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March 2010

November:December 2009

October 2009

September 2009

Parent Advisory Committee

PAC Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of every month alternating between a lunch meeting (12:30 - 1:45pm) in the cafeteria and an evening meeting (7:00 - 8:15pm) in the library. 

Links
BCCPAC

Grad Information


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Click here for grad events information.

School Planning Council

Purpose
The purpose of School Planning Councils is to formally acknowledge the importance of parental involvement in improving student achievement. Although many schools have already developed thoughtful approaches to involving parents in planning, the School Planning Councils are intended to formalize the role of parents in all schools in British Columbia.

The School Planning Council is an advisory body. The major responsibility of School Planning Councils is to consult with the school community in developing, monitoring, and reviewing schools plans for improving student achievement.

It is important that the School Planning Council be proactive in reaching out to all members of the school community. The school community consists of all parents, students, administrators, teachers, and support staff. School plans should reflect the characteristics, values, and needs of the school community.

Mandate
The School Planning Council must meet requirements outlined in the School Act:

"By a date specified by the board, a School Planning Council must prepare and submit to the board a plan for the school in respect of improving student achievement and other matters contained in the board's accountability contract relating to the school." 8.3(2)

"A School Planning Council must consult with the parents' advisory council during the preparation of the school plan." 8.3(3)

The School Planning Council will provide advice to the School Board with respect to:
✓ personal/confidential information on students
✓ teachers, parents, or other employees
✓ complaints about individuals
✓ personnel matters

Structure and Policy
The School Planning Council will consist of:
✓ the school principal
✓ one teacher representative elected by secret ballot from the teaching staff
✓ three representatives elected by the school's Parent Advisory Council (one representative must be an elected officer of the Parent Advisory Council)

School Planning Cycle
School plans are to focus on specific areas of student achievement. Student achievement includes intellectual, human and social development, and career development. The primary focus of the school is on intellectual development.

School plans should reflect the context of the school and the full range of students served.

The School Planning Council should consider district goals in the development of school plans.

Schools are encouraged to use a range of data sources in their planning including classroom, school, and district data and data provided by the Ministry.

The School Planning Council should consider the performance of significant groups depending on the population of the school (e.g. Aboriginal, ESL, Special Needs, etc.).

Parent Ambassadors

Welcome to the Parent Ambassadors page. We would like you to be a part of the very successful Parent Ambassador program here at Rick Hansen. Currently there are over 80 parents taking part in various initiatives throughout the school. Be a part of the action and learn what you can do to connect with other parents and the school.

Communicating with the School

We believe that problems and concerns can be resolved through communication. Here are some suggestions:

Step 1
Start with the person whose action has given rise to the concerns or problem. This is the person who can best address your concern.
Step 2
If you need further assistance with your concern, your Principal or Vice-Principal is there to help.
Step 3
If you feel your concerns are not resolved, contact an Assistant Superintendent at 604-859-4891.
Step 4
Appeal in writing to the Board of School Trustees.

(If at any point you feel that a concern is not addressed in a timely manner in one of these progressive steps, or if you are not satisfied with the handling of your concern, you should proceed to the next step.

Tips for Voicing your Concern
1. Set up an appointment so that your concerns can be heard without distractions.
2. Everyone should be informed, in advance, of who will attend a meeting.
3. Be specific about the concern. Making notes may clarify your thoughts.
4. Keep focused on what is best for the student. Both parents and staff are interested in the child's success.
5. Stay calm and be polite. Listen to everyone. Try to see the issue from the other person's perspective.
6. Be prepared to explore various solutions.
7. Confidentiality is important.
8. Keep a record of actions taken.
9. Give each step a chance to address the concern before proceeding to the next step.
10. Confirm that everyone understands the decision reached and any timeline involved.

To Build a Positive Relationship with your School...
1. Meet the staff early in the school year.
2. Be informed about your child's classes and school activities.
3. Send a note or make a call to recognize a job well done.
4. Be involved in your school's PAC.
5. Be willing to listen and learn.
6. Remember that both you and the school staff are interested in your child's success.

For further information, pick up a brochure from the school's main office.