About us

What is a School Council?

Purpose of a School Council (TDSB definition): to improve student achievement and enhance the accountability of the education system to parents, through the active participation of parents [and caregivers].

Kew Parent/Caregiver School Council Vision statement (draft in progress): 

Our mission is to enhance the experiences of all Kew Beach students, their families and the community by:

• Enabling academic, arts, cultural and physical education enrichment programs for Kew students

• Planning and executing fun events to build a sense of community and reward our students’ hard work

• Engaging parents and caregivers in School and Council initiatives

• Supporting Kew teachers and staff through enhanced communication and relationships, providing supplies and co-leading programs

• Raising funds in support of our annual programs and activities

We host regular meetings throughout the year to discuss priorities, plan programs and events and hear updates from Principal Kearns and our teacher reps.

2024-2025 Goals

1. Finalize Mission and create annual Strategy and focus areas

2. Increase parent/caregiver attendance at meetings

3. Launch multi-channel comms & marketing plan, including:

   1. Re-launch website

   2. Re-launch social media

   3. Re-launch newsletter

4. Consider multi-year capstone fundraising project, e.g. Upper Yard revitalization

School Council Positions

School Council Self-Nominations: We Need You!

September nominations are for numerous positions on the Executive. To nominate yourself, fill in the self-nomination form from TBD (print off here, in the office) and drop it off in the school office. Printed forms are also available in the school office. 

Chair/Co-Chairs:

• Develops annual strategy, objectives and plans in support of mission statement

• Works with the Principal on School Council related matters

• Oversees School Council initiatives and provides guidance and support to leads and sub-committees

• Arranges and chairs School Council meetings

• Plans the annual communication strategy, in partnership with the Communications Chair(s)

• Plans the annual budget, in partnership with the Treasuers

• Is familiar with the School Council by-laws as laid out by the Ministry of Education

• Acts as ex officio member(s) of School Council committees/sub-committees and any school committees, including but not limited to School Budget Committee, School Improvement Plan Committee, School Staffing Committee and Caring and Safe Schools' Committee

• Ensures completion of the School Statements of Needs (SSON) in collaboration with parents/caregivers

Time commitment: 8-10 hours/month 

Communications Co-Chairs:

• Is responsible for linking the school and family communities through various communications channels

  • Social media

  • Website

  • Emails from Principal

  • Posters

• Supports Leads in their communication for the various activities and events

Time commitment: 8-10 hours/month (or less, depending on team size)

Co-Treasurers:

• Responsible for overseeing and recording all financial transactions of the School Council

• Presents a financial update at each meeting and a year-end financial statement

• Manages expenses and writes cheques for reimbursement (weekly)

• Follows standard reporting and accounting procedures. 

• act as custodian of the funds of the School Council;

• handle receipts and disbursement of School Council monies;

• keep proper records of all financial transactions;

• arrange for verification of the School Council’s financial records in June of each year;

• act as a Joint Signing Officer;

• adhere to the financial protocol instructions outlined in the School Council Financial Guide; prepare the annual Public-Sector Accounting Board (PSAB) report;

• observe the School Council’s and/or the Board's Code of Conduct and these By-Laws.     

Time commitment: 8-12 hours/month

Secretary:

• Attends and takes minutes at each School Council meeting 

• Prepares these minutes for draft review before each subsequent meeting

Time commitment: 2-3 hours/month

Admin/Teacher Partnership

For the 2024-2025 school year, we launched Classroom Parent Reps to increase parent engagement in the school and classroom, and enhance communication with the teachers

Parent/caregiver classroom reps:

• 1-2 representative(s) for each classroom

• Engages classroom parents/caregivers in the school community

• Enhances 2-way communication between classes and Council. Solicits the views of other parents and members of the community to share with the school council.

• Regularly attends School Council meetings 

• Will elect 1-2 leads to meet regularly with Teacher Reps

Time commitment: 2-5 hours/month

By-laws

Kew Beach Junior Public School - School Council By-Laws  Within our by-laws you will find detailed information about how School Council manages Elections, Filling Vacancies, Conflict of Interest and Conflict Resolution. If you have any questions about the by-laws contact School Council at info@kewbeachschoolcouncil.com

Kew Beach Junior Public School - School Council By-Laws   {Rev 0: (2022-12-23)}

Ontario Regulation 612/00 sets out the mandate and roles and responsibilities that School Councils must follow and so provides the constitution for each School Council. However, each School Council is required to develop a set of by-laws that provide mandatory criteria for Elections, Conflict of Interest, Filling Vacancies, and Conflict Resolution.

By-laws may also include Membership details and define the process for setting up committees, outline required council positions and roles (e.g. duties of the Chair), rules for running meetings and decision making, record keeping standards, and the process for parent engagement (See Section 7 of School Councils: A Guide for Members).

Keep in mind that by-laws should make it easier for a council to operate consistently and transparently from year to year, rather than outline details (e.g. describing exact dates of meetings) that a future council may not be able to comply with. Once adopted, a set of by-laws should only be amended via consultation with the school's council and parent community.