School Councils: Your Voice in the Hamilton-Wentworth Public Education System One of the most effective and rewarding ways that parents/guardians can get involved in their children's learning is by being active in their school council. You will have the opportunity to voice your opinions on school issues and decisions on behalf of parents and community members in your school community. Research shows that parental involvement is the most significant factor contributing to a child's success in school. Their active participation in school activities improves student achievement, increases school attendance and decreases student dropout. Students succeed when parents have a positive attitude about the importance of a good education.
Role of a School Council - Top
School councils have a legislated role at their schools and are there to ensure the best possible education for students. Our school councils are comprised of democratically elected representatives of our parent community. Together, they:
- focus on student learning and the best interest of all students,
- provide a forum through which parents and other members of school communities can contribute to improving student achievement and school performance,
- make recommendations to the school principal and the Board on any matter they see impacting accountability and academic excellence and;
- serve as a communication and information channel between the school and community
FirstClass-School Council Communication - Top
Each School Council is assigned one account on the HWDSB's Communication and Collaboration System (FirstClass). The purpose of this account is for the School Council Chair to communicate with other School Council Chairs, to send/receive email messages from the community, and to receive any information regarding School Council from the HWDSB. To obtain your school's FirstClass login information, please contact your school's Principal. To login to the FirstClass system, please click the following link: fcinternet.hwdsb.on.ca/login
School Council Elections - Top
Parents or guardians of a student enrolled in a Hamilton-Wentworth school can vote in an election and run for a position. Call your child’s school for more information on nominations and elections.
Council Positions - Top
Parents/guardians of a student attending one of our schools can vote in a school council election and run as a parent member. Parents can nominate themselves by completing a nomination ballot and returning it to the school. Contact your school's principal for a nomination ballot.
Every year, the school council will elect a chair from the parent members. The chair is responsible for facilitating meetings and accurately representing the school council's position on issues. The council may also elect a co-chair, vice-chair, secretary or treasurer.
Term of Office - Top
Council terms for elected and appointed positions are for a one-year term. Members can seek re-election each subsequent year and the executive positions may be limited by individual school council constitutions.
New School Council Regulations - Top
Ontario Regulation 612/00, School Council Regulation
Ontario Regulation 613/00, a regulation to amend #298
Click here to view the Ministry's backgrounder on these regulations.
Documents - Top
Links - Top
