding.
- to provide parents with the opportunity to gain greater understanding of the school
- to assist the SPC in carrying out its function
- to give input into school-based decisions
- to participate in goal setting
- to unify efforts of the school community towards the goal of quality education
- to improve the sense of community in the school and neighbourhood
- to monitor and review school matters such as rules and conduct, safety programs, educational programs, learning materials, equipment, and the school building
- to educate parents
- to advocate equal educational opportunities for all students
- to liaise with other education partners and organizations
A PAC is not a committee to discuss individual students, or individual staff problems/conflicts.
Parents are encouraged and invited to bring forth issues, suggestions, or concerns relating to enhancing and meeting the needs of your school community. These issues can be brought forth by:
- contacting a PAC executive member
- sending a letter to the school addressed to a member of the PAC executive
- attending a PAC meeting
JKE PAC would like to extend an invitation to you as parents to get involved (after all you’re already a member). It is a wonderful opportunity to meet other parents and become part of a great school community. Parents can make a difference to the quality of their children’s education by getting involved in what they are doing in school, and by taking part in their PAC. We believe that a learning environment that is marked by positive parental involvement supports and enhances the public school education system.
The JKE PAC holds one meeting a month during most months that school is in session. Meetings are held in the school library, and babysitting is provided (children must be of a suitable age to be cared for in a group setting). Please see the calendar for the date and time of the next meeting. We would love to see you there!