VJMSchool Council
The Alberta School Act states that, “…parents have a right and a responsibility to make decisions respecting the education of their children.” Alberta school councils were mandated in 1995, as forums to involve members of the school community in school-based decision making, for school improvement and student learning.
Every VJM parent and/or guardian is automatically a member of school council, which means you have a vote on any matters discussed by council. The council usually meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. School council meeting dates are included in the school calendar. Meetings are usually from 7–8 pm, and are held in the school Resource Centre. A meeting agenda will be available on the school websiteone week prior to the meeting, and the meeting minutes will be added to the website approximatelyone week after meetings.
School council is governed by Bylaws, and each year the council updates its 3-Year Plan. Some of the VJM school council activities include:
Provide feedback to school administration regarding such things as the Provincial Achievement Test results, Accountability Pillar Jurisdiction Survey, Zoomerang Survey, school division calendar, school fees, etc.
Parent Prayer Group – hold monthly prayer meetings to pray for the needs of the school. Contact the school if you would like to join the group.
Staff Appreciation – provide monthly treats to the staff.
Participate in the Grade 6 Open House in April.
Prepare a monthly “VJM Good News Story” to share with the elementary feeder schools – Albert Lacombe, Bertha Kennedy and J.J. Nearing.
Plan at least two Parent Education Evenings each school year.
Plan and host a family BBQ for the Awards Night at the end of June.
Meetings are fun. It’s your opportunity to meet other parents, get involved in the school, and find out first hand what is happening at VJM. You will have the opportunity to hear from and speak to the school Principal and a Trustee from our School Division. Our school administration and Trustees listen to our concerns and take our suggestions seriously. If you have ideas on some changes you would like to see, a council meeting is the place to bring your ideas.
We hope to see you at our next school council meeting.