1003 – School Councils

Legal References:

Education Act: Ontario Regulation 612/00 – School Councils and Parent Involvement Committees
Related References:
Ministry of Education, Guide to School Councils, 2002
Administrative Procedure 1570 – School Councils
School Council Handbook by WRAPSC/PIC (2015)
WRDSB Parent Involvement Committee
Waterloo Region Assembly of Public School Councils
Board Policy 2006 – Community Engagement
Effective Date:
February 23, 1998
Revisions:
April 16, 2018, March 9, 2020, May 14, 2025
Reviewed:

1. Purpose

1.1 The Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) recognizes the importance of partnership between school and community in the education of students. The WRDSB values the work of School Councils, the Waterloo Region Assembly of Public School Councils (WRAPSC), and all participants within our diverse community to support students.

2. Definitions

2.1 School council – an advisory body composed of parents, the principal, a teacher, a staff member, a community member and, in secondary schools, a student. School councils provide an opportunity and the means for parents to advise the principal and the Board on any matter pertaining to improvement of pupil achievement and enhancing the accountability of the education system to parents/guardians.

2.2 Waterloo Region Assembly of Public School Councils (WRAPSC) – the purpose is to assist all School Councils of the WRDSB to further their support of student achievement through parent engagement. 

3. Application

3.1 Through this partnership of school and community, the WRDSB:

3.1.1 requires that each school within the district establish and maintain a School Council, which will be an advisory body to the school and to the Board;

3.1.2 requires that the parent members on the council form the majority of members and there is student representation on secondary school councils.

3.1.3 acknowledges that School Councils are unique to each school and its community and the Council should strive to reflect its community;

3.1.4 requests that each School Council regular reflection and review the Council’s effectiveness according to WRDSB’s policy and procedures for School Councils;

3.1.5 encourages School Councils to focus on strategies and activities which support equity and inclusion, student learning and achievement, and mental health and well-being;

3.1.6 encourages collaboration between School Councils and Parent Involvement Committee (PIC), WRAPSC, families/caregivers, students, staff, band councils, Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) and other members of the community to bring a community perspective and support to school planning and the attainment of educational goals, and a shared responsibility and accountability for student learning, well-being and opportunities for success;

3.1.7 consults with School Councils in accordance with s.19, 20, 21 of O. Reg. 612/00.

1003 – School Councils