Did you know... parents, families, as well as members of the general public - and in some cases, students - are able to offer their input into the education system by being part of the mandatory school council at their local school?

The Newfoundland and Labrador public education system has always encouraged positive participation, involving parents, staff and communities in the day-to-day realities of our schools.

School councils are a collaboration of schools including teachers and students, family and community partnerships, bringing together the collective knowledge, skills, interest and abilities in an effort to enhance the education system!

Our partners at the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of School Councils provides a connection to a network of school councils across the province and acts as a united voice for school councils on educational issues, encouraging family involvement in all levels of education.

for EDUCATORS/SCHOOL STAFF MEMBERS	for PARENTS, STUDENTS, and SCHOOL COMMUNITY MEMBERS
Enhance collaboration within the school Influence school planning and policy development; and, Strengthen connect and build trust between home and school.	Build your community presence; Gain experience in leadership, strategy and decision-making; Expand your professional portfolio; Collaborative leadership and active participation in shaping school culture; and, Help build hope among our students.

TIME: You can give as little or as much of your time to school council as you can, but the reality is school council are required to hold a minimum of six meetings per year, meetings only require a commitment of one to two hours - much less time a week than most people spend surfing on their computer or cell phone!

EXPERIENCE: As parents, families, students, and school staff members, your EVERYDAY experience makes you 100% qualified to be at the table. Fresh perspectives help to ensure councils serve the best interest of our students.

For more information, please refer to the FAQs below and the NL School Council Handbook (Under Review for Updating).

A: As defined in the School Council Handbook, a school council is a legally constituted body consisting of the principal, parents, teachers, community representatives and students (where applicable) from the local school community. They represent the interests of all students, work together for the purpose of enhancing the quality of teaching and learning and improving the levels of student achievement in their school. While the principal is responsible for the direct management of the school, school councils may assist school administration in the development and implementation of school-based policies, practices and activities which help improve the teaching and learning environment of their school. A: Under legislation, school councils’ functions are to:

• Represent the educational interest of the school;
• Advise on teaching and learning within the school;
• Facilitate parent and community involvement in teaching and learning in the school; and,
• Advise NLSchools on matters of concern to the school and the community.

More details and information can be found in the School Council Handbook. A: Training for school council takes approximately a half hour, is relatively easy and can be done at any time from home or from your mobile device. A total of five separate videos are available to help simplify the learning process and to ensure the information can be easily understood.

• Part 1 - Introduction to and Purpose of School Council
• Part 2 - Establishing a School Council
• Part 3 - Roles and Responsibilities
• Part 4 - School Council Activities
• Part 5 - Effective School Councils

A: As per the act, individuals can serve for a term of three years and can serve an additional three year term; terms can be consecutive or have a break between them. A: They can, but there are some things to keep in mind. A staff member can always fill the staff role on a school council at a school where they work. However, a teacher or staff member cannot be a parent rep at the school where they teach/work; they can be a parent rep at their child’s school if they attend a different school.

It is not recommended to sit on more than one school council at a time.

• School Councils (Department of Education and Early Childhood Development)
  • Meeting Norms for School Councils (PDF)
  • Draft Protocol Agreement (PDF | DOCX)
  • Draft Nomination Form (PDF | DOCX)
  • Draft Meeting Agenda (PDF | DOCX)
• Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of School Councils (nlfsci@gmail.com)
• NL School Council Handbook (Under Review for Updating)
• Schools Act, 1997
  • (Legislation includes references to school councils, specifically Part III, Schools, Sections 25 and 26)
• NLSchools policies
  • School Fundraising (FIN-406)
  • Harassment- Free Workplace
• Provincial Government policies
  • Safe and Caring Schools
  • Conflict of Interest (Further information from NLSchools)
  • Respectful Workplace