This fall is full of election excitement. It’s not everyday you can vote in both a School Council election and a Federal election in the same season. And so, as promised, this post is all about our School Council Elections for the 2015 – 2016 school year. All School Council executive positions are being voted upon at the first council meeting. In order to be considered, please fill out the attached forms to nominate yourself or someone else (with their permission) and return to the school office by September 18th. You may also send an electronic copy to earlhaigschoolcouncil@gmail.com
Nomination Form
Self-Nomination Form
This first meeting is well worth the time. You can meet the new principal, Andy McLachlan, hear about some improvements to our school, find out exactly how the school council works and become either a member of the executive or a member-at-large.
Click here to check out the agenda: September 22, 2015 Agenda
And finally, the following is a message from our exiting Co-Chair, Hilary Gray. It’s a long read, but it’s worth it. This is your opportunity to support your child and their education.
Why not become a member of the Earl Haig School Council? We’d love to have you!
Our first meeting will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 7:00 pm in the Earl Haig Music Room (childcare will be available). We are looking forward to seeing familiar faces and welcoming all newcomers! At that time, we will be holding our elections for the 2015-2016 School Council. If you are at all interested in any of the following positions or would like more information, please feel free to touch base with any members of the current executive: Hilary Gray, Cheryl Biswas, Karen Finley-Kelly, Stephanie Little, Samantha Robinson, Kathleen Peak, Robin Forbes, Susanne Chung-Yee
Key positions for September elections:
Chair or Co-Chairs – Provide leadership and guidance to the Executive Committee and liaise with the Principal and Vice Principal on School Council related school matters. Responsibilities also include overseeing School Council initiatives and providing guidance and support to sub-committees, chairing School Council meetings (minimum of four per year) including leading the development of meeting agendas, and representing School Council at various external TDSB
Past-Chair: Is the position held by the previous chair in order to facilitate a smooth transition and continuity within the Council.
Treasurer – The Treasurer is responsible for maintaining the School Council financial records including issuing cheques, making bank deposits, preparing financial statements (including annual statement to TDSB) and bank account reconciliation. The Treasurer is a signatory on the bank account. The Treasurer also provides administrative support to School Council fundraising endeavours. Key candidate requirements include comfort with and basic understanding of bookkeeping and accounting principles.
Secretary – The Secretary attends and takes minutes at each School Council meeting. The Secretary prepares these minutes for draft review before each subsequent meeting, and works with the Communications Coordinator to ensure their publication in approved form on the School Council Blog/Facebook/website.
Communications Coordinator(s) – Manages Blog, e-blasts, social media and School Council email address.
Members-at-Large – Participates in Council work as needed, occasionally spearheading specific projects as determined by Council. The voice and vote of the parent community on motions presented at council.
Ward 16 Council Representative – Attends Ward 16 Trustee meetings and reports on learningsat School Council meetings.
Other roles may be developed depending on school needs and members interests and skills. Examples of such roles implemented to date include: Parent Involvement Advisory Committee (PIAC) Representative, Pumpkin patch, Bake Sales, Community Potuck, Mind/Body Tune-up, Spring Festival & other events TBD (bring us your ideas!!)
Don’t have time for an Executive role, but want to volunteer? In addition to these Executive Council roles, we are always in need of dedicated parent volunteers who can provide support in a variety of ways, including Snack/lunch program volunteers, bake sale volunteers, and much more! As well, we are planning on having smaller committees/groups looking at grant proposals, bylaws and positions, communications, & fundraising. If you are interested in those we will be collecting names that day. Some of these committees started last year and we encourage those who helped to stick around!
Please think about your interests and time availability, and contact us at earlhaigschoolcouncil@gmail.com if you would like to discuss ways you can help. We have lots of ideas for ways parents can be involved at Earl Haig! If you wish to nominate someone you know for a position or put yourself forward for a position, please fill out one of the attached forms and send it into the school by Friday, September 18 or send it electronically to the above.
Looking forward to a great year at Earl Haig Public School!
Co-Chair, Earl Haig School Council
Hilary Gray
The Eagles' Nest 