What is the Parent Advisory Council?

​PAC/CPF

Role and Responsibilities

In British Columbia, the 1989 School Act established the right of parents to create a parent advisory council (PAC) to advise the school board, principal and the staff of the school regarding any matter relating to the school.The Act states that:
  1. Parents of students of school age attending a school or a Provincial school may apply to the board or to the minister, as the case may be, to establish a parents' advisory council for that school
  2. On receipt of an application, the board or minister shall establish a parents’ advisory council for the school or the Provincial school.
  3. There shall be only one parents' advisory council for each school or Provincial school.
  4. A parents' advisory council through its elected officers may advise the board and the principal and staff of the school or the Provincial school respecting any matter relating to the school or the Provincial school
  5. A parents' advisory council, in consultation with the principal, shall make by-laws governing its meetings and the business and conduct of its affairs, including by-laws governing the dissolution of the council.
What can a Parent Advisory Council do?

The purpose of a PAC is to advise the school principal and staff on parental views about school programs, policies, and activities. The PAC should express its views after consulting parents. It is not the role of the PAC to manage the school; however, in many schools the PAC has an active decision-making role.
One role of the PAC is to provide advice to individual parents and groups of parents, assisting them in assessing the system. The PAC can assist parents in communication with teachers, school administrators and trustees about individual concerns or their child's progress.
  • In serving this function, parents should be aware that it is inappropriate for personnel issues, including conduct and competency, to be discussed at PAC executive or public meetings. Discussions in those forums should focus on the process to resolve issues and concerns, not on the concern itself.
  • PACs can advise parents on how to proceed with concerns. Advise should include recommending that, wherever possible and appropriate, the first approach be to the person directly responsible, including the teacher or staff member involved. If resolution is not reached, the concern should be brought to the immediate supervisor, principal / vice-principal or district official.
  • Most school districts have policies and procedures for dealing with complaints and appealing decisions. These policies outline steps to follow when raising concerns about decisions made by school personnel. PACs are recommended to obtain copies of their district’s policy.
  • Parents need to know the process for voicing their concerns and what to expect at each step. It is important the PACs work to establish and communicate a clear process for parents to follow, one that is fair and accountable.

What is CPF?

​CANADIAN PARENTS FOR FRENCH

The Canadian Parents for French (CPF) is a national network of volunteers which values French as an integral part of Canada and which is dedicated to the promotion and creation of French-second-language learning opportunities for young Canadians. Did you know that we have a Chapter of CPF right here in Quesnel? Local parents working together to support our kids from Grades K-12 in our French Immersion Program! By becoming a Member of the CPF you contribute directly to your child's French education and enrichment activities include: Performing Arts, Concours d'Art Oratorie, French Immersion week activities and events , and even Travel opportunities for students. A strong membership at the local level ensures a strong French Immersion Program in Quesnel for the future.